Economic Development Associate Jobs in Tempe, AZ

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: Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers via email, telephone, and in-person. Become familiar with Economic Development focus areas, assigned industry sector(s), team structure, and performance expectations.

Review and understand Economic Development performance metrics, reporting timelines, and departmental workflows. Engage in scheduled shadowing of Economic Development team members to learn key processes, programs, and stakeholder interactions. Learn and actively utilize the CRM for project tracking and contact management.

3 Month Objectives* Research and assess opportunities within assigned industry sector(s), including preliminary target lists, and provide recommendations to leadership. Attend several commercial development pre-application meetings to learn and understand Goodyear's development process. Participate in several Economic Development GEO Tours and GEO Core Values presentations; build capability to lead these independently by month 6.

Support Goodyear Economic Development marketing activities, including social media campaigns and content development as assigned. Prepare and submit accurate economic development activity reports in a timely manner. .

Begin initial engagement with property owners, brokers, and key stakeholders to build foundational market awareness. 12-Month objectives: Implement targeted strategies to attract new investment within assigned industry sector(s). Actively participate in initiatives, events, and activities relevant to assigned industry sector(s).

Represent Economic Development at internal and external meetings, presentations, and community/business events. Build and maintain strong working relationships with state and regional partners (Arizona Commerce Authority and Greater Phoenix Economic Council, etc). Track, manage, and respond to inquiries, leads, and active projects, including conducting preliminary cost / benefits evaluations.

Engage with existing businesses to support and better understand the needs within the assigned industry sector(s). Cultivate productive relationships with property owners, real estate professionals, and industry leaders to support business attraction and expansion opportunities. Identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration with internal departments and external partners to promote Goodyear as the location of choice for targeted industry sectors.

Demonstrate independent management of assigned industry sector(s), including strategic execution, partner coordination, and performance reporting.