Economic Development Analyst chez Ak-Chin Indian Community

About the Department

Under general supervision of the Planning and Development Director, the Economic Development Analyst assists with the planning, organizing, and evaluation of economic development initiatives within the Ak-Chin Indian Community by developing and implementing strategies for business recruitment, outreach, and retention.

Position Duties

Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, or a closely related field, and four years  of progressively responsible  experience in an economic development, finance, real estate, and business or related field ; OR any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work. Must have a valid Arizona Driver's License and be able to meet the Community's insurance carrier requirements. Must successfully complete a background check.

* If selected for an interview, all interviews will be in-person.  

Minimum Qualifications

• Serves as the point-of-contact in receiving, analyzing and evaluating development proposals plans, land acquisition proposals, and ensures due diligence.  Makes recommendations and works closely with the Community’s Economic Development Review Committee (EDRC) in presenting prospective proposals for review and discussion.
• Promotes the Community’s business locations and generates qualified prospects to improve the business climate.
• Creates and implements long-range economic development planning, performs related research of economic activity and trends; projects development and estimates cost proposals.
•  Assists Community members in small business development as requested.
• May seek alternative funding sources through grant funding.
• Review of due diligence materials as part of potential land acquisition purchases during the feasibility period for the buyer.   Performs specific planning tasks, such as coordinating the undertaking of Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment reports to identify any environmental conditions that may be associated with a site.
• Analyzes data to assess the viability of projects and investments.  Prepares written project analysis for land use, economic and marketing opportunities and makes recommendations to the EDRC and Council for action.
• Assists in negotiating and administering leases under the Ak-Chin Leasing Act of 2013 which comports with the HEARTH Act, streamlines procedures for environmental review to encourage economic self-sufficiency, increases business activity and employment within the Community. 
• Prepares and submits monthly and annual department staff reports, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to the Community Council regarding EDRC activities, including proposals, projects, leases, advertising, land acquisitions, and any studies undertaken. 
• Responsible for marketing areas for development.
• Reviews Master Plans, works with consultants on any updates required.  Reviews Feasibility Studies and market analyses related to local and regional economics; evaluates Community resources and feasibility of economic sustainability for commercial, industrial, retail, and mixed-used developments.
• Maintains an active role in working collaboratively with the EDRC, potential developers, outside agencies, and stakeholders to assess current economic status and growth opportunities to help build a sustainable economy.
• Monitors compliance of economic progress and development in relation to established goals and objectives identified in the EDRC Guidelines.
• Provides technical assistance to EDRC, responsible for preparation of meeting agendas, meeting notes, providing materials for Committee review and scheduling presentations.
• Performs special projects and other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned.

Other Qualifications

• Knowledgeable of the economic development and analysis practices and principles.
• Knowledge of fiscal management principles.
• Knowledge of and skill in applying planning and zoning principles.
• Knowledge of customer service practices
• Knowledge of business administration principles.
• Knowledge of and skill in applying applicable Tribal, Federal, State, and local laws, and regulations.
• Knowledgeable of research, statistical methods, and techniques.
• Knowledgeable of the principles and techniques of sales, marketing, and promotion.
• Knowledgeable of current economic development, demographic, and marketing trends in the regional area.
• Knowledge of the HEARTH Act.
• Ability to determine priorities in performing a variety of marketing and promotional related tasks. 
• Ability to understand the economic and business needs of the Community.
• Ability to research and interpret statistical information and present information clearly and accurately.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities and track project schedules.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Ability to respond consistently with tact, composure, and courtesy when dealing with others. 
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality both within and outside of the office.
• Ability to conduct self, at all times, in an ethical, professional, and respectful manner.
• Skill in critical and analytical thinking.
• Skill in maintaining electronic records and preparing reports.
• Skills in performing financial and business analysis.
• Skill in exercising judgment, discretion, working independently, and exhibiting time management.
• Skill in preparing and proofreading a variety of reports and documents with attention to accuracy, detail, and completeness.
• Skill in compiling, organizing, and maintaining economic development data.
• Skill communicating with and instructing others having varying educational backgrounds and values, using both technical and non-technical to understand.
• . Strong written, oral, organizational and public presentation skills.
• Skills in project management including design, implementation planning, and documentation.
• Skills in operating a computer and related software applications such as Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, Outlook, and database applications.
• Skill in communication and interpersonal skills, as applied to interaction with co-workers, Supervisor, other departments, EDRC, Community Council, Boards and Commissions, Community Members, and the general public.