Economic Development Project Manager

About the Role

There are currently two vacancies in the Economic Development Department under the Office of Economic Development (Special Programs). One position will support the emerging field of Creative Economy & Industry Development, while the other will focus on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. This recruitment will also establish a Citywide eligible list for potential future vacancies. The first review of applications will be on Monday, August 17, 2026.

An Economic Development Project Manager plans, organizes, monitors, manages, and evaluates economic development project activities. Work requires considerable independent judgment and initiative, combining professional planning and economic development knowledge with analytical skills to solve complex problems. This role may require working evenings and/or weekends for special events or programming coverage. Employees may functionally supervise Economic Development Specialist(s) and/or office support staff.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, direct, and implement programs and projects supporting commercial, office, and industrial development; business development; workforce development; attraction and assistance to domestic and international businesses; public facilities and infrastructure; small business development initiatives; and other economic development, redevelopment, or capital improvement programs.
• Manage overall economic development project activities with a broad scope of professional planning and economic development expertise.

Specialized Assignments

Creative Economy & Industry Development

• Develop and advance Mesa’s creative economy ecosystem by attracting, growing, and retaining businesses in film, media, music, gaming, immersive technologies, industrial design, digital content, and other creative industries.
• Foster strategic partnerships, workforce development, and innovation opportunities to diversify Mesa’s economy and strengthen competitiveness in target industry sectors.

Small Business and Entrepreneurship

• Support entrepreneurs and small businesses through resource connections, technical assistance, strategic partnerships, and programs that encourage business formation, growth, and long-term success.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Economic Development, Public or Business Administration, Commercial Real Estate, Urban Planning, Marketing, Arts Management, Creative Industries, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible work experience managing projects and programs in economic development, redevelopment, marketing, commercial real estate development, business assistance, public facility/infrastructure development, or workforce development.
• Valid Class D Arizona Driver’s License by hire or promotion date.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Economic Development, Public or Business Administration, Commercial Real Estate, Urban Planning, Marketing, Arts Management, Creative Industries, or a related field.
• Membership in related professional organizations.
• Ability to speak a second language.
• Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or related certification.
• Experience in a downtown setting with multiple stakeholders (e.g., business improvement districts, enhanced municipal services districts, convention and visitor bureaus).
• Contract negotiation and management, and grant writing experience.
• Experience in creative industry development, arts administration, media production, and/or event management.

Employee Values

All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City’s shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.

Full job description and additional details

Benefits

A summary of City of Mesa benefits is available here.