Community and Economic Development Consultant

Arizona Public Service generates reliable, affordable and clean energy for 2.7 million Arizonans. As the state’s largest and longest-serving energy provider, our more than 6,000 dedicated employees power our vision of creating a sustainable energy future for Arizona.

The

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.

- 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

- 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.

- 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.

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

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

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

- Develop resource materials and attend industry conferences and targeted recruitment trips.

- 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.

- 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.

Export Compliance / EEO Statement

This position may require access to and/or use of information subject to control under the Department of Energy's Part 810 Regulations (10 CFR Part 810), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730 through 774), or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter M Part 120) (collectively, 'U.S. Export Control Laws'). Therefore, some positions may require applicants to be a U.S. person, which is defined as a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), a Political Asylee, or a Refugee under the U.S. Export Control Laws. All applicants will be required to confirm their U.S. person or non-US person status. All information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws, and will be used in full compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors. For positions at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Stations (PVNGS) all openings will require applicants to be a U.S. person.

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates ('Pinnacle West') maintain a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in employment. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This policy of nondiscrimination shall include, but not be limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, compensating, reassigning, demoting, transferring, laying off, recalling, terminating employment, and training for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other classification or characteristic protected by law.

For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to EEO is the Law poster. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of every person hired to work in the United States, refer to E-Verify poster. View the employee rights and responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

In compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Company is committed to a work environment that is free from the effects of alcohol and controlled substances, and free from the abuse or inappropriate use of prescribed and over-the-counter medications. The Company requires employees to be subject to drug and alcohol testing that is job-related and consistent with business necessity, regulatory requirements and applicable laws.

Employees in hybrid roles work both in their home offices (virtually) and alongside their colleagues (in person).

In order for employees to build strong relationships and to promote meaningful in-person interactions, hybrid employees are expected to work about 40% of their time in-person at an APS or other (non-home office) location.

- Employees are expected to reside in Arizona (or New Mexico for Four Corners-based employees).

- Working from a home office requires adequate technology and an appropriate ergonomic set up.

- Role types are subject to change based on business need.