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Community Economic Development Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Campbell County

Intern - Local Government

Rustburg, VA · On-site

$12 - $14/hr

Community * Economic Development * Information Technology * Public Safety * Library * Events & Experiences * Parks & Recreation * Public Works * Communications & Public Relations * Benefits ...

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All JobsCommunity Economic Development JobsCommunity Economic Development Jobs in Virginia

Community Economic Development information

See Virginia salary details

$30.7K

$102.1K

$153.7K

How much do community economic development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for community economic development in Virginia is $102,137.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,800.00 and $123,400.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Community Economic Development jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Community Economic Development jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Economic Development jobs in Virginia? For Community Economic Development jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Economic Development jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Community Economic Development jobs in Virginia are:
Community Economic Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Economic Development job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,137 per year, or $49.1 per hour.

Economic Development Specialist

Goochland County, VA

Goochland, VA • On-site

$45K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Salary: $45,000.00 - $75,000.00 Annually
Location : 1800 Sandy Hook Road, Goochland, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202400267
Department: Economic Development
Opening Date: 06/03/2026
Closing Date: 6/20/2026 11:00 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Goochland County is located in the heart of Central Virginia. Just over 289 square miles of rural countryside, our County is home to just over 26,000 residents and is ideally located within a short drive to beaches or mountain tops. We have great proximity to major cities including Charlottesville and Richmond. Our quality of life is unsurpassed, and our active community welcomes one and all. A community rich in history, the Goochland County Courthouse is widely considered to be the most well-maintained Jeffersonian courthouse in Virginia. Goochland County is the smallest county in the United States to have earned the highest rating from all three credit rating agencies which reflects the County's exceptional financial resilience and is home to an award-winning public-school system.
Description
Works under the direction of the Economic Development Director. This position is responsible for advancing economic initiatives by providing essential administrative support to the department and managing marketing initiatives that promote the County's economic assets. This position will also be responsible for marketing and tourism campaigns highlighting County events, businesses, and attractions.
Essential Functions
  • Provides administrative support to the Deputy County Administrator and to the Director of Economic Development by assisting with calendar management and other administrative tasks.
  • Assists with economic development activities such as business retention and expansion (BRE), small business assistance, and tourism initiatives.
  • Assists with planning and execution of events for Economic Development.
  • Collects, organizes, and analyzes data in accordance with the implementation of the county's Economic Development Plan.
  • Receives and coordinates responses to business requests and inquiries.
  • Responsible for tracking real estate changes in Costar and update IVS system.
  • Assists in supporting the Economic Development Authority through various administrative tasks, including assisting with agenda and minutes creation.
  • Assists in planning and promoting small business and entrepreneurship development programs through partnerships with Goochland Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Center, and other partner organizations.
  • Manages marketing efforts including updating departmental websites, social media channels, hard-copy materials, and media outlets.
  • Collaborates with the Director to develop materials that attract new business and programs to retain existing businesses.
  • Updates and maintains the department's CRM database of existing Goochland County businesses.
  • Assists in curating and publishing content for Goochland Economic Development and Tourism Newsletter.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, and a willingness to learn other programs.
  • Knowledge of standard office procedures and practices.
  • Skill in the use of computers and software applications related to the essential functions of the job.
  • Preferred but not required - basic knowledge of economic development processes and practices in the areas of marketing, tourism, business retention, or local government experience working in Economic or Community Development.
  • Preferred by not required - General knowledge of marketing and marketing material development to include visual aids, brochures, reports and multi-media presentations.
  • Skill in effective communication, both verbally and in writing.
  • Skill in providing customer service.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Ability to think creatively and innovatively.
  • Ability to manage time effectively to achieve specific project objectives in a deadline-driven environment.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in various stages.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other personnel and the public.

Education, Experience and Training
  • High School Diploma.
  • Two (2) years of related experience in administrative assistance, marketing, economic development, tourism, building development process, real estate, community planning, or a related field or equivalent training, education, and/or experience.
  • Valid State of Virginia Driver's License with a driving record that meets HR Policy requirements.
  • Criminal background check and drug screen required.

Other Necessary Requirements
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work is light work, which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. Tasks may require the ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods of time. Additionally, the following physical abilities may be required: bending, reaching, handling, and grasping.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a relatively safe, and secure work environment.
As part of employment with Goochland County, all employees are required to complete Emergency preparedness and incident management training courses as directed or requested.
Goochland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, color, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental disability, family medical history or genetic information, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status that is protected by federal, state or local laws.
Goochland County Government offers an excellent benefits package that includes health, dental and vision, vacation and sick leave as well as retirement benefits for all regular full-time employees. Goochland County participates in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) which requires a 5% mandatory contribution by employees.
PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS: As a prospective employee of Goochland County, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website atore information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at
Please visit our web page for additional information.

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