Senior Economic Development Specialist - Community and Economic Development
City of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, United States
About This Position
The City of Phoenix Community and Economic Development Department is seeking an enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and high-performing individual to fill the role of a Senior Economic Development Specialist. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies in the Community and Economic Development Department, with a focus on downtown redevelopment, ASU Downtown Campus, Phoenix Bioscience Core, transit-oriented development, and other strategic revitalization initiatives.
The Community Development division is responsible for the development and enhancement of the economic, academic, and cultural vitality of the urban core of Phoenix. The Division has played a key role in the evolution of transit-oriented development throughout the city. The division is dedicated to the development and enhancement of the economic, academic, and cultural vitality of the City that is uniquely Phoenix. As a result, the Division undertakes a diverse range of economic development and planning activities including light rail/transit-oriented development, downtown revitalization, business development, real estate development, aviation adjacent development, educational development, and biomedical research development.
The Senior Economic Development Specialist is responsible for assisting in the coordination of economic development and redevelopment projects, programs and initiatives that attract new capital investments, broaden the City's economic base, and create quality jobs for the community. This position will provide professional-level support to other department staff in the management and implementation of mixed‑use, commercial, office, residential, industrial, and transit‑oriented development projects and other economic development attraction or redevelopment initiatives. This role will work in collaboration with internal staff and external customers and possess knowledge of Phoenix ordinances, codes, policies, and development processes.
Duties Include
Managing and monitoring contract performance, tax compliance, and lease payments.
Tracking and reporting monthly and annual performance metrics.
Monitoring and developing project / program budgets.
Conducting solicitations for consultant and development proposals and negotiating development contracts with developers and other agencies.
Researching, analyzing, and processing real estate documents and procedures.
Preparing reports on economic development activities for management and City Council.
Coordinating, attending, and presenting at meetings with downtown stakeholders, local businesses, non‑profits, property owners, residents, and development representatives.
Ideal Candidate
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills.
Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work independently.
Supportive of a team-oriented environment.
Strong understanding of planning and development processes.
Salary Pay Range: $88,691.20 to $118,872.00 annually.
Pay Range Explanation
Pay range is the entire compensation range for the position classification.
Hiring range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.
Promotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade increase.
Demotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade decrease.
Lateral transfers occur when there is no change to the last two digits of the pay grade.
When there is a change in the first digit of the pay grade, there may also be a change to your classification or unit.
Benefits
Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions, click here for more details: Pension Information.
401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions.
Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans.
Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan.
Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually.
Dental, vision, and life insurance options.
Employer paid long-term disability.
Free Bus/light rail pass.
Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year.
Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days.
Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12‑month period.
Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi.
Minimum Qualifications
Four years of responsible experience in economic development, land/infrastructure development, commercial leasing, real estate, business attraction/retention/assistance, marketing, workforce development, or public administration.
Bachelor's degree in public or business administration, economic development, urban planning, or a related field.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum qualifications may be substituted.
All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
For information regarding pre‑screening and driving positions, click here.
The City job description can be found here.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience preparing and conducting solicitations for land development and/or professional services proposals.
Experience and familiarity with real estate development and/or property management issues in an urban environment.
Experience writing and preparing memos, reports, marketing material, or other content intended for a public audience.
Experience developing and managing consultant contracts and development agreements.
Facilitating transit‑oriented development and redevelopment projects or initiatives.
Experience managing commercial tenants, business agreements or serving as Owner's Representative to Tenants.
Experience conducting independent research and analysis on real estate development matters and briefing decision makers.
Experience presenting material to external audiences or community groups.
Experience collaborating with multiple stakeholders on development projects or initiatives.
Recruitment Dates Recruitment closes April 9, 2026. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date.
How To Apply Apply online by completing the required information and attaching, as one document, your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. Only the highest qualified may be posted to the eligible to hire list. The results of the resume screening process will be sent to your primary email address.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Job interviews may be held by video or audio conference.
If you are in need of computer resources, click here for free options.
Arizona at Work has frequent classes to help with resume writing, interviewing skills, and general career guidance. Click here for more information.
Explore other Employment Opportunities with the City of Phoenix.
Subscribe to receive e‑mail notifications about new employment opportunities.
If you require assistance at any stage of the application process due to an accessibility issue, please contact the Human Resources Department by phone at (602) 495-5700 or by text at (800) 367-8939. You may also fill out and submit a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.
Reference Senior Economic Dev Spec, JC:08840, ID# 60971, 03/26/26, USM, SG, Benefits:007
Building the Phoenix of tomorrow.
#DoWorkThatMakesPhoenixWork
City of Phoenix is an equal opportunity employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Community Development division is responsible for the development and enhancement of the economic, academic, and cultural vitality of the urban core of Phoenix. The Division has played a key role in the evolution of transit-oriented development throughout the city. The division is dedicated to the development and enhancement of the economic, academic, and cultural vitality of the City that is uniquely Phoenix. As a result, the Division undertakes a diverse range of economic development and planning activities including light rail/transit-oriented development, downtown revitalization, business development, real estate development, aviation adjacent development, educational development, and biomedical research development.
The Senior Economic Development Specialist is responsible for assisting in the coordination of economic development and redevelopment projects, programs and initiatives that attract new capital investments, broaden the City's economic base, and create quality jobs for the community. This position will provide professional-level support to other department staff in the management and implementation of mixed‑use, commercial, office, residential, industrial, and transit‑oriented development projects and other economic development attraction or redevelopment initiatives. This role will work in collaboration with internal staff and external customers and possess knowledge of Phoenix ordinances, codes, policies, and development processes.
Duties Include
Managing and monitoring contract performance, tax compliance, and lease payments.
Tracking and reporting monthly and annual performance metrics.
Monitoring and developing project / program budgets.
Conducting solicitations for consultant and development proposals and negotiating development contracts with developers and other agencies.
Researching, analyzing, and processing real estate documents and procedures.
Preparing reports on economic development activities for management and City Council.
Coordinating, attending, and presenting at meetings with downtown stakeholders, local businesses, non‑profits, property owners, residents, and development representatives.
Ideal Candidate
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills.
Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work independently.
Supportive of a team-oriented environment.
Strong understanding of planning and development processes.
Salary Pay Range: $88,691.20 to $118,872.00 annually.
Pay Range Explanation
Pay range is the entire compensation range for the position classification.
Hiring range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.
Promotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade increase.
Demotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade decrease.
Lateral transfers occur when there is no change to the last two digits of the pay grade.
When there is a change in the first digit of the pay grade, there may also be a change to your classification or unit.
Benefits
Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions, click here for more details: Pension Information.
401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions.
Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans.
Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan.
Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually.
Dental, vision, and life insurance options.
Employer paid long-term disability.
Free Bus/light rail pass.
Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year.
Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days.
Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12‑month period.
Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi.
Minimum Qualifications
Four years of responsible experience in economic development, land/infrastructure development, commercial leasing, real estate, business attraction/retention/assistance, marketing, workforce development, or public administration.
Bachelor's degree in public or business administration, economic development, urban planning, or a related field.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum qualifications may be substituted.
All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
For information regarding pre‑screening and driving positions, click here.
The City job description can be found here.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience preparing and conducting solicitations for land development and/or professional services proposals.
Experience and familiarity with real estate development and/or property management issues in an urban environment.
Experience writing and preparing memos, reports, marketing material, or other content intended for a public audience.
Experience developing and managing consultant contracts and development agreements.
Facilitating transit‑oriented development and redevelopment projects or initiatives.
Experience managing commercial tenants, business agreements or serving as Owner's Representative to Tenants.
Experience conducting independent research and analysis on real estate development matters and briefing decision makers.
Experience presenting material to external audiences or community groups.
Experience collaborating with multiple stakeholders on development projects or initiatives.
Recruitment Dates Recruitment closes April 9, 2026. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date.
How To Apply Apply online by completing the required information and attaching, as one document, your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. Only the highest qualified may be posted to the eligible to hire list. The results of the resume screening process will be sent to your primary email address.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Job interviews may be held by video or audio conference.
If you are in need of computer resources, click here for free options.
Arizona at Work has frequent classes to help with resume writing, interviewing skills, and general career guidance. Click here for more information.
Explore other Employment Opportunities with the City of Phoenix.
Subscribe to receive e‑mail notifications about new employment opportunities.
If you require assistance at any stage of the application process due to an accessibility issue, please contact the Human Resources Department by phone at (602) 495-5700 or by text at (800) 367-8939. You may also fill out and submit a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.
Reference Senior Economic Dev Spec, JC:08840, ID# 60971, 03/26/26, USM, SG, Benefits:007
Building the Phoenix of tomorrow.
#DoWorkThatMakesPhoenixWork
City of Phoenix is an equal opportunity employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr