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Community Economic Development Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Town Manager

Clarksville, IN · On-site

$145 - $165/hr

Committed to employee development, community engagement, and exceptional customer service ... Experience with economic development, redevelopment, strategic planning, brownfield remediation ...

Employer Consultant

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Participates in local business organizations to further develop understanding of markets and communities to build relationships with employers, community organizations, and economic development ...

Participates in local business organizations to further develop understanding of markets and communities to build relationships with employers, community organizations, and economic development ...

Employer Consultant

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Participates in local business organizations to further develop understanding of markets and communities to build relationships with employers, community organizations, and economic development ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 22, 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 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 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.

Is community economic development a good career path?

Community economic development is a viable career that involves planning and implementing strategies to improve local economies and quality of life. It often requires skills in project management, policy analysis, and community engagement, with opportunities in government agencies, non-profits, and consulting firms. Job stability and growth depend on regional funding and economic conditions.

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:

Infographic showing various Community Economic Development job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,030 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Director of Planning, Indiana

American Structurepoint

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Overview

Join American Structurepoint and become part of a team that goes the extra mile for our clients and communities. We live by our values - respect, staff development, results and family. Our team is encouraged to explore new ideas and turn our clients' dreams into reality. With exceptional benefits, training, and mentorship, we pave the way for a rewarding career. Ready for more than just a job? Explore opportunities with us and help improve the quality of life in the communities we serve.

Group: Planning + Economic Development 

Position: Director of Planning, Indiana

Location: Indianapolis, IN (on-site)

The Director of Planning, Indiana will drive business growth, strategic partnerships, and market positioning for planning and landscape architecture services. This role focuses on pipeline development, client relationships, proposal leadership, and cross-selling opportunities across disciplines.

The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, relationship-focused, and skilled at turning opportunities into successful engagements. This role provides strategic direction, establishes professional standards, ensures final quality assurance, and supports scalable growth by maintaining a strong pipeline of work and a sustainable backlog for the discipline.

Responsibilities
  • Lead business development strategy, market analysis, and annual sales plans.
  • Build and maintain client relationships; identify new opportunities and partnerships.
  • Oversee proposal responses (RFPs/RFQs), interviews, and fee strategies.
  • Coordinate with group leaders and PMs on workload forecasting and resource needs.
  • Track performance metrics (win rates, pipeline health, revenue targets).
  • Guide marketing collateral, case studies, and thought leadership content.
  • Support grant and funding strategies where applicable.
  • Manage high-profile projects to successful completion.
  • Serve as the firm's primary planning representative for Indiana, maintaining relationships with key municipal, county, regional, and economic development organizations.
  • Mentor Project Managers and technical staff to strengthen delivery capabilities.
  • Identify staffing needs and participate in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and succession planning for the discipline.

Practice & Delivery Leadership

  • Lead and oversee the development of key client projects.
  • Provide strategic vision, structure, and standards to ensure consistent, high-quality deliverables.
  • Maintain a forward-looking backlog and support development of a sustainable pipeline of work.
  • Own resolution of recurring delivery challenges across projects, including staffing, workflow, or standards issues.
  • Ensure teams function effectively under changing or imperfect conditions.
  • Build and refine discipline workflows, templates, systems, and best practices.
  • Provide strategic direction and ensure coherence across major deliverables.
  • Conduct final reviews of near-complete plans, documents, or design concepts, focusing on strategy, quality, and alignment.
  • Establish professional standards, narrative expectations, and technical approaches appropriate to the discipline.
  • Maintain leadership-level client relationships to support continuity and repeat work.
  • Provide high-level direction for presentations, agendas, progress reporting, and client communications.
  • Develop and manage annual business plans, revenue goals, profitability targets, and backlog objectives for the Indiana planning practice.
  • Monitor discipline performance metrics, including backlog health, multipliers, revenue projections, production factors, accounts receivable, and billing variance.
  • Coordinate planning efforts with transportation, civil engineering, environmental, architecture, surveying, and other disciplines to maximize client value and cross-selling opportunities.
  • Evaluate emerging planning trends, legislation, funding programs, and client needs to position the Indiana practice for long-term success.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Marketing, Business, or related field
  • 10 or more years of experience in business development or client services in AEC/urban planning
  • Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
  • Experience leading proposals and interview teams
  • Familiarity with municipal procurement, grants, and funding programs
  • CRM proficiency and pipeline management experience

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

  • Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer
  • Ability to lift up to 10-15 pounds
  • Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching as required
  • Occasional travel may be required
  • Regular, reliable attendance and punctuality
Employment Type: FULL_TIME