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Community Economic Development Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

HWC

Planner

New Albany, IN · On-site

HWC is seeking a Planner to assist Indiana and Kentucky communities in preparing and implementing long-range community and economic development strategies. As a key member of our New Albany planning ...

Indiana University

Sociology Adjunct Ad

Bloomington, IN · On-site

The campus is dedicated to being a strong partner in enhancing the educational, cultural, and economic development of the region it serves through community and civic engagement. Learn more about IU ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsCommunity Economic Development JobsCommunity Economic Development Jobs in Indiana

Community Economic Development information

See Indiana salary details

$29.5K

$98K

$147.5K

How much do community economic development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for community economic development in Indiana is $98,030.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,600.00 and $118,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is community economic development?

Community economic development (CED) is a process where local communities take action to stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life for their residents. This involves initiatives such as supporting small businesses, creating jobs, developing affordable housing, and fostering local leadership. CED often emphasizes collaboration among residents, local organizations, and government to address economic challenges and create sustainable, inclusive growth. The goal is to empower communities to drive their own economic futures while addressing social, environmental, and economic needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Community Economic Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Community Economic Development, you need expertise in economic analysis, project management, and stakeholder engagement, often supported by a degree in economics, urban planning, or public administration. Familiarity with data analysis software, GIS tools, and grant writing platforms is typically required. Strong communication, cultural competency, and leadership skills distinguish top professionals in this field. These qualifications enable effective collaboration and sustainable solutions that drive economic growth and community well-being.

What is the difference between Community Economic Development vs Economic Development Specialist?

AspectCommunity Economic DevelopmentEconomic Development Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in urban planning, public policy, or related fieldsSimilar credentials, often with additional certifications in economic analysis or project management
Work EnvironmentFocuses on local communities, nonprofits, government agenciesWorks in government, consulting firms, or economic development agencies
Employer & IndustryLocal governments, community organizations, non-profitsMunicipalities, economic development agencies, consulting firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in community-focused projectsExploring careers in economic growth strategies

Community Economic Development and Economic Development Specialist roles share similar credentials and work environments but differ in focus. Community Economic Development emphasizes local community projects and nonprofit collaborations, while Economic Development Specialists often work on broader economic growth strategies for municipalities or agencies. Both roles aim to promote economic prosperity but target different scopes within the industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Community Economic Development roles and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Community Economic Development often encounter challenges such as limited funding, balancing diverse stakeholder interests, and navigating complex regulatory environments. Success in this role requires strong communication and negotiation skills to build consensus among community members, local businesses, and government agencies. Proactively seeking out grant opportunities, fostering collaborative partnerships, and staying informed about economic trends can help address these challenges and drive sustainable development projects.
What are popular job titles related to Community Economic Development jobs in Indiana? For Community Economic Development jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Economic Development jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Community Economic Development jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Community Economic Development jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Community Economic Development job openings:
Community Economic Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Economic Development job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,030 per year, or $47.1 per hour.
Grant Writing & Development Specialist

Grant Writing & Development Specialist

State of Indiana

Indianapolis, IN

$53K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

State Of Indiana rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 185 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 50 rated states

Job description

 Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Lieutenant Governor's Office:

The Office of the Indiana Lieutenant Governor’s mission is to strengthen Indiana’s rural economies and communities through capacity building, advocacy, and innovation in agriculture, small business, tourism, defense development, housing, and community economic development. 

Role Overview: 

The Grant Writing & Development Specialist plays a pivotal role in advancing the missions and strategic priorities of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and its supported agencies by serving as the primary driver of grant identification, evaluation, and application development. This position leads the full lifecycle of grant writing, from researching and analyzing funding opportunities to preparing high‑quality, compliant, and competitive grant applications that support programs and initiatives across the Lt. Governor’s Office, OCRA, & ISDA.  Central to the role is the responsibility for crafting clear, aligned, and compelling grant narratives; coordinating required documentation; synthesizing complex program and fiscal details; and ensuring accuracy and compliance throughout the submission process. The Grant Writing & Development Specialist collaborates closely with program teams, finance staff, leadership, and the State Budget Agency to ensure each application is strategically positioned for success and properly integrated into the state’s grants management system.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:
  • This is not a remote position.  In office attendance is required Mon- Fri.
  • Support the initiatives and priorities of the Lieutenant Governor and the agencies under the purview of the Lt. Governor through research, grant development, and coordination activities.
  • Research and proactively seek, from both public and private sector benefactors, grant opportunities relevant to the mission, priorities, and strategic plans of agencies and initiatives under the purview of the Lieutenant Governor.
  • Conduct and prepare detailed analyses of potential grant opportunities, including fiscal impact, staffing implications, operational feasibility, programmatic relevance, and alignment with agency goals.
  • Present grant opportunity summaries, recommendations, and risk/benefit analyses to agency/initiative leadership for consideration and approval.
  • Upon approval, lead the full grant application development process, ensuring completeness, compliance, and timely submission of all required documents.
  • Serve as the primary liaison with the State Budget Agency for grant approval, funding source creation, and grant information entry and tracking as required through the State’s Grants Management System.
  • Collaborate closely with agency/initiative leadership and agency program teams, the Central Business Office finance team, grant compliance staff, and the grant policy & procedure analyst to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance.
  • Following grant award, assemble and lead a cross‑functional Grant Build Team including, at minimum, the program manager, Grant Policy & Procedure Analyst, and this position.
  • Assist with facilitating process mapping, program design, and system setup for newly funded programs in the internal grant management system.
    • Maintain ongoing engagement with each supported agency/initiative leadership to understand shifting missions, priorities, and program strategies.
    • Provide technical assistance, documentation, and guidance to agency/initiative leadership and staff regarding grant preparation, requirements, audit readiness, and best practices.
    • Perform other related duties as needed to meet the goals and objectives of the Grant Services team and the Lt. Governor’s Office.


 

What You'll Need for Success:
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred; experience in grants, public administration, policy, finance, or related field required.
  • Demonstrated experience researching grant opportunities and developing competitive grant applications.
  • Strong analytical skills, including fiscal analysis, staffing impact assessment, and program alignment evaluation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to simplify complex requirements.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with agency staff, finance professionals, agency/initiative leadership, and statewide partners.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities simultaneously.
  • Experience with grant management systems (state systems preferred) or demonstrated ability to learn complex systems quickly.
  • Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and research abilities.
  • Ability to methodically design workflows, map processes, and develop new procedures.
  • Comfort presenting to leadership and explaining complex program information.
  • High level of independence, adaptability, and initiative and comfort working with limited information.
  • Ability to work with discretion and confidentiality.
  • Relationship‑building skills across diverse teams and stakeholder groups.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and balance competing demands.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: 

  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
    • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.

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