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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 ...

Arizona Department of Administration

$86K/yr

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 ...

City Of Page

Airport Director

Page, AZ · On-site

... directing the operation, construction, and maintenance of Page Municipal Airport; oversees air ... and economic development; * Ability to maintain working relationships with industry leaders ...

City Of Page

Airport Director

Page, AZ · On-site

... directing the operation, construction, and maintenance of Page Municipal Airport; oversees air ... and economic development; * Ability to maintain working relationships with industry leaders ...

Arizona State Hospital

Job Page

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$86K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

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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 Sep 12, 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,492 per year, or $55.5 per hour.

Business Development Director - Mechanical or Electrical - Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Elite Executive Solutions
See more jobs at Elite Executive Solutionsexternal

$250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop and execute business development strategies to expand the organization's presence in the Phoenix and Arizona markets.

  • Identify and pursue new mechanical, electrical, and MEP construction opportunities.

  • Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers such as general contractors, owners, developers, engineers, and architects.

Job description

Director of Business Development (Mechanical / Electrical Construction) – Phoenix, AZ - Role pays up to $250k

Elite Executive Solutions is conducting a confidential search for an experienced Director of Business Development to drive growth and expand market presence for a growing mechanical and electrical construction organization in the Phoenix, Arizona market.

This is a high-impact opportunity for a proven construction business development professional with established relationships and a strong understanding of the mechanical, electrical, and MEP construction industry.

The ideal candidate understands how to identify opportunities, develop long-term client relationships, position the organization for strategic pursuits, and convert relationships into profitable new business.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute business development strategies to expand the organization's presence throughout the Phoenix and Arizona markets.
  • Identify and pursue new mechanical, electrical, and MEP construction opportunities.
  • Build and maintain relationships with general contractors, owners, developers, engineers, architects, and other key decision-makers.
  • Develop a strong pipeline of qualified project opportunities aligned with the organization's capabilities and growth strategy.
  • Identify upcoming projects, market trends, and potential strategic clients.
  • Lead client engagement from initial relationship development through project pursuit and award.
  • Collaborate closely with executive leadership, estimating, preconstruction, operations, and project management teams.
  • Participate in project pursuits, proposals, presentations, interviews, and contract strategy.
  • Develop account strategies for key clients and identify opportunities to expand existing relationships.
  • Represent the organization at industry events, association meetings, networking opportunities, and client functions.
  • Maintain visibility into the competitive landscape and emerging opportunities throughout the market.
  • Provide leadership with regular updates on pipeline activity, pursuits, market intelligence, and business development performance.

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of business development, sales, operations, preconstruction, or client development experience within the construction industry.
  • Mechanical, electrical, or MEP construction experience strongly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of the commercial construction environment and project pursuit process.
  • Established relationships within the Phoenix/Arizona construction market strongly preferred.
  • Proven ability to develop relationships and generate new business opportunities.
  • Strong network among general contractors, owners, developers, engineers, or other construction industry decision-makers.
  • Ability to understand project scope, delivery methods, client requirements, and construction economics.
  • Strong presentation, communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with estimating, preconstruction, operations, and executive leadership.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify opportunities and turn relationships into sustainable business growth.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive Executive-Level Compensation (DOE)
  • Performance-based bonus/incentive opportunity
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Long-term leadership and career advancement

Why This Opportunity?

Join a growing construction organization with the resources, capabilities, and leadership support to aggressively expand its presence in the Arizona market.

This role provides the opportunity to build relationships, influence growth strategy, pursue major opportunities, and play a significant role in expanding the organization's mechanical and electrical construction business throughout Phoenix and the surrounding market.

To Apply

Send your confidential resume to hiring@eliteexecutivesolutions.net