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Economic Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director of Economic Development

Medford, MA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.0K/wk

Director of Economic Development DEPARTMENT : Planning, Development, and Sustainability HOURS OF ... Engages with business owners and real estate developers to understand their needs, long-term goals ...

Economic Development Director

Roxboro, NC · On-site

$99K - $154K/yr

Prefer Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or North Carolina Certified Economic Developer (NCCED). Person County conducts pre-employment screening on candidates. Job offers are conditional pending ...

In this role, you will analyze economic trends, market conditions, and business data to provide ... Experience with statistical programming languages such as Python, R, SAS, or Stata . * Knowledge of ...

Economic Development Analyst

Roswell, GA · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Stakeholder Engagement and Business Intelligence Collaborates with developers, business leaders ... Economic Development Program Evaluation Measures and evaluates the effectiveness of economic ...

Economic Development Director

Victoria, TX · On-site

$110K - $134K/yr

This position serves as a primary liaison with developers, business leaders, regional partners, and ... Coordinates economic development efforts between, but not limited to, including the City, Victoria ...

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Economic Developer information

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$16

$66

$101

How much do economic developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for economic developer in the United States is $66.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.15 and $85.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

In the field of economic development, high-level executive roles such as Chief Economic Officer or Chief Executive Officer can earn salaries exceeding $1 million annually, especially in large organizations or corporations. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong leadership skills, often complemented by performance-based bonuses and stock options.

What does an economic developer do?

An economic developer works to improve the economic well-being of a community by attracting new businesses, supporting existing industries, and creating jobs. They analyze economic data, develop strategic plans, and collaborate with government, businesses, and community stakeholders to promote growth and development.

What are some common challenges Economic Developers face when working with local businesses and government agencies?

Economic Developers often work at the intersection of public and private interests, which can present challenges such as aligning the goals of local businesses with municipal regulations or community needs. Navigating complex approval processes, securing funding, and balancing economic growth with sustainable development are frequent hurdles. Effective communication and relationship-building skills are essential, as the role requires ongoing collaboration with government officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders to create win-win solutions.

What are Economic Developers?

Economic Developers are professionals who work to improve the economic well-being and quality of life in a community or region. They do this by attracting new businesses, supporting existing companies, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable economic growth. Their responsibilities often include planning and managing development projects, securing funding, and collaborating with government agencies, businesses, and community groups. Economic Developers play a vital role in shaping the economic future of the areas they serve.

What is the difference between Economic Developer vs Urban Planner?

AspectEconomic DeveloperUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in economics, business, or related field; often certifications in economic developmentBachelor's or master's in urban planning, geography, or related field; planning certifications
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, economic development organizations, consulting firmsMunicipalities, government agencies, private planning firms
Employer & Industry UsageFocuses on attracting and retaining businesses, job creation, economic growthFocuses on land use, zoning, community development, and urban design

While both roles aim to improve communities, Economic Developers primarily focus on economic growth and business attraction, whereas Urban Planners concentrate on land use and community development. They often collaborate but serve different core functions within urban development projects.

What are economic development jobs?

Economic development jobs involve planning and implementing strategies to improve the economic well-being of a community or region. Roles often include attracting new businesses, supporting existing industries, and fostering job creation, requiring skills in research, project management, and stakeholder engagement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Economic Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Economic Developer, you need a solid background in economics, business administration, or urban planning, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in public or private sector development. Familiarity with data analysis tools, geographic information systems (GIS), and economic modeling software, as well as certifications like CEcD (Certified Economic Developer), are typically valuable. Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills set top performers apart in this field. These competencies are crucial for crafting effective development strategies, securing investments, and fostering sustainable economic growth within communities.
More about Economic Developer jobs
What states have the most Economic Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Economic Developer jobs include:
Economic Development Director

$99K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

"Everything is Better in Person" Summary Objective Person County Government is seeking an experienced, visionary, and results-oriented professional to serve as its next Economic Development Director. Please click HERE to review the recruitment brochure.   For the detailed job description, click HERE.

To learn more about Economic Development, click HERE. The starting salary will be determined with consideration given to both the candidate's educational background and relevant work experience. Must possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record per County policy.

This is an exempt position working 37.5 hours weekly/1950 hours annually. Essential Functions The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary

Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals. Coordinates, assigns, and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed. Serves as the primary point of contact for prospective industries and businesses exploring location or expansion opportunities; coordinates site visits, arranges meetings with local officials, researches available properties, and facilitates communication throughout construction or facility development.

Assesses labor supply and utility capacity and collaborates with partners to support a well-trained, available workforce. Develops and implements marketing materials to promote economic development in the County and the City, including brochures, flyers, booklets, advertisements, website updates, videos, and related outreach tools. Builds and maintains a network of contacts to identify potential industrial parks and sites; monitors development activity and collaborates with educational institutions, local governments, and other partner agencies.

Identifies, prepares, and manages grant opportunities to support infrastructure development. Researches, writes, and oversees grant applications and administration; assists with County Government grant efforts, as assigned by the County Manager. Maintains regular communication and positive working relationships with state economic development officials, community leaders, and representatives from businesses, agribusinesses and industries of all sizes.

Maintains up-to-date records and inventories of available sites and buildings and reports changes to state economic development staff. Tracks and organizes data related to labor wages, demographics, economic trends, utilities, retail activity, small business development, building permits, financial indicators, educational resources, and growth announcements. Prepares annual budget recommendations for the department and establishes yearly goals and performance objectives.

Serves as the chief staff officer to the County Economic Development Commission. Supports initiatives to strengthen the local economy, including agricultural development efforts, and assists with implementation of action items within the Farmland Preservation Plan. Coordinates activities and maintains partnerships with a broad range of local, regional, and state organizations, including the NC Department of Commerce, Research Triangle Reginal Partnership (RTRP), North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA), Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), and others.

Collaborates with the City of Roxboro to share information related to utilities as a recruitment asset and provides input to guide future utility planning and expansion. Keeps City and County leadership informed regarding prospects, projects, and activities involving potential businesses or industries. Attends meetings of local and regional economic development organizations and partner groups to support coordinated growth and development efforts.

Performs related work as assigned. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Bachelor's Degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning or related discipline. Six (6) years of economic development or related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Special Certifications and Licenses Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history. Prefer Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or North Carolina Certified Economic Developer (NCCED). Person County conducts pre-employment screening on candidates.

Job offers are conditional pending the following: A pre-employment drug screen for all candidates. Positions designated by Person County as Safety Sensitive are also subject to random drug and alcohol testing. A background check for all candidates.

Some positions also require a credit check. Additional screening and testing required for some positions. Within 3 days of the start of your employment with the County, you must be able to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the US.

Person County Government is an Equal Opportunity/E-Verify Employer