Job Description

Under general supervision of the Director, assists with the research, preparation, and implementation of economic development plans, programs, and services. Proactively initiates elements of the economic development strategic plan. This position seeks to primarily attract new businesses, and promote Prescott as an attractive destination for business growth and prosperity, while assisting the Director in business retention activities.

Essential Duties

• Actively engage with the private sector and development community to increase overall awareness and encourage site selection in the city for quality, industrial, hospitality, retail and other commercial development projects.
• Research, identify, develop, and monitor programs leading to improved customer relations, accurate and relevant data and materials, availability to trending business and entrepreneurial resources, that encourages economic growth within the region and community.
• Assist with developing and maintaining an inventory of local built environment, commercial inventory, local business needs, regional and national trends impacting economic development and professional development opportunities; networks and recommends, adjusts solutions, programs, and resources.
• Collaborate with the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, NACOG, Yavapai County Workforce Development Board, Yavapai County Industrial Development Authority, AAED other organizations, and city staff on various crossover events, projects, tasks and initiatives.
• Assist with monitoring existing business, new development, stakeholder, and city interests.
• Develop an annual work plan that ensures desired outcomes in each program are being achieved.
• Facilitate problem solving and resolution on economic development related issues that may arise; performs business process analysis; and recommend changes to improve processes.
• Assist with filling out Request for Information (RFI) or Requests for Proposals (RFP) for project leads from various complementary organizations such as Arizona Commerce Authority, while maintaining confidentiality.
• Assist the Economic Development Department with implementing and maintaining Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software.
• Assist with administrative tasks as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

Graduation from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) with a Bachelor’s degree in, Urban Planning, Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, or related field. 2-5 years of experience working in a municipal or private economic development organization is preferred. A combination of education, work experience, and other relevant exposure may be considered to meet the listed qualifications.

Licensing, Certification, and Other Requirements

Employee Core Beliefs

City of Prescott employees should seek to uphold the City’s core beliefs throughout their day-to-day business and with every customer they come in contact with, both internal and external. Our core beliefs are: Act with Integrity, Work as a Team, Have Personal Commitment and Loyalty, Solve Problems, Take Pride In Excellent Results, High Level of Productivity and Being Nice.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and capable of project management processes.
• Knowledge of City and department procedures, policies and guidelines; City Code; Arizona Revised Statutes; local rules, regulations and procedures regarding proper permits and financing for business expansion and start-up.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of start-up and operation of a business. Agencies which regulate and assist businesses. Customer service, communication techniques and tools, management practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of various negotiation styles and techniques, principles and practices of conflict and problem resolution and continuous process improvement.
• Knowledge of key economic development principles and methods.
• Knowledge of marketing organizations and their role in the community.
• Knowledge of advertising methods, journalism, business, and entertainment writing styles.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with employees, business and community groups, and the general public.
• Skilled in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skilled in problem solving and team building skills.
• Skilled in marketing businesses through regulatory agencies.
• Skilled in operating a personal computer utilizing standard software such as Microsoft Office and some specialized software; functioning standard equipment.
• Skilled in assessing, prioritizing, and completing multiple tasks and demands simultaneously.
• Skill in appropriately responding to inquiries and complaints from citizens, employees, and businesses.
• Ability to analyze, develop, and conduct research and surveys
• Ability to exercise considerable judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to develop professionally targeted promotional material such as brochures, presentations, and materials utilizing computer software.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with groups and organizations at the local, state, and national levels as well as employees, management, City Council, real estate agencies, business owners, and elected officials.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a standard City office and out in the community.
• Safely and effectively performs required duties and safely operates required equipment and City vehicle as needed.
• Clearly, concisely, and effectively communicates, both in person and over the telephone.
• Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

Successful candidate will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include:

• Drug screening
• Motor vehicle records check
• Criminal background screening

How to Apply / Contact

Apply for the Economic Development Manager Position