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Community Economic Development Jobs in Birmingham, AL

Advance Local Media

Reporter - Huntsville

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$46K - $57K/yr

Strengthening and empowering all of the communities we serve. News Reporter covering Huntsville ... From rapid population growth and infrastructure challenges to economic development, public safety ...

Da Francesco's

Reporter - Huntsville

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$46K - $57K/yr

Strengthening and empowering all of the communities we serve. News Reporter covering Huntsville ... From rapid population growth and infrastructure challenges to economic development, public safety ...

Gallery Residential

Community Director

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$23.50 - $31.75/hr

Provides input into the development of budget(s) for the property by analyzing and evaluating ... Gathers, analyzes, and interprets current market and economic trends that may impact the property ...

Gallery Residential

Community Director

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$23.50 - $31.75/hr

Provides input into the development of budget(s) for the property by analyzing and evaluating ... Gathers, analyzes, and interprets current market and economic trends that may impact the property ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsCommunity Economic Development JobsCommunity Economic Development Jobs in Birmingham, AL

Community Economic Development information

See Birmingham, AL salary details

$29.1K

$96.6K

$145.3K

How much do community economic development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for community economic development in Birmingham, AL is $96,585.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,400.00 and $116,700.00 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 Birmingham, AL?

For Community Economic Development jobs in Birmingham, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Community Economic Development jobs in Birmingham, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Economic Development jobs in Birmingham, AL are:

Community Economic Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Economic Development job openings in Birmingham, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,585 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Reporter - Huntsville

Birmingham, AL • On-site

Advance Local Media
See more jobs at Advance Local Mediaexternal

$46K - $57K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Strengthening and empowering all of the communities we serve.

News Reporter covering Huntsville, Ala., and the surrounding metro.

If you're driven to uncover stories that matter, hold institutions accountable and help readers better understand the community they call home, AL.com has an exciting opportunity for you.

We're looking for an ambitious, audience-focused reporter to cover Huntsville and the surrounding metro area-one of the fastest-growing regions in the Southeast. As Alabama's largest city and a national hub for aerospace, defense, technology and advanced manufacturing, Huntsville offers no shortage of important stories. From rapid population growth and infrastructure challenges to economic development, public safety and local government, this beat is rich with opportunities to produce journalism that informs, explains and drives meaningful conversations.

The successful candidate will become a trusted source on the issues shaping Huntsville's future, translating complex developments into compelling journalism that resonates with our growing digital audience. This reporter should be curious, competitive, collaborative and eager to build meaningful relationships throughout the community.

The base salary range is $46,000 to $57,000 per year.

The reporter will be responsible for:

  • Delivering daily, audience-focused reporting on Huntsville, Alabama, the state's largest city and a leading technology, aerospace and manufacturing center.
  • Covering the issues that matter most to residents, including government accountability, growth and development, public safety, business, education, transportation and quality of life.
  • Producing a mix of breaking news, enterprise stories and accountability journalism.
  • Using audience metrics and analytics to inform story selection and better understand reader interests.
  • Experimenting with storytelling approaches and digital formats to better engage readers.
  • Cultivating a diverse network of sources that reflects the communities we serve.
  • Building relationships with readers and developing coverage that grows digital subscriptions.

To be successful in this role, you'll have:

  • A degree in journalism, communications or a related field, or equivalent education and experience.
  • At least three years of professional journalism experience with a demonstrated ability to produce clear, compelling and accurate reporting.
  • Strong news judgment and the ability to identify stories with meaningful impact.
  • The ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting daily deadlines.
  • Experience producing breaking news as well as deeper enterprise and investigative stories.
  • Strong interviewing, source-building and storytelling skills.
  • The ability to work collaboratively across teams.
  • Experience with photography, video and social media is highly desirable.
  • Experience obtaining and analyzing public records and data is a plus.
  • Adaptability in a rapidly evolving digital newsroom.
  • Reliable transportation to meet with sources and cover events throughout the Huntsville metro area.

Huntsville is one of America's fastest-growing metropolitan areas, fueled by innovation in aerospace, defense, technology and advanced manufacturing. Home to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and major employers including Blue Origin, Toyota and Meta, the region continues to experience significant economic and population growth.

That growth brings important questions about housing, infrastructure, education, transportation, public investment, equity and government accountability. This is a beat for a reporter who wants to explain the forces shaping a changing community and produce journalism that makes a lasting impact.

Apply