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Community Economic Development Jobs in Boston, MA

Bentley University

Public Affairs Manager

Waltham, MA · On-site

$78K - $131K/yr

  • PTO

Represent the university at business community events and regional economic development meetings when appropriate. Public Affairs Communications * Draft public affairs content including talking ...

MassDevelopment

TDI Program Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in architecture, planning, economics, community development, political science, public policy, real estate, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and ...

ICIC

Director, Inner City Capital Connections

Boston, MA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... economic opportunity in underserved communities. Success in this role will be measured by ICCC ... Partner closely with ICIC's Development team to support fundraising, grant proposals, reporting ...

ICIC

Director, Inner City Capital Connections

Boston, MA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... economic opportunity in underserved communities. Success in this role will be measured by ICCC ... Partner closely with ICIC's Development team to support fundraising, grant proposals, reporting ...

City of Newton

Planning Associate

Newton Center, MA · On-site

$68K - $92K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborates with other planning staff to plan and implement community or economic development services that meet the needs of the community. Secondary Elements: * Attends and participates in staff ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsCommunity Economic Development JobsCommunity Economic Development Jobs in Boston, MA

Community Economic Development information

See Boston, MA salary details

$33.7K

$111.9K

$168.4K

How much do community economic development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for community economic development in Boston, MA is $111,921.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $135,300.00 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 Boston, MA?

For Community Economic Development jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Community Economic Development jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Economic Development jobs in Boston, MA are:

Community Economic Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Economic Development job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,921 per year, or $53.8 per hour.

Public Affairs Manager

Bentley University

Waltham, MA • On-site

$78K - $131K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Job Description Summary
The Public Affairs Manager supports the university's government relations, community engagement and external partnership efforts. This role helps build and maintain relationships with elected officials, community organizations, business groups and civic partners. The manager assists in developing advocacy strategies, coordinating outreach activities, monitoring policy developments, and supporting public-facing communications. The position reports into the Assistant Vice President, Strategic Communications and maintains a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Vice President for Marketing and Communications / Chief Public Affairs Officer, working closely with the Vice President and other campus partners to advance the university's priorities and strengthen its local and regional presence.
Essential Duties
Government Relations Support
  • Assist in maintaining relationships with local, state and federal elected officials and government agencies.
  • Monitor legislative activity, regulatory changes, and policy trends; prepare summaries and briefings for internal stakeholders; attend meetings and events at city hall and the State House, as necessary.
  • Coordinate logistics for legislative meetings, campus visits, advocacy days and policy-related events.
  • Draft correspondence, briefing materials and talking points for government engagement.

Community & Civic Engagement
  • Build and maintain working relationships with community groups, neighborhood associations, nonprofit organizations and civic leaders.
  • Represent the university at community meetings and events as appropriate.
  • Identify and support community engagement initiatives that align with university priorities and local needs.
  • Manage community concerns and opportunities and communicate them to the vice president and campus leadership.
  • Engage university neighbors with regular updates and information about the university to keep them informed.

Business & Organizational Partnerships
  • Support outreach to local chambers of commerce, industry associations and regional employers.
  • Represent the university at business community events and regional economic development meetings when appropriate.

Public Affairs Communications
  • Draft public affairs content including talking points, stakeholder updates, newsletters, and web content, as needed.
  • Create annual economic impact report that explains the value of the university to the local community.
  • Provide research, coordination and communication support during issues management or crisis situations.
  • Help maintain preparedness plans and stakeholder contact lists.

Administrative & Coordination Duties
  • Maintain databases of government, community and business contacts.
  • Track outreach activities, meetings and follow-up actions.
  • Support budget tracking, consultant coordination and project management for public affairs initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • 3-5 years of related professional experience.
  • Strong relationship building skills and comfort interacting with diverse stakeholders.
  • Solid understanding of legislative processes and community dynamics.
  • Excellent writing, research and communication abilities.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines and work collaboratively.
  • Experience representing an organization in public or policy settings is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, communications or public administration.
  • 3-5 years of experience in government relations, community engagement or public affairs.

Note:
  • We do not expect every candidate to be equally skilled in all of these areas, and this is not a complete list of all relevant qualifications that applicants might have. Reaching talent across a range of backgrounds and experiences is important to us. If you're excited about this role, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles.

Work Environment:
  • Typical office setting with extensive computer work
  • Ability to travel to various sites and locations around campus

Pay Transparency
At Bentley we offer a "total rewards" package designed to attract, motivate, retain, and reward our employees. This includes competitive compensation, robust benefits, career development and opportunities, generous paid time off, workplace flexibility and a positive, engaging employee experience. In alignment with the Massachusetts Pay Transparency Act and our commitment to equity and transparency, we're sharing the salary grade range for this role. The grade range is based on market data and the scope of responsibilities. Final pay will depend on your experience, education, and other relevant qualifications.
Salary Grade Range:
$78,505 - $131,395
If you have questions about the salary grade range or need additional information, please contact us at GA_HR_Employment@bentley.edu.
Bentley University requires references checks and may conduct other pre-employment screening.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Bentley University strives to create a campus community that welcomes the exchange of ideas, and fosters a culture that values differences and views them as a strength in our community.
Bentley University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, building strength through diversity. The University is committed to building a community of talented students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of global business. We strongly encourage applications from persons from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, covered veterans and those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.

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