Economic Development Project Manager

Job Summary

OVERVIEW

The City of Kingman is located in Mohave County, approximately 100 miles southeast of Las Vegas and 195 miles northwest of Phoenix nestled between the beautiful Cerbat and Hualapai Mountain Ranges along historic Route 66. In 2019, Reader’s Digest named Kingman one of the “Nicest Places in Arizona” for its thoughtful residents and spirit of generosity. In addition to its small-town look and feel, the area also offers a wide range of recreational activities that include hiking, biking and ATV trails, camping, golf, beautiful parks, historical attractions, nearby lakes, and the Colorado River. With over 400 full and part-time employees across 30 divisions, the City of Kingman provides exceptional public services to over 30,000 residents. Our focus on high-quality customer service, safety, and teamwork underpins our efforts to foster an atmosphere where citizens and businesses can thrive.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

The incumbent performs highly responsible providing expert advice, organizes, implements and administers high-profile marketing and economic development initiatives, programs and projects relating to business recruitment and development. Primary responsibilities include promotion of Kingman’s value as a business location, generate qualified prospects in targeted clusters in alignment with Council strategic initiatives, branding, strategic research, statistical comparisons and trend analysis, creative development and production of advertising, promotion campaigns and cooperative programs. Assumes role of chief negotiator and assists the Planning and Economic Development Director with more complex projects in expansion and retention activities. Interfaces and coordinates with the development community, local businesses and various City departments.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works independently with considerable latitude for discretion and judgment under the broad guidance and general supervision of the Economic Development Director. Work is reviewed through conferences and reports relating to goals, objectives, and accomplishments on service delivery and planning.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May supervise assigned support staff and act as and Economic Development Director in his/her absence.

Minimum Qualifications/Special Requirements

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in Urban or Regional Development, Geography, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Public Administration, Real Estate, or closely related field;

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in a local government setting; experience in supervision, budgeting, marketing, and research principles.
• Certifications: A "Certified Economic Developer" (CEcD) is desirable;
• OR an equivalent combination of education, experience and training equivalent to the above minimum requirements.

• Valid Arizona Driver’s License or ability to obtain within three (6) months of hire.

Essential Functions

Essential Functions are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills. They are intended to be accurate summaries of what the job classification involves and what is required to perform it.

• Manages development and implementation of economic development change to broaden the City's economic base by targeting specific businesses and industries that align with the Council’s strategic initiatives, including retention, expansion, and attraction of commerce.
• Works closely with the Arizona Department of Commerce, Kingman and Mohave Manufacturing Association, Kingman Chamber of Commerce, Mohave County Economic Development Department and other strategic alliance partners to support and promote the City to various business clients.
• Assists the Economic Development Director in representing the City and making presentations to economic development boards and committees; prepares reports on economic development and redevelopment activities for administration, advisory boards, and City Council.
• Influences and builds relationships with prospects, consultants, and media information sources; establishes and strengthens relationships with local businesses across the City and in the City Industrial Park, and with City departments.
• Through concerted outreach, meets regularly with targeted industry businesses. Serves as a resource for existing businesses by facilitating local, regional, state, and federal resources as well as connecting businesses with the right tools to address their needs.
• Analyzes existing economic situations relative to business attraction and expansion; reviews modern techniques for business attraction and retention and negotiates and assists in resolving sensitive and controversial issues.
• Evaluates projects utilizing cost/benefit analysis, fiscal and economic impact and relevant multiplier factors.
• Assists potential new business in site selection; coordinates key activities to facilitate the location process.
• Generates complex queries in existing databases and researches lists of existing and prospective businesses for the purposes of attraction, retention efforts and lead generation.
• Analyzes current and maintains information on space availability and of existing physical, social, and economic conditions.
• Directing creative development of advertising and marketing activities, branding, strategic research, statistical comparisons and trend analysis, develops and maintains files, records, databases, listings, and other reference materials used to recruit and retain businesses, including business trends, demographic profiles and related materials.
• Participates in the negotiations of incentives, development and consulting agreements with tenants, owners, architects, contractors, developers, employers and others.
• Identifies and applies for grants and other funding opportunities that leverage City resources for economic development and tourism activities, and oversees administration of such grants or contracts. Works with statewide agencies and organizations to identify available funding and programs to help increase tourism, attract new business and assist local businesses.
• Identifies and facilitates workforce development through partnerships to develop or improve the skills and education of the current and potential workforce needed to support existing local businesses and enhance business recruitment.
• Responds to requests for information from business prospects, clients and residents.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity.
• May be required to work early mornings, evenings, or weekends as needed.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies and procedures; follows safety policies and practices, works in a safe manner, and reports unsafe activity and conditions.
• Provides excellent customer service to both internal and external contacts.
• Establishes and maintains effective and supportive relationships by demonstrating courteous, professional and cooperative behavior; promotes the City goals and priorities in a positive manner
• Protects privileged and/or confidential information.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

• Serves as a member of various committees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Miscellaneous

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics attached to the job description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. See Physical Demands.

SAFETY AND WELLNESS

It is the policy of the City of Kingman to ensure a safe, healthful workplace for all its employees. It requires that every person in the organization assumes the responsibility of individual and organizational safety. Injury and illness losses from incidents are costly and preventable. The City of Kingman will employ an effective accident and illness prevention program and a comprehensive wellness program that involves all its employees in the effort to eliminate workplace hazards and promote employee health and wellness. Management is accountable for preventing workplace incidents, injuries and illnesses. Management will provide top-level support of safety program and wellness initiatives. Management will consider all employee suggestions for achieving a safer, healthier workplace. Management also will keep informed about workplace safety and health hazards, and it will regularly review the company safety and wellness program.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the position changes.