Economic Development Manager

City of Arvada • Arvada, CO

18h • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Arvada is seeking an experienced Economic Development Manager to lead business attraction and retention efforts, strengthen partnerships, and support a thriving local economy. In this high-impact role, you’ll drive strategic initiatives and serve as Executive Director to the Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA) Board. If you’re a collaborative leader with strong business acumen and a passion for community-focused economic development, we invite you to apply.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of economic development and business principles.
• Strong knowledge of technical local, county, and State economic development programs.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Ability to identify and clarify problems, evaluate potential solutions, and implement solutions.
• Strong knowledge of business principles and strategies.
• Ability to build partnerships with colleagues, businesses, and community partners.
• Strong knowledge of EDO CRM tracking tools (e.g. Salesforce, Bludot, etc.).
• Strong negotiation and research skills.
• Strong budget administration ability.
• Proficient project management skills to successfully deliver multiple projects.
• Strong supervisory skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate information, both verbally and in writing, to support organizational objectives and interact with all levels of personnel within the city in a positive and cooperative manner.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle.
• Bachelors Degree (BA, BS, BBA) in Business, Finance, Economics, Urban and Regional Planning, or related field.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Five (5) years of experience managing projects through the full lifecycle (initiation through completion), or in economic development, government, or planning.
• Two (2) or more years of supervisory or leadership experience, or equivalent training.
• A valid Colorado driver’s license and acceptable driving record is required.
• Must pass a criminal background check and a driving record check, if required by the position.

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in Spanish.
• Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification.
• Master’s Degree in Business, Economics, Finance, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements strategies to attract and retain businesses to the City of Arvada.
• Develops innovative marketing strategies, products, programs, and services for retail, industrial, office and R&D growth and development.
• Conducts retention visits, resolves business issues, and responds to needs & concerns.
• Builds relationships with existing businesses to stay connected.
• Oversees existing events and recommends new events or programs that promote Arvada’s pro-business environment within AEDA’s budget constraints; including the annual business appreciation event.
• Works with real estate professionals to attract businesses to the community through strong partnerships.
• Creates alliances to further Arvada’s desire for targeted retail, office and industrial users.
• Verifies and recommends appropriate zoned sites for desirable users.
• Serves as the Executive Director to the AEDA Board.
• Negotiates and proposes business incentives for AEDA Board of Directors consideration using judgment regarding appropriate application of existing programs.
• Responsible for maintaining databases of available properties.
• Represents AEDA at various local, state, and national organizations with authorization to make commitments within budget constraints.
• Responsible for AEDA financial records.
• Prepares financial reports recording outstanding loans and investments.
• Identifies innovative opportunities and initiates subsequent action that further AEDA’s goals and mission.
• Represents AEDA on various external boards, specialized committees, and other economic development related meetings.
• Travels to and attends team and organizational meetings, training, events and activities and appropriately and professionally represents the department.
• Oversees day-to day leadership activities, including effectively communicating vision and priorities.
• Makes decisions, problem solves, delegates work, manages performance, hires, manage resources, develops others, and maintains a team culture to produce strong performance and positive employee and community member experiences.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Develops and/or participates in the development of staff work plans, measures and tracks progress towards goals, prepares and conducts timely and constructive performance appraisals.
• Makes decisions or recommendations for hiring, promotions, transfers, disciplinary action, and other personnel actions as necessary.
• Coaches, counsels and supports staff to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Consistently educates and advises staff on organizational rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Supports creative thinking and problem solving and encourages participatory decision making when appropriate.
• Provides training and job enrichment opportunities and encourages professional growth and development.

Benefits

• The City of Arvada offers a robust Total Rewards package.
• Temporary, Variable Hour and Health Plan Eligible employees will earn 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum cap of 48 hours.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees