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.

Work Experience Preferred

Master’s Degree in Business, Economics, Finance, or a related field.

Other Qualifications

Must pass a criminal background check and a driving record check, if required by the position.

Physical Demands

Light to moderate physical effort that includes frequent standing or walking or maintaining arms and hands in the same position for repetitive tasks. Frequently works with light objects and light hand tools.

Hazards

Minimal exposure to hazards are typically found in general office environment where there is rarely to no exposure to injury or accident.

Work Environment

Exposure to routine office noise and equipment.

The City of Arvada offers a robust Total Rewards package. To find out more details, select here.

The City of Arvada does not offer benefits to temporary and/or seasonal employees.  Temporary, Variable Hour and Health Plan Eligible employees will earn 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum cap of 48 hours.

Vision: We Dream Big and Deliver

Mission:  We are dedicated to delivering superior services to enhance the lives of everyone in our community.

Values:

Innovation: We excel in creativity, flexibility and the use of best practices while valuing diverse backgrounds, ideas and perspectives. 

Passion: We are a high performing, inclusive team inspiring each other to pursue excellence.

Opportunity: We value our diversity, embrace possibilities, face challenges, persevere and take action to deliver quality results.

The City’s Core values are in every employee’s individual Performance Plan which helps us to reinforce our expectations for living and working by our Core Values. 

Every City employee is expected to perform his/her job to the highest professional standards.  This includes upholding the City’s values with integrity and accountability, acting in a manner that is respectful and inclusive towards others, and adhering to the City’s policy on employee conduct as detailed in the personnel rules sec. 70-143. 

The City is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.