Senior Director of Economic Development & Tourism

Organization:
City of Scottsdale

City:
Scottsdale

Location:

Arizona

Date Posted:
September 17, 2025

Country:
United States of America

Primary Category:
Economic Development

Type of Position:
Full Time

The City of Scottsdale is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as its next Senior Director of Economic Development & Tourism. This executive role provides an opportunity to guide two high performing departments that are central to the city’s success. Known internationally as a premier resort community with a thriving economy and exceptional quality of life, Scottsdale offers a unique platform for a leader to shape both economic development and tourism strategies.

The Senior Director will guide efforts to retain and expand the city’s diverse business base, while also leveraging Scottsdale’s reputation as a luxury destination to attract investment, visitors, and long-term opportunity. This role calls for a forward-looking professional who can champion innovation, strengthen partnerships, and enhance the city’s standing as one of the most desirable places to live, work, and visit.

The Senior Director of Economic Development & Tourism provides executive leadership for two departments that are central to Scottsdale’s prosperity and reputation. The Senior Director oversees business development initiatives, international and domestic marketing strategies, and the city’s tourism and events portfolio. This highly visible role requires a leader with both technical expertise and the ability to build trust and relationships across sectors.

The successful candidate will:

• Provide strategic leadership and vision to guide the city’s economic development and tourism efforts in alignment with community priorities.
• Lead business attraction, retention, and expansion initiatives, balancing support for established employers with strategies to position Scottsdale for future investment.
• Oversee tourism marketing and events, including contract management with Experience Scottsdale and Scottsdale Arts, ensuring these efforts strengthen both the visitor economy and Scottsdale’s broader brand.
• Manage and mentor staff while setting clear performance expectations and cultivating a results-driven, collaborative culture.
• Build and sustain strong partnerships with the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Arizona Commerce Authority, and other local, regional, and state partners.
• Leverage Scottsdale’s reputation as a premier luxury destination, integrating tourism and resort assets into economic development strategies.
• Curate business attraction strategies that align with Scottsdale’s luxury brand and lifestyle, with emphasis on sectors such as wellness, healthcare, wealth management, tourism and research.
• Demonstrate strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to engage with City Council, business leaders, and residents in clear and compelling ways.
• Apply financial and analytical expertise to real estate pro formas, contracts, and incentive strategies that support business attraction and redevelopment.
• Anticipate and respond to opportunities using forecasting, market analysis, and pipeline management.
• Serve as a visible and trusted representative of the city, building relationships across diverse audiences and navigating political dynamics with diplomacy and integrity.

This position will step into leading two departments that are central to Scottsdale’s prosperity and international profile. The role offers the opportunity to shape strategy, strengthen partnerships, and position the city for continued success as both an economic hub and premier destination. Key opportunities and challenges include

• Developing and implementing a new Economic Development Strategic Plan that defines focus areas, target sectors, and measurable goals for the city’s next phase of growth.
• Balancing and integrating economic development and tourism functions, ensuring both departments contribute equally to Scottsdale’s prosperity, and leveraging Experience Scottsdale’s resources, luxury brand, and signature events to…