Small Business Navigator

Posting Close Date

Applicants must submit their completed application by 07-12-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Application and Special Instructions

The Small Business Navigator position is an at-will, appointed role that does not provide civil service rights.

As part of the application process, all applicants must submit a chronological resume and a cover letter at the time of application. Applications that do not include both documents by the recruitment closing date will be considered incomplete and will not receive further consideration for this recruitment.

Interview Information
Highest‑scoring applicants will be invited to a panel interview, to be held in person at City Hall during the week of July 20, 2026.

Recruiter Contact Information
If you have any questions, please contact Ankita Bhargava at [email protected].

ABOUT THIS JOB

Position Specific Summary

The Small Business Navigator at the City of Tucson’s City Manager’s Office is responsible for performing professional-level work planning, coordinating, implementing, and overseeing the City's economic initiatives, specifically those activities related to small business assistance and entrepreneurial support.

Work is performed under the supervision of the Project Manager. This position does not supervise.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Contributes to the implementation of the City’s business retention program involving meeting with local microenterprises and small business owners to assess and address problems and opportunities. Responds to and handles the business assistance line and 311 calls. Assists local business with connections to community resources and technical or financial assistance; offers bilingual support when necessary.

• Develops relationships with partner organizations in economic and workforce development to better connect local business to these resources. Creates strategies for more effective assistance and platforms to assist business. Reports out on metrics related to business assistance and program performance.

• Provides technical support to small business and entrepreneurs. Coordinates connections to provide enhanced services to the Hispanic community and minority businesses which may include specific support for legacy businesses in Tucson and start-ups.

• Contributes to programs to address redevelopment and revitalization of commercial areas throughout the City, specifically focused on predominantly Spanish-speaking corridors and neighborhoods.

• Analyzes data and makes specific recommendations regarding strategic planning and implementation.

• Prepares and maintains performance and statistical reports.

• Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Working Conditions

Mostly office environment. Occasionally travels to off-site locations as needed.

Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, as needed.

Ability to travel to offsite trainings, client business locations, and community events.

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's Degree
Work Experience: Three (3) years of relevant experience
License/Certifications: A valid and unrestricted driver’s license with two (2) years of licensed driving is required.
Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Planning, Real Estate, Finance, Business, Marketing, Public Administration, or related field.
Experience in business finance and small business management.
Experience helping clients achieve strategic goals.
Experience analyzing financial statements, business trends, and projections.
Experience in small business management, finance, planning and analysis, and/or commercial lending.
Experience engaging one-on-one with clients and speaking to groups.
Proven ability to drive results through cooperation and collaboration, with minimal supervision and a strong focus on detail and accuracy.
Demonstrated capacity to work in an organized manner, both independently and in collaborative settings.
Experience establishing and maintaining professional relationships with external stakeholders and co-workers from diverse social and cultural backgrounds at all levels.
Bilingual English/Spanish.
Experience with permitting and the construction industry.
Relevant government experience.
Ability to work with veterans.

POSITION DETAILS

Job Profile

J0247 - Economic Development Specialist (UC)

To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.

Compensation Grade

G108

Hourly Range

$29.23 - 43.85 USD

The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Exempt

Position Type

Appointed

Time Type

Full time

Department

City Manager

Department Link

https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Government/Office-of-the-City-Manager

Background Check 

This position has been designated to require a criminal background check.  The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.

ABOUT US

Benefits

The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.

Citizenship

The City of Tucson employs only U.S. Citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. Citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Status. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.

City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer

The City does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status.  If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD). 

ADA Accessibility Complaint Form

The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 520-791-2619.   

Recruiter Name

Noelle Smith (103931)

Recruiter Email

[email protected]

For Human Resources general questions please contact 520-791-4241.