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Community Economic Development Jobs in Wisconsin

City of Wauwatosa

Development Director

Milwaukee, WI

$143.06K - $182.79K/yr

... community and furthers the vision of the comprehensive plan, private investment, and ensures long-term economic viability. Manages and directs all Development Department operations and staff. The ...

City of Wauwatosa, WI

Development Director

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$143.06K - $182.79K/yr

... community and furthers the vision of the comprehensive plan, private investment, and ensures long-term economic viability. Manages and directs all Development Department operations and staff. The ...

Employ Milwaukee

Program Specialist

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$59.50K - $65K/yr

Knowledge of current issues, concepts, and practices related to domestic workforce development, community economic development, urban planning, and/or public policy. * Ability to work effectively ...

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$31.3K

$104K

$156.4K

How much do community economic development jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for community economic development in Wisconsin is $103,984.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,300.00 and $125,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Community economic development roles often require specialized knowledge or experience, but some related jobs like sales representatives, administrative assistants, or certain customer service positions can pay around $3,000 monthly without a degree. These jobs typically rely on skills, experience, or certifications rather than formal education and may involve flexible schedules or commission-based pay. Earning potential varies by location and industry, so gaining relevant skills can improve prospects for higher income.

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 the most commonly searched types of Community Economic Development jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Community Economic Development jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Economic Development jobs in Wisconsin? For Community Economic Development jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Economic Development jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Community Economic Development jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Community Economic Development jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Community Economic Development job openings:
Community Economic Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Economic Development job openings in Wisconsin as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 43% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,984 per year, or $50 per hour.

Economic Development Coordinator

City of Janesville, WI

Janesville, WI • On-site

$60.79K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Salary : $60,789.00 Annually
Location : City Hall, 18 North Jackson Street, Janesville, WI
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026.44.170.01
Department: Economic Development
Division: Economic Development
Opening Date: 04/22/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Benefits Earning Potential: $92,106.00
Objective & Relationships
CITY OF JANESVILLE DIVERSITY STATEMENT:
The residents of Janesville choose this community, not just as a place to live, but as a place to realize life's opportunities. We strive to sustain a community culture where differences are recognized, understood, and appreciated. As such, the City of Janesville recognizes the importance of developing an environment where diversity is not merely accepted but embraced and celebrated. As public servants, we believe everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. To this end, we will diligently recruit and retain the most talented employees in an environment that fosters maximizing one's potential. Therefore, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to consider employment with the City of Janesville and serve the residents of "Wisconsin's Park Place".
OBJECTIVE:
Under the general supervision of the Economic Development Director, this position performs responsible coordination and analytical work in facilitating and implementing a comprehensive economic development strategy for the City of Janesville. The Economic Development Coordinator conducts research related to economic development; prepares reports and recommendations to elected and appointed City officials on matters related to economic development initiatives; and responds to requests for information such as market data, tax structure, and economic incentive possibilities and procedures.
RELATIONSHIPS:
Reports to: Economic Development Director
Has regular work contact with appointed and elected City officials, Department, Division, and Office Heads, City employees, business representatives, consultants, developers, architects, community interest groups, other governmental agencies, and the general public.
Supervises: Has no regular supervisory duties.
Essential Duties
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by the incumbent. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Assists with development, implementation, and promotion of on-going economic development strategy to attract new and expand existing commercial and industrial businesses in the City of Janesville.

  • Conducts research of commercial and business prospects; maintains a variety of statistical and demographic information on the City for economic development purposes to provide information to staff, officials, prospects, property owners, and real estate professionals;

  • Assists with the design and implementation of an economic development marketing program to attract new businesses to the City of Janesville by writing news releases and brochures, advertising in trade magazines, visiting business and industry representatives, participating in trade shows, and making public presentations.

  • Assists with the preparation of, and submits project plans, analyses, spreadsheets, and required forms to create, amend, or close Tax Incremental Districts (TIDs); continually updates and monitors the status and performance of TIDs; submits annual TID reports to the State, and coordinates with consultants the City utilizes in the development and maintenance of TIDs.

  • Assists with preparation of, and implements, the goals, objectives and policies of the Economic Development Office; assists in planning and recommending strategies for future economic development initiatives; actively markets economic development programs in order to attract, retain, and grow businesses

  • Maintains a positive local business climate by meeting with local business and industry representatives and determining ways to aid local firms to expand; serves as a resource to local businesses; provides support for various community events.

  • Seeks out, develops, and prepares grant and other applications for funding of local economic development projects on behalf of the City of Janesville and/or local businesses; maintains a clearinghouse of data related to Economic Development programs and grants; submits all required reports in a timely manner.

  • Assists with preparing and negotiating development agreements with new and expanding businesses considering the City of Janesville for their business; coordinates with appropriate City departments to facilitate related development reports and payments and conclude the agreement when a development agreement is reached.

  • Prepares and coordinates with other Federal, State, regional, local and private economic development entities comprehensive incentive proposals for businesses and industries considering locating or expanding in the City of Janesville.

  • Researches and coordinates work between City departments and local businesses to resolve problems and respond to inquiries; assists in obtaining services and assistance for new and existing businesses and industries; provides guidance and coordination to businesses for development approval processes.

  • Coordinates the City of Janesville's Economic Development Office with applicable Federal, state and local governmental and private economic development agencies to minimize duplication of effort and to maximize the effectiveness of available resources.

  • Provides ongoing monitoring of agreements to ensure compliance with City policies; coordinates with the Clerk-Treasurer's Office to issue invoices or payments as necessary for compliance with developer's agreements.

  • Assists with ensuring the Janesville Economic Development Program is compliant with Federal, state and local regulations; completes and maintains required Federal, State and/or local records and reports.

  • Completes required projects, records andreports related to TIDs and economic development, including brownfields, or other related state and federal grants.

  • Coordinates environmental review, evaluation, and effects on behalf of the City or a developer to facilitate projects.

  • Assists in presentations to Plan Commission, City Council, Joint Review Board, Revolving Loan Fund Committee, and other related City specific boards, commissions, or committees.

  • Performs other special projects and duties as assigned or required during regular and non-business hours, including providing support as a part of any City response to essential or emergency operations.

  • All employees may be assigned by the City Manager or their designee to perform duties and assume responsibilities that are outside the scope of their work duties when the City Manager has declared a City disaster or the City Emergency Operations Center has been initiated.

Minimum Position Requirements/Qualifications
The requirements listed below are necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in planning, economic development, marketing, business administration, or related field is required.

  • A minimum of two (2) years of experience in economic development, planning, public administration, real estate, commercial and industrial development or closely related field is required.

  • A valid, state-issued driver's license at time of hire is required.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
The qualifications listed below are preferred, but not required to perform the essential duties of the position. The absence of these qualifications on a candidate's application does not preclude them from consideration.
  • Experience in development-related activities or grant procurement and administration highly desirable.

  • Courses through the International Economic Development Council, and/or a Certified Economic Developer (CED) or Economic Development Financial Professional EDFP certification is highly desirable.

A combination of equivalent experience and/or education as determined by the Human Resources Office may be considered in lieu of minimum requirements.
COMPETENCIES
For successful performance in this position, the incumbent must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors.
Knowledge:
  • Modern theories, principles, practices, and techniques of economic development and urban planning, including general knowledge of zoning and development regulations.

  • Public relations, promotional techniques, and marketing.

  • Laws, statutes, and regulations governing economic development programs.

  • The use and creation of Tax Incremental Districts (TIDs) and implementation of successful TID project plans.

  • The creation, negotiation, and implementation of Tax Increment Financing Development Agreements.

  • Development of business plans and financial statements.

  • The structure, functions, and operations of municipal government.

  • Research methods and statistical techniques used in economic development programs

Skills:
  • Excellent time management, organizational, multitasking, and prioritization skills.

  • High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

  • Exceptional oral and written communication skills, paired with a strong customer service background, and effective interpersonal skills.

  • Working with the public in a fair and consistent manner; maintaining objectivity and excluding personal bias while performing job duties.

  • Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft applications, including Excel, Word, Power Point, Access, and Outlook.

  • Basic proficiency in the use of ESRI ArcView, GIS mapping programs, and Adobe Acrobat.

  • Effective presentation and public speaking skills.

  • Strong ethics base built on integrity, honesty, and respect.

Abilities:
  • Ability to organize, plan, formulate, and research projects and programs; make recommendations, and successfully implement once approved.

  • Ability to analyze financial data as it pertains to real estate development.

  • Ability to effectively make presentations to small and large groups of individuals, manage public speaking obligations, and successfully communicate with the general public.

  • Ability to work independently and efficiently follow established policies, guidelines, and procedures

  • Ability to communicate effectively, both in in verbal and written form, and to follow verbal and written instructions with minimum supervision.

  • Ability to assist in negotiating complex development agreements, drafting legal documents, and preparing Federal and State grant applications

  • Ability to work with the public in a fair and consistent manner, maintaining objectivity and excluding personal bias while performing job duties.

  • Ability to make decisions according to applicable laws, regulations, established procedures, and the directives of the City Manager and City Council.

  • Ability to learn and apply new technology and computerized systems/building systems in order to detect and diagnose operational problems and maintenance needs.

  • Ability to comply with all safety policies, practices, and procedures, and report all unsafe activities or conditions to supervisor.

  • Ability to maintain a valid, state-issued driver's license.

Behaviors:
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City elected and appointed officials, Department, Division, and Office heads, City employees, business representatives, community representatives, vendors, consultants, developers, outside governmental and economic development agencies, and the general public.

  • Exhibit exceptional professionalism, tact, and decorum in all areas of work duties.

  • Maintain confidentiality of the Economic Development Office and the City of Janesville, possess a high level of integrity, adopt a professional work ethic, demonstrate tact and decorum, and exemplify a positive, welcoming, friendly attitude to all.

  • Interact positively with a diverse group of individuals and work effectively both as part of a team and independently.

  • Embrace and actively promote an inclusive and equitable work environment.

  • Conduct all business and working relationships in an accurate, fair, equitable and highly ethical manner.

  • Reliable, timely, and proactive in the completion of duties, meeting deadlines and responding to inquiries.

  • Work with others in a positive and supportive manner to solve problems, generate ideas, and accomplish division and City goals.

Supplemental Information
EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS, AND MACHINES:
Machinery and equipment, including personal computer, printer, telephones, fax machine, copier, scanner, 10-key calculator, Govern and GIS software, and other standardized or specialized office equipment.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL FACTORS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office environment. An indiv...

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