Director of Rural Development Local First Arizona - 4.2 Phoenix, AZ Job Details Full-time 14 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Qualifications Project reporting Grant funding Economic development Community development Problem-solving Strategic planning Full Job Description

POSITION PURPOSE

Local First Arizona's mission is to strengthen local businesses and communities by establishing equitable systems that level the playing field for a thriving, inclusive and lasting Arizona economy. This position is responsible for leading systems change efforts that develop thriving communities in Rural Arizona leading to increased capacity and self-reliance of place-based entities, including businesses, municipalities, community organizations and non-profits. The work is part of the broader Community Development efforts of Local First Arizona that seeks to create robust local economies by addressing place-specific economic realities including increased access to diverse sources of capital, resources to expand and supplement local capacity, and integrated strategic planning and vision to create thriving places. This position is responsible for resource development, building cross-functional awareness across Local First teams, and the creation, evaluation, revision, and implementation of programming that helps to build opportunity and advance economic vitality in Arizona's rural cities and towns.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As the federally-designated Rural Development Council leader, this position supports Local First Arizona's mission through strategic assessment of economic development strengths and needs in Arizona's rural cities and towns. This person will work closely with the VP of Community Development and Impact to identify the most pressing focus areas and mobilize appropriate Local First teams to invest in collaborative efforts with community members, policy makers, elected officials, nonprofits, business organizations, businesses, and other relevant entities statewide. This position supports program development, implementation and advocacy for rural economic strategies that strengthen and build partnerships to advance rural development. This position oversees a team of 3-5 rural community development team members, as well as partnering with other Local First teams on business development, workforce development and green business development specific to Rural needs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead Rural Development Strategies Identify and deliver strategic opportunities for growing Local First's impact in rural areas. Establish replicable strategies for implementation of rural resources. Identify and attain strategic funding options for program growth and expansion including grants, sponsorship, and fee-for-service contracts. Be a brand ambassador for the organization at all times, which could include serving on committees or boards relevant to LFA's mission, as available and appropriate; representing Local First at partner organization meetings; and managing relationships with all members and partners of Local First Oversee development and promotion of rural marketing materials, including print and digital, to ensure consistency and relevance of rural messaging Update and oversee rural tourism programming and Explore Arizona Community Profiles and ensure spotlighted communities know how to leverage their profile effectively. Develop partnership scopes of work for communities and organizations, as required Oversee the planning and implementation of annual Rural Policy Forum including Rural Funder and Economic Development tours. Track rural grant implementation and oversee reporting requirements and expectations Coordinate fee-for-service agreements in Rural Arizona communities that may include strategic planning, assessments, workshops and forums, as prescribed by local rural leadership. Coordinate Local First's Rural Funders Network to facilitate broad strategic investments in rural Arizona, ensuring corporate philanthropy and family foundations are communicating and collaborating strategically. Team and Programmatic Development Develop Rural development strategies, assign tasks and responsibilities and measure impact and success of all rural programs Supervise activities and responsibilities of Rural Program Managers to ensure overall strategic alignment with Local First's work. Oversee the deployment and integration of all Local First teams to provide entrepreneurial development and small business technical assistance in rural Arizona , including capital access, green business development, and business incubation. Ensure collaboration with Local First's Tribal Community Connections team both internally and externally, encouraging rural and tribal strategic approaches to community development. Identify additional team training that may be needed, or identify and secure contractors to execute on rural requests.

Position Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree or work experience equivalent Seven years of economic development, community development, or workforce development in rural communities 3 years of grant pursuit, execution and reporting experience

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Ability to effectively manage multiple programs at a time while meeting a variety of deadlines Understands funding structures and identifies creative ways to generate funding Works independently and with team members Excellent verbal and written communication skills Strong attention to detail Self-motivated and driven Highly organized Outgoing, and excited to talk to internal and external stakeholders about Local First Arizona Foundation's mission Good perspective on the history of the state A creative thinker who is able to work in different communities, assessing and adapting to different community and local business needs and desires A developed understanding of rural communities and the specific needs they have in the development process Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google docs, Google chat, and Zoom Willing to learn and effectively use project management tools such as Wrike, and CRM tools such as HubSpot. Demonstrated ability to conduct one's self in a calm and professional demeanor when dealing with the public and/or with difficult situations Willingness to adjust hours to accommodate the needs of the job Proven ability to work well within a team Flexible, ability to adapt to change and shifting priorities and to work simultaneously on a variety of complex projects Desire to learn, grow and be coached Ability to work productively in an unstructured environment with frequent interruptions Ability to travel statewide: 30-40% of the time

Job Type:

Full-Time Job Type:

Full-time Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Phoenix, AZ 85014