Economic Development Assistant Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

Position Summary

The Director or Vice President of Land Management is a senior leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of land development, entitlement coordination, land planning, development execution, and infrastructure delivery for the division. This role provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with company objectives.

The successful candidate will lead internal teams and external consultants through the planning, design, approval, and construction phases of residential communities while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

Development & Construction Management

• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and development strategies.
• Oversee installation of infrastructure, site improvements, and land development construction activities.
• Coordinate field operations to ensure projects meet schedule, budget, quality, and safety objectives.
• Manage land development contractors, consultants, inspectors, and trade partners.
• Serve as the primary company representative with field inspectors and governmental agencies.
• Ensure timely acceptance of public improvements, bond releases, surety exonerations, and project closeout activities.
• Coordinate community startup activities and ensure successful turnover to vertical construction and operations teams.
• Support the design and implementation of community amenities and related infrastructure improvements.

Land Acquisition & Due Diligence

• Supports due diligence efforts for new land acquisitions and community development opportunities.
• Evaluate development feasibility, entitlement requirements, infrastructure needs, risks, and project economics.
• Coordinate with acquisition, finance, operations, and executive leadership teams during underwriting and project evaluation.
• Provide land development expertise during acquisition reviews and negotiations.

Planning, Design & Entitlements

• Direct the preparation and management of land plans that align with market demands and targeted consumer segments.
• Oversee engineering, landscape architecture, grading plans, improvement plans, utility plans, and other project design documents.
• Manage consultant teams including civil engineers, surveyors, planners, landscape architects, environmental consultants, and utility providers.
• Coordinate approvals and permitting activities with municipalities, utility providers, regulatory agencies, and other governing authorities.
• Manage Will Serve Letters, utility commitments, CAWS approvals, and similar agency requirements.
• Review and implement value engineering opportunities to improve project efficiency and profitability.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Manage Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) requirements and compliance throughout development activities.
• Oversee dust control permits, environmental compliance, and related regulatory requirements.
• Monitor project safety practices and ensure adherence to applicable industry standards.
• Manage bond issuance, reductions, releases, and turnover processes.
• Manage HOA activities and communicate with HOA management company.

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead, mentor, develop, and development team members.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with municipalities, consultants, contractors, and industry partners.
• Assist in developing departmental processes, procedures, and best practices to improve efficiency and project execution.
• Prepare and present project updates, development reports, budgets, schedules, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
• Model company values, vision, and operating principles while fostering a positive, high-performance culture.
• Recruit, develop, retain, and promote top talent within the organization.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree preferred
• Preferred fields of study include Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Land Planning, Urban Planning, Business, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of residential land development, homebuilding, engineering, construction management, or related experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing land development projects and direct reports.
• Proven success leading multiple large-scale development projects and managing department-level operations.
• Strong track record of organizational leadership, team development, and strategic planning.
• Thorough knowledge of residential land development processes, engineering, entitlements, permitting, and infrastructure construction.
• Ability to read, interpret, evaluate, and explain engineering plans, development agreements, entitlement documents, and construction drawings.
• Strong project management, budgeting, scheduling, and organizational skills.
• Experience negotiating contracts, managing consultants, and administering development agreements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Project.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and employee development skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and sound business judgment.
• Ability to travel throughout the division as required.

Base Salary:

The expected base salary for this position is between $175,000 - $215,000 per year, depending on experience and skillset. Base salary is paid bi-weekly.

Benefits:

In addition to competitive health insurance coverage for team members and their dependents, Risewell Homes also provides comprehensive benefits such as generous paid time off policies, like vacation, holidays, sick leave, jury duty, and bereavement; paid disability, parental and military leave; company-sponsored and voluntary term life, AD&D, and short- and long-term disability insurances; a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching; and a wellness incentive program to help team members thrive both personally and professionally.

Physical Requirements:

Requires the ability to hear, speak, type, and sit for extended periods. The primary work environment consists of a corporate office setting with occasional visits to active construction and development sites. Noise levels are typically low to moderate.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position will supervise other employees.

Travel Requirements:

Occasional travel may be required. A valid drivers license and active vehicle insurance is required at all times.

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Disclaimer:
Risewell Homes is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this role. Management retains the discretion to add, modify, or remove job duties at any time.