Economic Development Manager

Play a key role in shaping Arvada’s economic future. 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.

Essential Job Functions

• 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 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.

Other Job Functions

• 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.

Essential Supervisory Duties

• 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.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• 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.

Knowledge Skills Abilities Preferred

• Fluency in Spanish.

License & Certification

• Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification.
• A valid Colorado driver’s license and acceptable driving record is required.

Education Degree

• Bachelors Degree (BA, BS, BBA)

Education Major

• Business, Finance, Economics, Urban and Regional Planning, or related field.

Education Required

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Work Experience Related

• 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.