Development Economics Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $90,895.86 - $134,935.33 Annually
Location : Goodyear, AZ
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: FY2600746
Division: Economic Development
Department: Economic Development
Opening Date: 08/28/2026
Closing Date: 9/18/2026 5:00 PM Arizona
FLSA: Exempt
Job Description Summary
Leads and supports strategic economic development initiatives focused on business attraction, expansion, retention, and redevelopment within targeted industry sectors. Develops and maintains partnerships with businesses, developers, brokers, site selectors, regional organizations, and community stakeholders to advance the city's economic development goals and enhance long-term economic vitality.
Manages and coordinates business development projects from initial prospect engagement, serving as a primary point of contact for prospective and existing businesses. Conducts market and industry research; analyzes economic, demographic, and fiscal data; and develops strategies, presentations, and marketing materials to position the city competitively for investment and job creation opportunities.
Collaborates across city departments and with regional and state partners to facilitate development opportunities, improve processes, support infrastructure and policy initiatives, and advance key economic priorities. Represents the city at industry events, trade missions, conferences, and stakeholder meetings. Works collaboratively through the Economic Development Office of Tourism to support destination development, visitor-serving industries, and initiatives that strengthen the city's economic and tourism ecosystem.
The ideal candidate will possess at least five years of Economic Development experience in a business development, project manager, or similar role. In addition, the ideal candidate will have at least one year Economic Development business retention and expansion (BRE) experience, and experience utilizing CRM software. The ideal candidate will have municipal Economic Development experience in one or more of the following industries: Advanced Business Services/Office, Aerospace/Defense, Higher Education, Life Sciences/Medical, Advanced Manufacturing, Retail/Restaurant/Entertainment, Entrepreneurial and Small Business Development and/or Technology. The preferred candidate will have experience creating and implementing research strategies to support economic development efforts utilizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills and will possess the ability to establish and maintain relationships with community partners, identify prospects, develop leads, conduct site visits, and facilitate connections.
At the City of Goodyear, you will be a part of an organization that values its employees as its greatest asset. You will become part of a dedicated team of Economic Development professionals that will be challenged to learn and grow in an environment that values employee development and career-building. You will thrive in a culture of innovation. We believe that successful employees are those that possess six core values:
Integrity - Initiative - Empathy - Optimism - Innovation - Adaptability
EXAMINATION PROCESS
Only a limited number of the most highly qualified applicants meeting the City's requirements will be invited for an interview. The examination process for this position will include a panel Interview and may include a written assessment.
All communication regarding application status and interview notifications will be sent via email- please monitor your junk/spam email for communication as messages will come from a system generated source.
Essential Functions
This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The following functions do not identify all duties performed by the incumbent. Other duties and responsibilities will be performed as assigned.

• Leads and supports business attraction, expansion, retention, and redevelopment efforts for targeted industries and strategic economic development initiatives.
• Manages economic development projects and business relationships from prospect identification through project completion, serving as a primary liaison for businesses, developers, brokers, site selectors, and other stakeholders.
• Develops and implements business development, marketing, and outreach strategies that promote the city's competitive advantages, key industry sectors, development opportunities, and economic priorities.
• Conducts and analyzes market, industry, demographic, fiscal, and economic research to support strategic planning, business recruitment, policy development, and informed decision-making.
• Builds and maintains collaborative partnerships with internal departments, regional organizations, state agencies, educational institutions, utility providers, and the development community, to advance economic development and destination initiatives.
• Evaluates development trends, business needs, infrastructure considerations, and regulatory processes; recommends strategies, process improvements, and policy enhancements that support economic growth and investment.
• Represents the city in meetings, presentations, negotiations, conferences, trade shows, and industry events; prepares and delivers professional presentations, reports, proposals, and recommendations to leadership, stakeholders, and governing bodies.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned, consistent with the scope and level of the position, to support the efficient operation of the department and organization.

Requirements

• Formal Education/Knowledge: Work requires broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field. Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• Experience: Minimum three years of experience in a related field.
• Certifications and Other Requirements: Valid Driver's License
• Reading: Work requires the ability to read and comprehend: complex legal documents; development agreements and contracts; technical reports; executive business letters and communications; development-related documents; master plans; design guidelines; construction site plans; budget documents; business magazines, journals, newspapers, and technical reports; City codes and City general, strategic or operational plans.
• Math: Work requires the ability to perform math calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, ratios, college level algebra, and review and understanding of financial statements.
• Writing: Work requires the ability to write concise and professional communication to senior business executives and City management; and develop and prepare marketing materials, development agreements, and proposals.
• Managerial: Semi-Complex - Work requires the occasional direction of helpers, assistants, seasonal employees, interns, or temporary employees.
• Budget Responsibility: Has no budgetary responsibility.
• Policy/Decision Making: Significant - The employee normally performs the duty assignment according to his or her own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance only when necessary. Projects and daily work are managed with little oversight, however special assignments and significant work products may be reviewed upon completion. Typically positions in this category are supervisor to mid-management jobs.
• Technical Skills: Broad Application - Work requires a comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the work environment of the organization.
• Interpersonal/Human Relations Skills: High - Interactions at this level usually impact the implementation of policies. Contacts may involve interpretation of how policies are implemented and may require discussion and the support of controversial positions or the negotiation of sensitive issues or important presentations. During interactions on policy implementation, contacts may also involve stressful, negative interactions requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions.

12 Month Objectives
Within the first Month:

1. Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers via email, telephone, and in-person.
2. Become familiar with Economic Development focus areas, assigned industry sector(s), team structure, and performance expectations.
3. Review and understand Economic Development performance metrics, reporting timelines, and departmental workflows.
4. Engage in scheduled shadowing of Economic Development team members to learn key processes, programs, and stakeholder interactions.
5. Learn and actively utilize the CRM for project tracking and contact management.

3 Month Objectives*

1. Research and assess opportunities within assigned industry sector(s), including preliminary target lists, and provide recommendations to leadership.
2. Attend several commercial development pre-application meetings to learn and understand Goodyear's development process.
3. Participate in several Economic Development GEO Tours and GEO Core Values presentations; build capability to lead these independently by month 6.
4. Support Goodyear Economic Development marketing activities, including social media campaigns and content development as assigned.
5. Prepare and submit accurate economic development activity reports in a timely manner. .
6. Begin initial engagement with property owners, brokers, and key stakeholders to build foundational market awareness.

12-Month objectives:

1. Implement targeted strategies to attract new investment within assigned industry sector(s).
2. Actively participate in initiatives, events, and activities relevant to assigned industry sector(s).
3. Represent Economic Development at internal and external meetings, presentations, and community/business events.
4. Build and maintain strong working relationships with state and regional partners (Arizona Commerce Authority and Greater Phoenix Economic Council, etc).
5. Track, manage, and respond to inquiries, leads, and active projects, including conducting preliminary cost / benefits evaluations.
6. Engage with existing businesses to support and better understand the needs within the assigned industry sector(s).
7. Cultivate productive relationships with property owners, real estate professionals, and industry leaders to support business attraction and expansion opportunities.
8. Identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration with internal departments and external partners to promote Goodyear as the location of choice for targeted industry sectors.
9. Demonstrate independent management of assigned industry sector(s), including strategic execution, partner coordination, and performance reporting.

The City of Goodyear offers a highly competitive benefits package including:

• Vacation Leave: 14 days per year, increasing with longevity. Goodyear offers an enhanced vacation benefit of recognizing total years of service under all Arizona public retirement systems for accruing vacation.
• Sick Leave: 12 days per year
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year, including one floating holiday the first full pay period of January
• Flexible Holiday: 24 hours per calendar year (prorated based on hire date)
• Health Insurance: Three health plans available to select from at a group rate
• Dental Insurance: Two dental plans available to select from at a group rate
• Vision Insurance: Available at a group rate
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Health Care and Dependent Care accounts available
• Short Term Disability Insurance: City-paid coverage
• Cancer Benefit: City-paid coverage
• Life Insurance: City-paid insurance valued at twice the annual salary ($400,000 maximum); additional life insurance for self and/or dependent is available at employee's cost
• Longevity pay beginning at year six
• Tuition Assistance: $5,250 per calendar year
• Employee Assistance Program
• Onsite wellness center/clinic
• Access to the Goodyear Recreation Center
• Robust employee well-being program
• Free identify theft monitoring and protection with Aura
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan: 2% city match (employee contributes 1%)
• Retirement Health Savings: $22.50 city contribution (employee contributes $12.50 per pay period)
• Retirement: Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) Defined Benefit plan with mandatory city and employee contributions currently at 12.00%. Plan includes Long Term Disability Benefit.

01
Please indicate your highest level of education:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor Degree
• None

02
Please indicate your years of relatable experience:

• Less than 3 years
• 3 - 4 years
• 5 - 6 years
• 7 years or more

03
Do you possess a valid driver license?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you have five (5) or more years of experience in Economic Development specifically in a business development manager or similar role?

• Yes
• No

05
Please describe your experience:
06
Do you have one (1) year or more experience conducting Economic Development business retention and expansion (BRE)?

• Yes
• No

07
Please describe your experience:
08
Do you have experience utilizing CRM software?

• Yes
• No

09
Please describe your experience:
10
Do you have Economic Development business recruitment experience in Advanced Business Services/Office?

• Yes
• No

11
Do you have Economic Development expe