Prescott isn’t just growing, it’s transforming into an aviation and aerospace hub for the western United States, a center for innovation and advanced manufacturing, and a visitor destination of choice. We’re looking for a visionary and experienced Economic Development Director to lead that transformation.

Your impact:
Partner with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and leverage the strength of Prescott Regional Airport—one of the nation’s busiest training airports—to attract aviation and aerospace research, testing, and investment. Build a high-performance ecosystem around the airport, including an innovation center, research park, and industry cluster with national reach.

Capitalize on Prescott’s proximity to the Phoenix metro area and one of the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturing complexes to attract technology and advanced manufacturing jobs. With Yavapai College support for workforce development, Prescott is positioned to meet industry demand. Direct flights to Los Angeles and Denver—and one-stop access to most domestic markets and 17 cities across Asia—position Prescott to compete.
Lead the development of more than 500,000 square feet of new commercial space along the growing northern corridor. Expand access to healthcare by attracting doctors and medical services to rural Arizona. Support local businesses to prosper, scale, and innovate.

Strengthen Prescott’s role as destination of choice. From the World's Oldest Rodeo and Arizona's Christmas City to the Whiskey Off-Road, the city blends heritage with year-round energy. Outdoor assets—including five lakes, Bean Peaks, the Prescott National Forest, and the Granite Dells—deliver exceptional quality of life.
This is not a maintenance role.

It’s a builder’s role—connecting academia, industry, and community to deliver measurable results.

Ready to build something lasting?

Lead a nationally recognized aviation hub. Grow a high-impact economy. Shape one of the most livable communities in the country.

Prescott is ready for you.

DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

City Manager's Office

Pay Range: $163,690 to $201,464 DOE

FLSA Status: Exempt

Pay Grade: Open Range

Deadline to Apply: 04/13/2026

Benefits Summary:

Major Benefits for Full-Time Regular Employees:
A diverse range of complimentary mental health and wellness services is available, including an Employee Assistance Program, a free subscription to Calm, and health coaching
Paid time off up to 20 days in first year of employment
10 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday per year
Free employee only coverage for medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance
Free family coverage for select medical and dental plans
Pension and long-term disability through Arizona State Retirement System, click here for more details
Supplemental benefits such as deferred compensation plans and additional life insurance

Position Summary:
Directs the staff, budget, resources, and operations of the Economic Development Department.

Essential Duties:
Manages the Economic Development department including staff, consultants, budgets, services, projects, and programs.
Promotes business attraction, retention, expansion, and diversification.
Works with City leadership to establish goals, strategies, and objectives for economic development. Plans, assigns, and oversees work to achieve established goals.
Supervises, hires, trains, develops, and evaluates personnel; works with employees to correct deficiencies and expand capabilities; and implements incentives and discipline in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

Provides visionary, innovative leadership which encourages and recognizes creativity, innovation and flexibility at all levels of the department and programs.
Provides advice and counsel.

Plans, designs, operates, reviews, monitors and guides the continued improvement of departmental projects and programs. Seeks to improve return on investment, where appropriate.
Communicates official plans, policies and procedures to employees and the general public as required; responds to public inquiries and coordinates regularly with appropriate internal staff with appropriate political sensitivity and respect for proprietary business information.
Facilitates meetings with staff, internal departments, committees, and/or other applicable groups. May serve or participate on various committees, teams and/or with external agencies. Prepares and gives presentations to a variety of audiences.

Works collaboratively to develop marketing plans, materials, and information to promote business attraction, retention, and expansion.
Travels to recruitment, educational, and networking events to learn best practices and to keep Prescott in the mind of potential new businesses.
Develops lasting relationships and partnerships.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Business or Public Administration, Economic Development, or related field. Five (5) years of recent experience in economic development; or an equivalent combination of directly related education and experience.

Licensing, Certification, and Other Requirements:

Possess an Arizona driver's license in good standing.

Employee Core Beliefs:
City of Prescott employees should seek to uphold the City's core beliefs throughout their day-to-day business and with every customer they come in contact with, both internal and external. Our core beliefs are: Act with Integrity, Work as a Team, Have Personal Commitment and Loyalty, Solve Problems, Take Pride In Excellent Results, High Level of Productivity and Being Nice.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of leadership principles and managerial practices and techniques to successfully supervise, develop, and empower staff.
Knowledge of key economic development principles and methods.
Knowledge of marketing principles and public relations techniques.
Knowledge of destination marketing organizations and their role in the community.
Knowledge of federal, state, and City laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to gathering and disseminating public information.
Knowledge of budgeting and finance principles and practices.
Knowledge of project management principles and practices.
Knowledge of customer service principles and practices.
Skill in supervising, leading, and developing staff.
Skill in directing, developing, managing, identifying, communicating and carrying out the objectives of the department.
Skill in interpreting and applying complex principles, methods and practices related to economic development.
Skill in using computers and related software applications.
Skill in interpreting and applying applicable Federal, state and local laws, codes, ordinances, rules and regulations.
Skill in solving problems and proposing sound alternatives.
Skill in communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public, elected officials, and other interested parties.
Ability to establish and maintain cohesive working relationships with public and private sector representatives, elected officials, department heads, employees, media representatives, professional groups, and the general public.
Ability to analyze, develop, and conduct research and surveys
Ability to exercise considerable judgment and discretion.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to develop professionally-targeted promotional material such as brochures, presentations, and materials utilizing computer software; Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Desktop Publishing, Internet navigation, databases, social media platforms, and related programs.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Work is performed in a standard City office and sometimes out in the community.
Safely and effectively performs required duties and safely operates required equipment and City vehicle as needed.
Clearly, concisely, and effectively communicates, both in person and over the telephone.
Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

Successful candidate will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include:
Drug screening
Motor vehicle records check
Criminal background screening

City of Prescott Contact Information
201 N. Montezuma Street, Suite 207
Prescott, AZ 86301
Email: hr@prescott-az.gov
Website: www.prescott-az.gov
Phone: 928-777-1410 / Fax: 928-777-1213