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Economic Development Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Emphasizes analytical rigor and connects economic theory to real-world policy debates, development challenges, and business strategy. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Emphasizes analytical rigor and connects economic theory to real-world policy debates, development challenges, and business strategy. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

College Economics Tutor

Mesa, AZ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes analytical rigor and connects economic theory to real-world policy debates, development challenges, and business strategy. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

College Economics Tutor

Tempe, AZ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes analytical rigor and connects economic theory to real-world policy debates, development challenges, and business strategy. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Emphasizes analytical rigor and connects economic theory to real-world policy debates, development challenges, and business strategy. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Emphasizes analytical rigor and connects economic theory to real-world policy debates, development challenges, and business strategy. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Emphasizes analytical rigor and connects economic theory to real-world policy debates, development challenges, and business strategy. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

College Economics Tutor

Tucson, AZ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes analytical rigor and connects economic theory to real-world policy debates, development challenges, and business strategy. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Showing results 21-40

Economic Development information

See Arizona salary details

$28.9K

$96K

$144.4K

How much do economic development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development in Arizona is $96,003.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,900.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is economic development?

Economic development refers to the process by which the economic well-being and quality of life of a region, community, or country are improved. This typically involves efforts to create jobs, attract investment, support businesses, enhance infrastructure, and promote sustainable growth. Professionals in economic development work with government agencies, private sector partners, and community organizations to create strategies that foster economic opportunities and address local challenges. Their goal is to build resilient economies that benefit all residents.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an economic development professional?

To thrive as an Economic Development professional, you need a background in economics, public administration, or urban planning, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools, GIS software, project management platforms, and knowledge of relevant regulations or certifications like CEcD are essential. Strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are vital for successfully attracting investment, fostering sustainable growth, and collaborating with stakeholders to drive community prosperity.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in economic development roles, and how can they be addressed?

Economic Development professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders, navigating complex regulatory environments, and securing funding for projects. Success in this field requires strong communication and negotiation skills to build consensus among government officials, business leaders, and community members. Proactively staying updated on policy changes, leveraging data-driven approaches, and building strong partnerships can help address these challenges and drive impactful outcomes.

What is the difference between Economic Development vs Urban Planner?

AspectEconomic DevelopmentUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in economics, public policy, or related field; often certifications in economic developmentBachelor's or master's in urban planning, geography, or related field; licensure may be required
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, economic development organizations, consulting firmsMunicipalities, government agencies, private planning firms
Industry UsageFocuses on economic growth, business attraction, and community developmentFocuses on land use, zoning, and urban design

While both roles aim to improve communities, economic development professionals focus on boosting local economies and attracting businesses, whereas urban planners concentrate on land use, zoning, and urban design to shape city landscapes.

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 jobs in Arizona?

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

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Economic Development jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Economic Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Economic Development 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 $96,003 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Arts and Culture Resources Developer

City of Mesa, AZ

Mesa, AZ • On-site

$72K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


City Of Mesa rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

222nd of 849 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary: $72,344.90 - $97,620.22 Annually
Location : PO Box 1466, Mesa, AZ
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 17319
Department: (H400)Arts and Culture
Opening Date: 05/22/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description/Duties
The current vacancies are for the Development Operations Assignment and Corporate Relations and SponsorshipAssignment; however, this recruitment will be used to establish a list for future vacancies in all assignment areas.
The first review of all applications will be on Monday, June 1, 2026.
An Arts and Culture Resources Developer is responsible for managing the development and fundraising across multiple sources for the Arts and Culture Department (including the Mesa Arts Center, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the idea Museum, and the Arizona Museum of Natural History); researching; developing grants for programs; and performing related duties as required. Responsibilities include developing funding sources; implementing a broad number of fund-raising programs including corporate, foundation, state, and federal government grant applications; donor cultivation and stewardship events; supervising assigned volunteers; and coordinating development and fundraising efforts for exhibitions and programming through the Arts and Culture Department. 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 also include coordinating fundraising programming for organizations, cultivating relationships with donors, researching topics, and planning and coordinating donor initiatives to complement the Department's mission and vision. Working as a member of the Arts and Culture Development team, duties also include working with and collaborating with other managers on fundraising initiatives for the Department and other venues, as needed. Participate in internal meetings with a positive attitude that adheres to the City of Mesa and Arts and Culture Department values. This class may supervise office/clerical staff.
Development Operations Assignment: This assignment is responsible for coordinating the systems, processes, documentation, donor information, and reporting that support development and fundraising efforts for the Arts and Culture Department. The position will support the Development team by maintaining fundraising calendars; tracking proposals, reports, sponsorship benefits, acknowledgements, donor communications, campaign timelines, and other deliverables; and ensuring deadlines are met and work is completed accurately. Responsibilities include maintaining internal documentation, templates, procedures, and shared resources; supporting regular donor database review, gift documentation, and donor record accuracy; preparing gift, campaign, donor, sponsorship, grant, and fundraising activity reports; and assisting with analysis of fundraising progress, donor retention, campaign results, and stewardship efforts. This assignment will coordinate with the Development team to support budgets, outcomes, supporting materials, donor records, grant and sponsorship documentation, benefit tracking, mailing lists, donor communications, and reporting requirements. The position will also serve as a liaison with the department's Finance and Marketing teams, as well as other City departments as needed, to support accurate gift documentation, reporting, acknowledgements, gift reconciliation support, donor communications, and compliance with City and Foundation procedures.
Corporate Relations and Sponsorship Assignment: This assignment is responsible for developing, coordinating, and growing corporate relationships and sponsorship support for the Arts and Culture Department, including the Mesa Arts Center, the Mesa Contemporary Art Museum, the idea Museum, and the Arizona Museum of Natural History. The position will work with the Deputy Director for Development to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate donors, business partners, and sponsorship prospects in support of exhibitions, festivals, programs, events, educational initiatives, and departmental priorities. Responsibilities include developing sponsorship strategies and proposals; coordinating sponsorship packages, agreements, recognition opportunities, and benefit fulfillment; maintaining accurate records of corporate prospects, commitments, deliverables, and communications; and ensuring that sponsorship deadlines and partner expectations are met. This assignment will work with the Development team, Marketing, venue staff, and other City departments, as needed, to translate sponsor goals and interests into appropriate recognition opportunities, collateral materials, donor communications, web content, social media content, publications, signage, event materials, and other sponsorship deliverables. The position will also support sponsor stewardship by preparing reports, acknowledgments, renewal materials, and customized communications; coordinating sponsor participation in cultivation and stewardship activities; evaluating sponsorship performance and partner satisfaction; and coordinating partnerships with associated nonprofit foundations to retain, renew, and grow corporate support in alignment with City and foundation procedures.
This class is supervised by the Deputy Director of Development, who reviews work through conferences, meetings, written reports, and overall results achieved. The position requires the ability to work non-standard hours including evenings, weekends, and some holidays. This class is FLSA exempt-professional.
Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.
Qualifications & Requirements
Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.
Minimum Qualifications Required. Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Arts Administration, Business Administration, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Philanthropy, Art Education, Fine Arts, Museum Studies or related field with considerable (3 - 5 years) experience in development, philanthropy, and/or fundraising.
Special Requirement. Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License within 30 days of hire or promotion date.
Preferred/Desirable Qualifications. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Arts Administration, Business Administration, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Philanthropy, Art Education, Fine Arts, Museum Studies, or related field. Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) Certification. Museum experience is desirable.
Link to Job Description
A is linked here.
01
Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in Arts Administration, Business Administration, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Philanthropy, Art Education, Fine Arts, Museum Studies or related field? You MUST include and detail your degree(s) and major(s) information on your application to receive credit.
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a Master's Degree in Arts Administration, Business Administration, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Philanthropy, Art Education, Fine Arts, Museum Studies, or related field? You MUST include and detail your degree(s) and major(s) information on your application to receive credit.
  • Yes
  • No

03
How many years of experience do you have in development, philanthropy, and/or fundraising? **To receive credit, you must fully detail this experience in your application. Incomplete/blank applications or responses such as "see resume" will not be considered.
  • None
  • Some but less than 3 years
  • 3 years or more but less than 5 years
  • 5 years or more but less than 7 years
  • 7 years or more

04
Please describe your experience in development, philanthropy, and/or fundraising below; include employment dates and names of employer(s). If none, type N/A. **To receive credit, you must fully detail this experience in your application. Incomplete/blank applications or responses such as "see resume" will not be considered.
05
Do you have a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License, or can you obtain one within 30 days of hire or promotion date?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Do you possess a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) Certificate?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Please describe your non-profit fundraising experience, including employer(s). Please also detail this experience on your application.
08
Please describe your professional fundraising experience, including identifying, researching, engaging, and cultivating individual, foundation and corporate donors for new, renewed or increased giving, including employer(s). Please also detail this experience on your application.
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