Job Description Summary

The Economic Development Business Development Manager researches, markets, recruits, plans, and manages development of new and expanding office industrial and retail businesses.  Creates and implements research strategies to support economic development efforts in targeted areas, including compiling and analyzing data. Supports developer efforts by providing research, data, and marketing the city. Develops and implements marketing strategies and establishes relationships with the business/development community. Assists in negotiating agreements and educates the community and stakeholders about new developments.   Represents the city in target related industry meetings, trade shows, presentations, and negotiations.

The ideal candidate will possess at least five years of Economic Development experience in a business development, project manager, or similar role. In addition, the ideal candidate will have at least one-year Economic Development business retention and expansion (BRE) experience, and experience utilizing CRM software. The ideal candidate will have municipal Economic Development experience in one or more of the following industries: Advanced Business Services/Office, Aerospace/Aviation, Higher Education, Life Sciences/Medical, Advanced Manufacturing/Logistics, Retail/Restaurant/Entertainment, Small Business Development and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building, and/or Technology. The preferred candidate will have experience creating and implementing research strategies  to support economic development efforts utilizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills and will possess the ability to establish and maintain relationships with community partners, identify prospects, develop leads, conduct site visits, and facilitate connections.

At the City of Goodyear, you will be a part of an organization that values its employees as its greatest asset. You will become part of a dedicated team of professionals that are committed to build and maintain a highly engaged workforce. You will be challenged to learn and grow in an environment that values employee development and career-building. You will thrive in a culture of innovation. We believe that successful employees are those that possess these six core values:

Adaptability – Integrity – Initiative – Empathy – Optimism – Innovation

Only a limited number of the most qualified applicants meeting the City’s requirements will be invited for an interview. The examination process for this position will consist of a panel interview. All communication regarding application status and interview notifications will be sent via email- please monitor your junk/spam email for communication as it will come from a system generated source.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

All communication regarding application status and interview notifications will be sent via email- please monitor your junk/spam email for communication as messages will come from a system generated source. 

Essential Functions

This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position.  The following functions do not identify all duties performed by the incumbent. Other duties and responsibilities will be performed as assigned.

• Promotes and develops the city by recruiting and expanding businesses in the community.
• Manages the recruitment of business by researching companies and industries, developing strategic and marketing plans, generating business leads, representing the City at trade shows, preparing and providing presentations and proposals to private sector executives, and negotiating agreements on behalf of the City.
• Creates and maintains a network of industry CEOs, site consultants and corporate real estate professionals, achieved through attendance at conferences and events and meetings with prospective clients, businesses, brokers and developers.
• Manages and conducts market research consistent with City of Goodyear target industries, interfaces with other departments to incorporate technology, and manages the development of client databases.
• Develops and implements marketing strategies by developing plans for identification and pursuit of office, industrial and retail development, including preparation and distribution of marketing materials, website updates, meeting with clients, making presentations.
• Serves as the initial contact for clients considering Goodyear for site location from project inception to completion.
• Coordinates with Community Development (Planning & Zoning and Building Safety), Engineering, and Water Resources Departments to evaluate and recommend enhancements to current policies and practices, monitor current trends, analyze information, and develop proposals that will attract businesses.
• Assists in negotiating development agreements with clients after determining project parameters, including analyzing and interpreting fiscal and economic impacts and presenting to City leadership and personnel.

Requirements

• Formal Education/Knowledge:  Work requires broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field.  Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Experience:  Minimum three years of experience in a related field.
• Certifications and Other Requirements:  Valid Driver’s License
• Reading:   Work requires the ability to read and comprehend complex legal documents; development agreements and contracts; technical reports; executive business letters and communications; development-related documents; master plans; design guidelines; construction site plans; budget documents; business magazines, journals, newspapers, and technical reports; City codes and City general, strategic or operational plans.
• Math:   Work requires the ability to perform math calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, ratios, college level algebra, and review and understanding of financial statements.
• Writing:   Work requires the ability to write concise and professional communication to senior business executives and City management; and develop and prepare marketing materials, development agreements, and proposals.
• Managerial:  Semi-Complex – Work requires the occasional direction of helpers, assistants, seasonal employees, interns, or temporary employees.
• Budget Responsibility:  Has no budgetary responsibility.
• Policy/Decision Making:  Significant – The employee normally performs the duty assignment according to his or her own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance only when necessary. Projects and daily work are managed with little oversight, however special assignments and significant work products may be reviewed upon completion. Typically positions in this category are supervisor to mid-management jobs.
• Technical Skills:   Broad Application – Work requires a comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the work environment of the organization.
• Interpersonal/Human Relations Skills:  High – Interactions at this level usually impact the implementation of policies. Contacts may involve interpretation of how policies are implemented and may require discussion and the support of controversial positions or the negotiation of sensitive issues or important presentations.  During interactions on policy implementation, contacts may also involve stressful, negative interactions requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions.

12 Month Objectives

Within the first Month:

1. Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers via email, telephone, and in-person.
2. Become familiar with Economic Development focus areas, assigned industry sector(s), and performance objectives.
3. Become familiar with Economic Development performance metrics and reporting deadlines.
4. Spend time shadowing project manager(s) in assigned focus area(s).

3 Month Objectives*

1. Research and assess opportunities for assigned industry sector(s) and make recommendations.
2. Attend several commercial development pre-application meetings and become familiar with Goodyear’s development process.
3. Participate in several Economic Development GEO Tours, prepare to lead the tour within 6 months.
4. Participate in Goodyear Economic Development marketing social media campaign(s).
5. Prepare reports in a timely manner on economic development activities.

12-Month objectives:

1. Implement strategies to promote the attraction of new investment within assigned industry sector(s).
2. Participate in activities related to assigned industry sector(s).
3. Participate in Economic Development activities, events, and internal and external presentations.
4. Engage and coordinate with state and regional economic development partners (Arizona Commerce Authority and Greater Phoenix Economic Council, etc).
5. Track, manage, and respond to inquiries, leads, and active projects including the evaluation of projects on a cost / benefits basis.
6. Engage with existing businesses to support and better understand the needs within the assigned industry sector(s).
7. Cultivate relationships with property owners, real estate professionals, and industry leaders in assigned sector(s) to bring investment to Goodyear.
8. Pursue opportunities to partner and collaborate with internal and external parties to further promote Goodyear as the location of choice for assigned industry sector(s).
9. Learn and actively utilize the CRM for project, contacts, and campaign management.

*Objectives are subject to change as Economic Development departmental needs change.

How to Apply / Contact

Apply for the Business Development Manager – Economic Development position