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Community Economic Development Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

City of Milwaukee

ASSOCIATE PLANNER

Milwaukee, WI · Hybrid

Represent the DCD at local and national conferences on planning, zoning, land use, urban design, transportation, environment, community/economic development, and engagement. We welcome qualified ...

Stantec

Civil Engineer - Land Development

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

... communities, mixed-use developments, parks, and recreation facilities. The result: vibrant economic ... centers, resilient neighborhoods, and welcoming places that feel like home. If you're passionate ...

Bakertilly

Engineering Consulting Manager

Milwaukee, WI

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

... economic development and capital planning support, and federal grant advisory with potential ... You enjoy helping private and public organizations meet their financial and community goals.

Ascension

Family Medicine Physician

Racine, WI · On-site

... economic development * Deliver comprehensive, patient-centered primary care, including high-quality diagnostic and treatment services, to improve the health and well-being of the community.

Ascension

Family Medicine Physician

Racine, WI

$168K/yr

... economic development * Deliver comprehensive, patient-centered primary care, including high-quality diagnostic and treatment services, to improve the health and well-being of the community.

Ascension

Family Medicine Physician

Racine, WI

... economic development * Deliver comprehensive, patient-centered primary care, including high-quality diagnostic and treatment services, to improve the health and well-being of the community.

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All JobsCommunity Economic Development JobsCommunity Economic Development Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

Community Economic Development information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$30.5K

$101.5K

$152.7K

How much do community economic development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for community economic development in Milwaukee, WI is $101,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,300.00 and $122,700.00 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 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 Milwaukee, WI? For Community Economic Development jobs in Milwaukee, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Economic Development jobs in Milwaukee, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Community Economic Development jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:
Community Economic Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Economic Development job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,500 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Executive Director, Regional Employment

Carthage College

Kenosha, WI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Carthage College rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

548th of 613 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Executive Director will lead the implementation of a regional strategy designed to attract, retain, and connect young adults in a variety of life circumstances to economic opportunity in the Kenosha/Racine region. The position will transform a strategic vision into an operational system that integrates workforce development, community building, and talent attraction.
Working closely with regional partners, including employers, economic development organizations, municipalities, educational institutions, and community organizations, the Executive Director will start to impact the initiative by building and managing:
  • Workforce Systems: Create a regional employment and career navigation system connecting young adults to increase social mobility across various levels of education and life experiences
  • Data Systems: Collect comprehensive data in a developed ecosystem for both individuals who would benefit from the established system, as well as the existing opportunities in Southeastern Wisconsin, in a sophisticated and longitudinal way.
  • Communication Systems: Identify a marketing and communications strategy to articulate the initiative and connect with the key stakeholders, including young adults and organizations.

This role requires a leader capable of launching complex regional initiatives, building cross-sector partnerships, managing data-driven programs, and establishing Kenosha/Racine as a destination for young workers.
Responsibilities:
Workforce System Development:
  • Build and oversee a regional labor market intelligence system mapping entry-level jobs, wages, career pathways, and skill requirements intended to make connections with the youth of the region.
  • Develop a career navigation infrastructure that provides individualized guidance to young adults typically in the age range of 16-25.
  • Coordinate employer partnerships that support work-based learning programs.

Community Development:
  • Connect young adults across the region through professional and social networks, in concert with community partners, that can develop programming that fosters social connection and retention among early-career workers.

Talent Attraction and Regional Marketing:
  • In collaboration with Marketing and Communication, design and implement a targeted recruitment campaign attracting young adults.
  • Develop data-driven outreach strategies, including digital marketing, geographic targeting, and influencer partnerships
  • Build and maintain a prospect database of potential recruits and manage a multi-stage recruitment funnel that includes a deep relationship with local high schools and community colleges.

Partnership Development:
  • Build strategic partnerships with:
    • Regional employers
    • Economic development agencies
    • Tourism and cultural organizations
    • Educational institutions
    • Municipal governments
  • Align partners around shared goals for workforce growth and talent attraction.

Data, Evaluation, and Impact Measurement:
  • Establish performance metrics focused on outcomes such as:
    • Placement in jobs that create social mobility
    • Retention of young adults in the region to influence population deficits
  • Use data to refine programs and allocate resources to the most effective initiatives.

Resource Development and Financial Management:
  • In concert with others, assist in securing funding through public grants, philanthropy, employer contributions, and institutional partnerships.
  • Develop sustainable financial models for long-term program operation.

Qualifications:
Required:
  • 10+ years of leadership experience in workforce development, economic development, regional planning, or higher education innovation
  • Demonstrated success in launching complex multi-stakeholder initiatives
  • Experience building cross-sector partnerships
  • Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills
  • Exceptional program management and development abilities
  • Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Preferred:
  • Experience in talent attraction, regional workforce systems, or community economic development
  • Background working with higher education institutions
  • Experience building digital platforms or workforce data systems
  • Knowledge of Midwest economic and demographic trends

Key Competencies:
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
  • Systems thinking
  • Coalition building
  • Entrepreneurial leadership
  • Strategic marketing and communications
  • Workforce ecosystem design
  • Community engagement
  • Results-oriented program management

Apply Online
About Carthage
Located on the shore of Lake Michigan in the thriving Chicago-Milwaukee corridor, Carthage College blends the best liberal arts traditions with desirable degree programs, transformative learning opportunities, and personal attention from dedicated faculty and staff. Our beautiful campus, an 80-acre arboretum with stunning lake views, is home to 2,600 undergraduate students and 200 graduate students. Founded in 1847, Carthage is consistently named a Best Midwestern College by The Princeton Review and a Most Innovative School by U.S. News & World Report. All Carthage employees play a vital part in the success of our students, as we work together to create an environment where all can achieve their true potential. Grow with Carthage.
Carthage College is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse community. We welcome applications from a broad spectrum of people, including members of ethnic minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.
This position requires a background screening

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