Community and Economic Development Consultant

The Community and Economic Development Consultant is responsible to develop and implement projects that focus Business Development, Community Development and Community Relations in the recruitment of new businesses, retention or expansion of existing businesses, enhancement of the Company's standing in its service communities, and assisting communities in developing strategic economic development plans. Manages a robust prospect pipeline, supports site selection and project execution, and enhances the company’s visibility and influence within key communities, government entities, and economic development networks.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Economic Development, Finance, Public Policy or a related field
• Plus six years experience in industrial recruitment, community economic development and/or community relations
• OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), or similar credentials highly desired.

Major Accountabilities

1) Manage the economic development prospect pipeline, including tracking project activity, preparing regular reports, analyzing trends, and ensuring timely follow‑up to advance prospects through the recruitment and expansion process.

2)Develop or participate in the development of integrated community and governmental strategies in concert with other APS departments to identify target markets for industrial recruitment and retention. Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to strengthen business recruitment, retention, and expansion efforts across the company’s service territory.

3) Develop or participate in the development of integrated community and governmental strategies in concert with other APS departments to build key community relationships.

4) Cultivate and maintain high‑value relationships with key stakeholders, including elected officials, municipal leaders, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, industry associations, and major employers, ensuring consistent communication and alignment on economic development goals.

5) Develop and conduct public seminars on Inform and Educate topics, community development programs, community marketing plans, etc. Support and participate in public‑facing programs and educational opportunities (panels, presentations, etc.) that support community capacity‑building, strategic planning, and APS economic development goals.

6) Develop, prepare community-contact programs designed to inform and exchange information with community groups and promote goodwill and reinforce the company’s role as a partner in local and regional economic growth.

7) Assess communication needs, identify target audiences, research topics, determine strategy, positioning and messages, select media mix, and develop action plans; recommend and implement course of action based upon risk assessment.

8) Provide strategic guidance to internal business units to ensure local economic development activities and community strategies align with corporate priorities and statewide economic development objectives.

9) Coordinate the presentation of site locations and economic packages with prospective company representatives and local political/community leaders; Schedule and run meetings and other follow-up meetings with company representatives and representatives of municipalities, chamber of commerce, cities/towns, etc.

10) Help avert and manage public or community issues that could affect internal customer ability to achieve their business objectives. Mitigate community or public issues that may impact project timelines, stakeholder relationships, or business operations.

11) Provide business/economic development acumen and technical resources for development plans to include infrastructure readiness.

12) Develop resource materials and attend industry conferences and targeted recruitment trips.

13) Coordinate with company Division leaders to develop and implement public relations strategies to help increase the positive branding of the Company; serve as Company spokesperson on customer/community issues; Work with internal customers to manage local advertising efforts by assessing needs and identifying target audiences, determining messages to convey.

14) Serves as project leader in developing and implementing projects (self-contained, may involve industry clusters) that market an area's business climate to smaller, low technology industries; May serve as key liaison to a statewide political group serving local communities or geographic communities; Conducts in-depth analysis of marketing/economic/community development data requiring evaluation of a broad range of factors and in providing communities with community development trends across the state.