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Community Economic Development Jobs in Rhode Island

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Community Economic Development information

See Rhode Island salary details

$30.4K

$100.9K

$151.8K

How much do community economic development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for community economic development in Rhode Island is $100,889.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,800.00 and $121,900.00 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 Rhode Island? For Community Economic Development jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Community Economic Development job openings in Rhode Island as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,889 per year, or $48.5 per hour.
Cust & Community Mgmt Speclst

Cust & Community Mgmt Speclst

PPL Corporation

Cumberland, RI

Other

Posted 12 days ago


PPL rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

Company Summary Statement
Rhode Island Energy provides essential energy services to over 770,000 customers across Rhode Island through the delivery of electricity or natural gas. Our team is dedicated to helping Rhode Island customers and communities thrive while supporting the transition to a cleaner energy future. Rhode Island Energy is part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies addressing energy challenges head-on by building smarter, more resilient, and more dynamic power grids and advancing sustainable energy solutions. PPL is a positive force in the cities and towns where we do business, providing support for programs and organizations that empower the success of future generations by helping to build and maintain strong, diverse communities today.
Overview

The Customer & Community Manager (CCM) is an experienced, seasoned and effective representative of RI Energy in the community. The CCM develops and maintains relationships with major accounts, key stakeholders, community and municipal leaders, economic development and other major associations with a strategic focus to enhance RI Energy’s reputation in the community. The role leverages relationships to create third party advocates for RI Energy in the regulatory, policy, and political arenas.  Entities with which the CCM interact with to influence policy include strategic customers, elected officials, town administrators, Chambers of Commerce, economic development agencies, community based organizations, local development councils, and business associations.  The CCM has a thorough knowledge of RI Energy operations and issues, and provides public and community relations input to operations, customer service, and other RI Energy staff. At times, this involves providing leadership on cross-functional company teams to help solve problems and improve processes to ensure that RI Energy has an overall positive impact in the community.


Responsibilities

 - Provide strategic leadership at all levels of the company, and with key stakeholders, to manage issues in communities. Develop and maintain solid working relationships with federal, state and local elected officials and their staffs, providing them with information to enable positive outcomes for RI Energy, and helping them to resolve constituent issues that involve RI Energy.

 - Identify emerging issues that could reflect negatively on RI Energy, work with company personnel and community representatives on these issues and provide leadership to develop and implement solutions.

 - Advocate for the "voice of the customer" and mobilize RI Energy’s functional areas - Customer, Operations, etc. - to provide timely and appropriate responses to identified customer or community needs to increase business to business alignment and customer satisfaction.

 - Manage a wide range of corporate citizenship programs such as sponsorships, support of United Way, and similar programs in which RI Energy has a corporate interest.

 - Serve as a principal RI Energy contact for public officials, business leaders, community leaders, civic organizations, and special interest groups on a wide variety of corporate issues.

 - Be a community leader and an active participant on strategically chosen nonprofit boards.

 - Serve as the key account manager for selected major commercial/industrial customers, universities, hospitals, and state agencies as assigned.

 - Attend meetings and activities, inclusive of business, trade and, as required, City/Town/Village Council sessions outside of normal business hours when necessary and make public presentations as required.

 - Support Operation’s (electric and gas) stakeholder management group, along with identified key distribution communications in advance of major infrastructure upgrades in order to manage community and business owner expectations and demonstrate superior customer service.

Serve as a member of the company's on-call rotation for emergencies and after-hours state and municipal inquiries.

 - Assigned an emergency storm role. This is a special assignment that comes into play during storms and other emergencies when the company needs to restore power or respond to other issues affecting customer service. This role may necessitate the need to work after-hours, outside of your normal schedule.

 - The company reserves the right to determine if this position will be assigned to work on-site, remotely, or a combination of both. Assigned work location may change. In the case of remote work, physical presence in the office/on-site may be required to engage in face-to-face interaction and coordination of work among direct reports and co-workers.

 - Performs other duties as assigned

 - Complies with all policies and standards


Qualifications

Education level

Bachelor's degree or related work experience on a year-for-year basis and 5+ years’ experience in community/public relations and/or energy/utility industry.

Required experience

 - 5+ years relevant experience in community/public relations and/or energy/utility industry

 - Strong oral and written communications skills.

 - Demonstrated leadership capability

 - Ability to manage multiple priorities

 - Proficiency in computer skills, including ability to work with customer/billing systems

 - Demonstrates an energetic and enthusiastic manner, collaboration and negotiation skills, and the ability to bring value to stakeholder relationships.

Preferred qualifications

 - Ten years of relevant business experience.

 - Strong knowledge of state and local government. Extensive community experience.

 - Known, credible presence among community leaders in region.

 - Broad base of knowledge of the utility business.

 - Completely comfortable communicating publicly and via other media channels.

#RIE #INDRIE

Qualifications:

Education level

Bachelor's degree or related work experience on a year-for-year basis and 5+ years’ experience in community/public relations and/or energy/utility industry.

Required experience

 - 5+ years relevant experience in community/public relations and/or energy/utility industry

 - Strong oral and written communications skills.

 - Demonstrated leadership capability

 - Ability to manage multiple priorities

 - Proficiency in computer skills, including ability to work with customer/billing systems

 - Demonstrates an energetic and enthusiastic manner, collaboration and negotiation skills, and the ability to bring value to stakeholder relationships.

Preferred qualifications

 - Ten years of relevant business experience.

 - Strong knowledge of state and local government. Extensive community experience.

 - Known, credible presence among community leaders in region.

 - Broad base of knowledge of the utility business.

 - Completely comfortable communicating publicly and via other media channels.

#RIE #INDRIE

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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