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Economic Development Director Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Cocopah Casino

Tribal Planner

Somerton, AZ · On-site

$47K - $53K/yr

... economic growth, development, and activities to include all three Cocopah Reservations. • Serve on various Tribal, Intergovernmental, and Community Committees as directed by the Tribal Chairperson ...

RDF

Director of Communications

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Direct experience with CDFIs, philanthropy, or economic development WHY JOIN RDF This is a rare opportunity to shape the communications narrative of a growing national CDFI at the intersection of ...

City of Mesa

Arts and Culture Resources Developer

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$72K - $97K/yr

An Arts and Culture Resources Developer will, at the direction of the Deputy Director for Development, serve as liaison to various Fundraising Committees through various venue Foundations. Duties ...

Arizona Department of Administration

$86K/yr

  • Retirement

The position partners with community, business, workforce, economic development, and policy leaders ... This position reports to the Director of Policy, Partnership and Outreach. This position may offer ...

Arizona State Hospital

Job Page

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$86K/yr

  • Retirement

The position partners with community, business, workforce, economic development, and policy leaders ... This position reports to the Director of Policy, Partnership and Outreach. This position may offer ...

Namely

Director, Medical Economics

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$178.85 - $234.74/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We' re hiring a Director, Medical Economics to join our Actuarial team. Oscar is the first health ... Playbook Development: Collaborate with central affordability and local market teams to develop ...

Oscar Health

Director, Medical Economics

Tempe, AZ · Hybrid

$178K - $234K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

We're hiring a Director, Medical Economics to join our Actuarial team. Oscar is the first health ... Playbook Development: Collaborate with central affordability and local market teams to develop ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Director JobsEconomic Development Director Jobs in Arizona

Economic Development Director information

See Arizona salary details

$45.2K

$115.5K

$188.2K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Arizona is $115,492.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,400.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an economic development director?

An economic development director is a city government employee who helps spur the city economy. Your two biggest responsibilities are to persuade new businesses to move into your town and to encourage existing businesses to expand. You attend fundraising events for civic and business groups and interact with donors to make connections with potentially valuable economic partners. Your duties include developing strategic programs for economic and financial growth, analyzing market trends, writing city tax policy proposals, and advising the city manager and the city council.

What does an economic development director do?

An Economic Development Director is responsible for creating and implementing strategies to promote economic growth within a community or region. They work to attract new businesses, support existing ones, and encourage job creation by collaborating with local government officials, business leaders, and community organizations. Their duties often include managing economic incentive programs, overseeing redevelopment projects, and conducting market research to identify opportunities for development. Ultimately, their goal is to improve the local economy and enhance the quality of life for residents.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an economic development director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Economic Development Director, you need expertise in economic analysis, project management, and public policy, typically supported by a degree in economics, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with economic modeling software, GIS tools, and grant management systems is often required, along with certifications such as Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). Strong leadership, strategic communication, and relationship-building abilities help foster collaboration among public, private, and community stakeholders. These skills are crucial for identifying growth opportunities, securing funding, and driving sustainable economic progress in a community or region.

What are the main challenges economic development directors face when balancing community needs and business interests?

Economic Development Directors often need to align the interests of local businesses, government stakeholders, and community members, which can be challenging due to differing priorities. For example, attracting new businesses might conflict with preserving community character or addressing affordable housing. Success in this role frequently involves transparent communication, creative problem-solving, and building consensus through public engagement and strategic partnerships. Navigating these complexities requires adaptability and a strong understanding of both economic trends and local needs.

What is the difference between Economic Development Director vs Economic Development Specialist?

AspectEconomic Development DirectorEconomic Development Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Economics, Business, or Public Administration; experience in economic planningSimilar credentials, often with less managerial experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership role in government agencies or economic development organizationsSupport role, assisting with projects and research
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, regional agencies, economic development firmsLocal government departments, economic development offices
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in economic developmentLearning about supporting roles in economic growth projects

The main difference between an Economic Development Director and an Economic Development Specialist lies in their level of responsibility and leadership. The Director oversees strategic planning and manages teams, while the Specialist focuses on supporting projects and research. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work within government or economic organizations, but the Director holds a higher managerial position.

More about Economic Development Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Arizona?

For Economic Development Director jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Economic Development Director job openings:

Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,492 per year, or $55.5 per hour.

Manager, Business and Asset Development

Liberty Utilities Co.

Litchfield Park, AZ

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Liberty Utilities rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (AQN), parent company of Liberty, is a diversified international generation, transmission, and distribution utility. AQN is committed to providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective energy and water solutions through our portfolio of utility investments to over one million customer connections, largely in the United States and Canada.

 

At Algonquin, our vision is to be the most trusted utility service provider in North America - a premium regulated utility, known for our customer focus, commitment to sustainability, and strong community partnerships. Our employees are at the heart of that vision. We believe that when people are empowered to learn, grow, and contribute their ideas, we can achieve remarkable results together.

 

We are building a culture that values integrity, inclusivity, and innovation. By joining Algonquin, you'll be part of a team that is shaping the future of energy and water, while creating long-term value for our customers, communities, employees, and shareholders.

Purpose

This position plans, organizes and manages the activities of the Development team within the Engineering Department. Develops and implements guidelines relating to the various technical and administrative aspects of reviewing and processing development proposals taking these from developer/development identification to installed assets and new customers to Liberty's utilities., oversees and participates in writing and negotiating development agreements. Manages administrative and operational matters, including performance, workload and strategic planning. Performs other duties as assigned.

Accountabilities
  • Directs the preparation, negotiations, implementation and monitory of comprehensive development/redevelopment agreements throughout Arizona and Texas.
  • Works closely with immediate and neighboring cities Economic Development Directors on potential growth opportunities forecasting within 1-5 year timeframe.
  • Manages Liberty's Certificate of Convenience & Necessity (CCN) where expansion of our existing area is needed for development.
  • Working directly with Customers, State Service Commission Staff, Executives, Facility Staff, Builders/Developers, Contractors, Architects, and Engineers to assess opportunities and develop comprehensive proposals to include additional company program offerings.
  • Identify areas within our current service area that may be future targets for redevelopment and build relationships with the stakeholders prior to redevelopment.
  • Representing the company in targeted local, regional and/or with professional organizations; including trade and business shows.
  • Represents Liberty with various outside agencies such as the Arizona Corporation Commission, and organizations on community development concerns.
  • Serves as a representative of Liberty in regional and state boards, committees and associations.
  • Make presentations to public and professional groups on planning and development issues.
  • Provides relevant materials as needed for rate cases, including testifying where needed.
  • Communicates and presents reports and agreements.
  • Work closely with System Engineering on updating hydraulic modeling and forecasting committed growth timeline as well as potential growth opportunities needed to make decisions on asset expansions to serve such growth.
  • Work closely with Finance & Accounting on developing and presenting opportunities and how they could impact rates & financial health.
  • Directs and reviews SOX key control revenue process which includes monthly sign offs and communication with external and internal auditors.
  • Participates in company long-range planning efforts as related to development services.
  • Supervises and directs activities of team by assigning and monitoring work activities, providing technical assistance and direction of staff, reviewing reports and other documents,  preparing performance reviews and resolving internal concerns.
Education and Experience
  • Bachelor degree or equivalent
  • 10+ years in business and project development
  • 3+ years at manager or equivalanet level preferred
  • Utility Industry economic develpment experience beneficial

Our purpose is sustaining energy and water for life, and it is demonstrated in everything we do as a business and as an employee team.

As the successful candidate

Our Mission

We provide safe, secure, reliable, cost-effective and sustainable energy and water solutions. Our mission is how we create value as an organization-it is what drives us every day to fulfill our purpose.

Our Vision

We better the lives of our customers and communities. Our vision is what we see as possible. It's where we aspire to be, what we want to achieve and how we'll make an impact. It guides and keeps us on the right path as we work towards fulfilling our purposes.

Our Guiding Principles

  • Customer Centric
  • Integrity
  • Entrepreneurial
  • Teamwork
  • Owner mindset
  • Outcome focused
  • Continuous learning

What we offer

Collaborative environment with a genuine flexible working policy

401k Plan with matching

Share purchase/match plan

Leadership Development Program

Volunteer paid days off

Employee Assistance Program

Achievement fund

Free parking

Variety of Health & Wellness programs

Discount and Perks program

We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce.  If you are excited about this role and are not confident you meet all the qualification requirements, we encourage you to apply to investigate the opportunity further.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value each person's unique background, diversity, experiences, perspectives and talents.

Full participation of all employees in a safe, healthy and respectful environment is key to individual and company success. We are committed to fully utilizing the abilities of all our employees and expect each of our employees to honour this commitment in their daily responsibilities.

What Liberty Utilities employees say

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