Economic Development Director

Arizona Association for Economic Development; Tolleson (AZ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Florence in Arizona seeks an experienced Economic Development Director to lead administrative, technical, and analytical work. The role focuses on attracting mixed-use and industrial development, collaborating with the Town Manager and Council, and guiding policy initiatives.

The Director will manage development agreements, coordinate with regional partners, and present reports to executive leadership. Strong leadership, budgeting, and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, Public Administration, Economics, Finance, or related field; plus 1 year in economic development or municipal setting.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.

Responsibilities

• Meet with management to coordinate projects and plan economic development operations.
• Develop and implement marketing strategies to attract and retain business.
• Create and review development agreements and communicate policies and procedures.
• Prepare reports for Town Manager and Council; represent Town with external partners.

Skills

Problem solving

Public speaking

Negotiation

Project management

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Internet

Job description

Job Summary

Performs administrative, technical, and analytical work. The incumbent assists with the solicitation, attraction, and exploration of mixed use, and industrial development. Responsibilities include making recommendations to the Council and Town Manager; developing and implementing policies or initiatives; setting the tone, climate, and vision for economic development; ensures compliance with statutory responsibilities; and manages the rentals of all Town facilities.

Organization: Town of Florence
City: Florence
Location: Arizona
Date Posted: January 6, 2026
Country: United States of America
Primary Category: Misc
Type of Position: Full Time

Duties & Responsibilities

• Meet and confer with departmental management staff to coordinate projects, programs, resolve issues, and plan economic development operations. Provide visionary, innovative leadership, which encourages and recognizes creativity, innovation, and flexibility at all levels of programs.
• Responsible for the planning and creation of economic development marketing strategies and implementation of efforts to attract and retain business and industry to the Town of Florence.
• Recruits new business and supports existing businesses that create job opportunities for residents; including creating and managing business assistance programs and training sessions to assist with efforts to retain, strengthen and expand existing Town businesses.
• Assists in the creation and review of Development Agreements with perspective businesses interested in locating in the Town of Florence.
• Communicates official plans, policies, and procedures regarding economic development.
• Serves as Town liaison for the Chamber of Commerce to other civic organizations.
• Identifies, analyzes, and develops solutions for critical issues identified by the business community.
• Interfaces with multiple jurisdictions on issues impacting Florence’s economic future.
• Makes presentations and prepares reports to the Town Manager, Town Council, and other jurisdictions and groups as required.
• Analyzes complex real estate development projects including appraisals, rental rates, and financial analysis.
• Attends weekly meetings with the Town Manager and serves and participates in various Town assignments.
• Serves as Town representative at other state, local or regional assignments as directed.
• Travel as required.
• Performs all other related duties, as assigned.

Education And Experience Required

Bachelor’s degree in business, Public Administration, Economics, Finance, or related field, plus one (1) year experience in economic development or closely related field, preferably in a municipal setting; OR equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Required:

• Must have and maintain a valid Arizona Driver’s License.
• Must be a Certified Economic Development Professional or obtain the certification within one year of employment.

Other

Ability to schedule work required to fulfill duties of position. At times, an individual must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to handle and prioritize multiple, competing tasks and demands and to seek supervisory assistance as appropriate.

• Knowledge of principles, methods and practices directly related to economic development.
• Knowledge of project management and budgeting principles and programming.
• Knowledge of municipal, state, and federal statutes and regulations governing planning, redevelopment, and economic development.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of economic development and business and/or industrial planning.
• Knowledge of the basic principles and practices of real estate development.

Skills And Abilities

• Strong ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to represent the Town effectively in a variety of settings with diverse community members.
• Strong public speaking and negotiating skills.
• Ability to initiate and manage projects involving multiple disciplines and functions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills (both oral and in writing).
• Comfortable working under pressure with strict deadlines.
• Position requires demonstrated poise, tact and diplomacy.
• Strong attention to detail and well organized.
• Must be a self-starter, able to work independently as well as work effectively with teams of diverse community members.
• Ability to perform simple to highly complex math calculations including decimals, percentages, principles of fractions and interpret graphs.
• Must be able to maintain a calm, non-defensive attitude.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Ability to write reports and correspondence, develop spreadsheets and presentation material.
• Collect and analyze data; provide recommendations and alternatives.
• Handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Computer Skills

Required:

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Outlook E-Mail
• Internet

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employees may be required to occasionally carry, push/pull objects and materials up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus, and manual dexterity in combination with eye/hand coordination.

Position requirements are primarily carried out in an office environment or meeting forum. The noise level is usually moderate.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Other functions may be assigned, and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time.