Summary

** For consideration, this application requires a resume and cover letter. **

Are you looking to join a team that values Professionalism, Accountability, Integrity, and Responsiveness?   Do you want to be a part of a strong team dedicated to serving our community, building relationships, and creating opportunities?  Then this might be the opportunity for you!

We are looking for someone to join Team Yuma as an Economic Development Specialist in the Office of Economic Development (City Administration Department). The ideal candidate works with businesses, government entities and community groups to promote economic growth.

Under general supervision of the Economic Development Administrator, this job classification is responsible for a variety of complex administrative functions and economic development programs and projects. This position identifies factors necessary to attract and retain new economic development interests and assists with business attraction and business retention and expansion efforts; conducts research and analysis; prepares and drafts reports and presentations; develops economic development marketing materials; manages economic development and redevelopment programs; and conducts business outreach visits.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: — Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Collects, compiles and analyzes data regarding economic conditions and projects and develops a variety of comprehensive studies, proposals, and reports.
• Researches economic, statistical and demographic data to analyze best means to attract, retain, and expand businesses, and/or industrials within the City of Yuma.
• Serves as a data, information, and mapping resource. Provides interested parties with site and market analysis and community economic and demographic data.
• Assists in the development of web-based and print marketing materials.
• Assists in the development and implementation of business attraction, retention, and expansion strategies and programs; including small business assistance programs.
• Responds to inquiries from staff, developers, prospective businesses and the general public; makes referrals and/or introductions as appropriate.
• Identifies and contacts potential new companies/leads. Organizes and conducts targeted site visits seeking potential new employers.
• Serves as a liaison with businesses and public/private agencies; works with multiple organizations and entities in pursuing economic development activities in Yuma County.
• Maintains the City’s economic development web pages and social media channels.
• Prepares and makes oral and written presentations and represents the City with a variety of entities and organizations.
• Supports and maintains the relationship between the City, business organizations and associations, and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; promotes the City goals and priorities, vision, values and the “Yuma Way”, and complies with all City policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Economic Development, Geography, Public Administration, or related field; AND a minimum of two (2) years of experience in economic development, or comparable administrative experience in a public sector setting; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge of: 

• City organization, policies and procedures.
• Applicable state and Federal statutes, rules, codes and regulations.
• Principles and techniques of conducting analytical studies and research methodology, evaluating alternatives, and making sound recommendations.
• Principles of municipal and private sector budgeting, accounting, and finance.
• Principles of urban land development.
• Economic development principles, practices, and techniques.
• Laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies of various government agencies as they affect the business community and economic development efforts.
• Marketing and research methods, principles, and procedures.
• Business and personal computers; word processing, presentation, database, and spreadsheet software applications; and social media applications.

Skill in:

• Conducting research and analysis, evaluating alternatives, and preparing clear and concise analytical, administrative, and financial reports and recommendations based on findings.
• Planning and managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines. Working effectively under pressure and adjusting to changing priorities.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, officials, developers, other community development agencies and the general public.
• Working knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint and economic development software tools such as ESRI ArcGIS and Jobs EQ.
• Communicating effectively in written and verbal forms and adapting communication style for varying audiences.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 

A valid Arizona State Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a standard office environment. May occasionally be required to bend, reach, stoop, and lift objects. Must have the ability to work irregular hours, and attend night and weekend activities and meetings, as needed, and from time to time attend economic development conferences and tradeshows.

How to Apply / Contact

Apply for the Economic Development Specialist position