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 across Arizona leading to increased capacity and self-reliance of place-based entities, including businesses, municipalities, community organizations, workforce development agencies, 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, synthesizing organizational vision, and the creation, evaluation, revision, and implementation of programming that helps to build opportunity and advance economic vitality in Arizona's statewide communities, including rural and tribal areas.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position supports Local First Arizona's mission through strategic assessment of economic and workforce development strengths and needs in Arizona's cities and towns to advance systems change by developing strategic partnerships with community leaders, identifying opportunities for overall community engagement, and assessing and deploying resources to meet capital needs. This person will work closely with the CEO and Leadership Team to identify the most pressing focus areas and mobilize Local First teams to invest in collaborative efforts with community members, policy makers, elected officials, nonprofits, business organizations, businesses, and other appropriate entities statewide. This person will also be primarily responsible for identifying funding sources for Local First's community development efforts in partnership with the CEO and leadership team.

Responsibilities:

Community Development Strategy and Funding (30%) Develop long-term community development strategies including assessing current state opportunities and needs and prioritizing regional efforts. Expand Local First's network of relationships in conjunction with Community development team leaders to assess partners and relationship gaps. Identify and attain strategic funding options for all program growth and expansion including grants, sponsorship, and fee-for-service contracts. Supervise team of professionals, both internal to Local First and contractors to execute across Community Development priorities. Learn and leverage organizational strategies, areas of expertise, and team member abilities across rural development, tribal community connections, resilient agriculture and food systems, sustainability, public policy, business incubation and development, and workforce development. Rural Development and Strategic Implementation (30%) In partnership with

Rural Development Director:

Identify and deliver strategic opportunities for growing Local First's impact in rural areas. Develop partnership scopes of work for communities and organizations, as required. Identify and oversee delivery of grants, meeting all requirements and expectations. Coordinate fee-for-service agreements in Rural Arizona communities that may include assessments, strategic planning, workshops and forums, or other economic and workforce development needs. Provide strategic input into timely topics and presenters at the annual Rural Policy Forum, including Rural Funder and Economic Development tours. Supervise and prioritize activities and responsibilities of Rural Development Director and rural team, including Economic Resource Center. Oversee the Rural Funders Network to facilitate broad strategic investments in rural Arizona, ensuring corporate philanthropy and family foundations are communicating and collaborating strategically. Lead opportunities to infuse capital into rural Arizona communities through the Arizona Economic Resource Center and leverage federal resources to align and amplify rural investments. Ensure sufficient funding for Local First's Economic Resource Center and all rural community development efforts. Economic and Workforce Development (30%) Be Local First's voice on local workforce development issues that affect community efforts to prepare its workforce to meet the current needs of statewide local businesses. Contribute to workforce development efforts as a voice for local businesses, carrying essential requests and strategies to entities that provide relevant workforce training. Act as liaison between small businesses and workforce training entities to ensure expeditious training efforts include the reality of small business needs, especially in rural areas, tribal nations, and clean energy efforts. Identify resources to support regional workforce needs, including opportunities to partner with other Southwestern states with similar demographics to compete for Federal funding. Understand a variety of strategies to protect and support local ownership through economic turbulence including the development of shared ownership models such as ESOPS and CO-OPS. Serve on the State's Workforce Development Board. Local First Arizona Overall (10%) Act as part of executive and leadership teams in developing strategy, securing funding and managing operations of Local First Arizona. Act as a brand ambassador for Local First in all external interactions with community leaders, policy makers, business owners and community partners. Attend internal meetings, as required.

Position Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree or work experience equivalent 10 years of economic development, community development, and/or workforce development in Arizona rural communities 5 years experience in grant pursuit and execution

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. 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 manage 3-4 direct reports simultaneously while also implementing projects. Ability to work productively in an unstructured environment with frequent interruptions.

Ability to travel statewide:

30% 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