Economic/Development Services Manager

Arizona Association for Economic Development; Tolleson (AZ); On-site; USD 86,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Tolleson is seeking a Development Services Manager to lead the Development Services Department, guiding development review, economic development, and customer service initiatives. This role reports to the Development Services Director and drives sustainable growth, community engagement, and partnerships with stakeholders.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in a related field and 5 years of municipal experience; Arizona Driver License is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Economic Development, Urban Planning, Communications, Marketing, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal development services, planning, zoning, permitting, economic development, business development, project management, marketing, communications, or a related field, including experience leading projects, programs, or teams.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Valid Arizona Driver License required.

Responsibilities

• Lead development review activities and economic development programs.
• Coordinate complex development projects across City departments and administer zoning regulations, development standards, and budgets.
• Represent the City at meetings and events, prepare reports and presentations, and supervise staff or consultants as needed.

Skills

Staff management

Project management

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Public speaking

Negotiation

Communications

Cross-department coordination

Economic development

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Economic Development, Urban Planning, Communications, Marketing, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field

Job description

Description

The City of Tolleson is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Development Services Manager. Under the general direction of the Development Services Director, the Development Services Manager plans, manages, and oversees the daily operations, programs, and strategic initiatives of the Development Services Department. This position provides leadership in the administration of development services, economic development, business retention and expansion, customer service, marketing and communications, and cross-departmental initiatives that support the City’s vision for sustainable growth and economic vitality.

Organization: City of Tolleson

City: Tolleson

Location: Arizona

Date Posted: October 6, 2026

Country: United States of America

Primary Category: Economic Development

Type of Position: Full Time

Description & Details

Description

The City of Tolleson is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Development Services Manager. Under the general direction of the Development Services Director, the Development Services Manager plans, manages, and oversees the daily operations, programs, and strategic initiatives of the Development Services Department. This position provides leadership in the administration of development services, economic development, business retention and expansion, customer service, marketing and communications, and cross-departmental initiatives that support the City’s vision for sustainable growth and economic vitality.

The Development Services Manager serves as a key member of the Department’s leadership team and is responsible for improving organizational performance, streamlining development processes, fostering business investment, enhancing customer service, and strengthening partnerships with the development community, businesses, elected officials, regional agencies, and residents. The Manager exercises independent judgment in administering departmental programs, implementing policies, and making operational decisions while supporting the City’s strategic goals and priorities.

The position manages departmental operations, development review activities, economic development programs, and strategic initiatives. It coordinates complex development projects across City departments; administers zoning regulations, development standards, policies, budgets, contracts, and performance measures; and recommends process improvements. The Manager leads business attraction, retention, expansion, redevelopment, marketing, communications, and community engagement efforts; builds relationships with key stakeholders; represents the City at meetings and events; prepares reports and presentations; and may supervise assigned staff, consultants, interns, and service providers.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Economic Development, Urban Planning, Communications, Marketing, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal development services, planning, zoning, permitting, economic development, business development, project management, marketing, communications, or a related field, including experience leading projects, programs, or teams. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Valid Arizona Driver License required.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include experience managing or supervising professional staff; working in municipal government; knowledge of Arizona planning, zoning, and development regulations; leading Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) programs; strategic planning, organizational development, or process improvement; and managing websites, digital communications, and marketing initiatives. Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), AICP, or a related professional certification is desirable. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred.

Knowledge of

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and/or ordinances
• Management and leadership principles and practices
• Advanced principles, methods, and techniques of assigned discipline
• Occupational hazards and safety-related principles
• Budget administration principles and methods
• Financial management principles and practices
• Public administration principles
• Contract administration principles and practices
• Negotiation techniques
• Strategic planning principles
• Program/project management principles and techniques
• Modern office technology
  
  

Skills in

• Managing, mentoring, and evaluating staff
• Managing division operations
• Interpreting, applying, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, codes regulations, and standards
• Analyzing and developing policies, procedures, contracts and/or technical documents of assigned area
• Planning strategic operations
• Critical thinking
• Making decisions in time-sensitive situations
• Budget administration
• Analyzing, interpreting, and understanding technical information of assigned area
• Negotiating and mediating
• Managing and administering contracts
• Preparing and delivering public presentations
• Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications
• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public, and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction
  
  

Physical Requirements/Work Conditions

Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Medium: Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 lbs. occasionally or negligible weights frequently; sitting most of the time.

Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, blood and other bodily fluids, and extreme temperatures.

Full Salary Range: $86,343.21 – $103,611.85 D.O.E.

Salary for internal promotion Section 603 of Employee Handbook