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Community Economic Development Jobs in Pontiac, MI

City of St Joseph

Senior Planner

Northville, MI · On-site

$85 - $115/hr

McKenna provides planning, zoning, building, landscape architecture, community and economic development, and urban design assistance to cities, villages, townships, counties, and regional agencies ...

Walker-Miller Energy

IT Development Manager

Detroit, MI · On-site

Our experience driven philosophy of clean energy as economic development helps families and businesses save energy and save money. Through innovative, inclusive initiatives, we help build communities ...

Walker-Miller Energy

IT Development Manager

Detroit, MI · On-site

Our experience driven philosophy of clean energy as economic development helps families and businesses save energy and save money. Through innovative, inclusive initiatives, we help build communities ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsCommunity Economic Development JobsCommunity Economic Development Jobs in Pontiac, MI

Community Economic Development information

See Pontiac, MI salary details

$30.8K

$102.3K

$153.9K

How much do community economic development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for community economic development in Pontiac, MI is $102,315.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,900.00 and $123,600.00 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 job categories do people searching Community Economic Development jobs in Pontiac, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Economic Development jobs in Pontiac, MI are:

What cities near Pontiac, MI are hiring for Community Economic Development jobs?

Cities near Pontiac, MI with the most Community Economic Development job openings:

Community Economic Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Economic Development job openings in Pontiac, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,315 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Economic Development Specialist

ROWE Professional Services Company

Farmington Hills, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

The Company

ROWE Professional Services Company is an employee-owned, full-service professional consulting firm specializing in civil engineering, surveying, aerial photography/mapping, LiDAR, landscape architecture, planning, and land development.

At ROWE, our core values include safety, quality, people, service, and growth. We are seeking a Economic Development Specialist to join our proactive team of ethical, talented, passionate professionals and leaders at our Farmington Hills, MI office.

Position Summary

The Economic Development Specialist supports ROWE clients in identifying, securing, and managing funding for infrastructure and community development projects. This role blends financial strategy, grant writing, regulatory knowledge, and client relationship management to help communities move projects from concept to construction.

Key Responsibilities

Funding Strategy & Planning

  • Collaborate with engineers, planners, and clients to develop comprehensive funding strategies for community development projects.
  • Identify federal, state, and local grant/loan opportunities (e.g., SRF, USDA-RD, Safety, TAP, Bridge, TEDF, CDBG, EPA programs, etc.).
  • Assist in preparing funding feasibility analyses, rate impact studies, and capital improvement funding plans.

Grant & Loan Administration

  • Support business development efforts and proposal preparation.
  • Lead preparation of grant and loan applications, including narratives, budgets, schedules, and benefit analyses.
  • Coordinate required technical documentation with internal design teams.
  • Track legislative and program changes that affect client funding options.
  • Work with project managers to align project scopes and schedules with funding requirements.
  • Maintain funding opportunity databases and internal best practices.

Job Requirements

  • Degree in Public Administration, Finance, Planning, Business, Professional/Technical Writing or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in grant administration, municipal finance, economic development, or A/E consulting.
  • Direct experience with infrastructure funding programs preferred.
  • Certified Grant Administrator or related economic development credentials preferred
  • Strong technical writing experience preferred
  • Knowledgeable of federal/state procurement and compliance
  • Ability to translate engineering concepts into fundable community benefits
  • Relationship-building and presentation skills
  • Project management and deadline coordination
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work remotely and in person effectively

Why Work Here

ROWE offers a highly competitive wage and benefits package which includes:

  • Overtime pay at time and a half.
  • BCBS medical insurance options with industry-low co-shares.
  • Dental, vision, and employer-paid life insurance plan.
  • A generous PTO program and paid holidays.
  • Flex time scheduling and telework opportunities.
  • Traditional and Roth 401(k) options with 4% company match, auto-enroll and target-based funds.

ROWE is truly dedicated to providing a collaborative workspace, rewarding projects, and a business culture that is reputable, ethically minded, and growth driven. With offices in Flint, Lapeer, Farmington Hills, Grand Rapids, Mt. Pleasant, Grayling, Oscoda, MI, and Myrtle Beach, SC, we have lots of opportunity to grow.

WE BUILD CAREERS!

Check us out at:  www.rowepsc.com

Direct Contact Information:

ROWE Professional Services Company

Attn: HR

540 S. Saginaw St., Ste. 200

Flint, MI 48502

employment@rowepsc.com

Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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