Economic Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $111,867.00 - $184,581.00 Annually
Location : Palm Bay, FL
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2771
Department: Community & Economic Development
Opening Date: 04/29/2026
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: General Employee
MINIMUM TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
Click to view the Economic Development Brochure
The following education and experience will be accepted:

• Bachelor's degree, or higher (Master's Degree preferred) in Urban Planning, Business Administration, Public Administration, Marketing, Economics, or a related field, plus a minimum of six (6) years' experience in economic or community development, business assistance, commercial development and permitting, and/or workforce development; OR
• Associate degree in a related field, plus a minimum of ten (10) years' experience in economic or community development, business assistance, commercial development and permitting, and/or workforce development.

Experience in local government or a public agency setting preferred. Minimum of five (5) years of responsible supervisory experience required. Candidate should have an understanding of economic development practices and general familiarity with the land use planning and zoning processes. Outstanding interpersonal, written and verbal communications skills are required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required. Must possess a valid Florida's Driver's License and have and maintain an acceptable, safe driving record.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Certified Economic Developer (CED) designation from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) highly preferred. Experience in Florida real estate is desired.
EMERGENCY DECLARATION STATUS
Essential Employees may be required to work during an undeclared emergency and/or declared emergency. On an incident-by-incident basis, the employee's Department Head will make the determination as to who will be required to work.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Under limited supervision, provides strategic leadership and direction for the City's economic development initiatives. Responsible for advancing business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts, workforce development, key redevelopment projects, and administration of local incentive programs. Serves as the City's lead representative and brand ambassador for economic development, fostering strong relationships with business leaders, developers, regional partners, and community stakeholders to promote Palm Bay as a premier destination for business investment and job creation. This position will play a pivotal role in implementing strategic initiatives focused on placemaking, bayfront redevelopment, enhancing the City's commercial and industrial capacity, and the growth of key targeted industries that diversify Palm Bay's economic base. Responsible for guiding the City's efforts to cultivate a vibrant and sustainable economy aligned with the community's vision and strategic priorities. Maintains commitment to ethical practices, transparency, and public service. Reports to the Deputy City Manager.
SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBLITIES
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Develops, implements, and manages a comprehensive economic development strategy to attract, retain, and expand businesses within the city.
Leads strategic initiatives to strengthen Palm Bay's competitive position in key industries, with a particular emphasis on aerospace and defense manufacturing.
Serves as the City's primary liaison to existing and prospective businesses, developers, chambers of commerce, state and regional economic development agencies, and educational institutions.
Oversees redevelopment and placemaking efforts, including the bayfront and the Compound, aligning physical development with economic and community goals.
Manages and evaluates economic incentive programs; develops policy recommendations to ensure transparency, competitiveness, and effectiveness.
Conducts market research and economic analysis to inform strategic planning and decision-making.
Directs and supervises assigned staff, providing leadership, mentoring, and performance management to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
Manages the division budget, ensuring responsible fiscal oversight and alignment with City priorities.
Represents the City at community events, professional conferences, and public meetings; deliver presentations to City Council, boards, and business groups.
Collaborates with local and regional partners to develop workforce training and talent pipeline initiatives that meet employer needs.
Prepares reports, grant applications, and performance metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and communicate results.
Manages the activities of consultants retained for economic development activities.
Participates in negotiations related to development agreements.
Oversees the strategic sale and acquisition of City-owned surplus properties by working with contracted real estate broker(s) to maximize value and ensure highest and best use that align with the City's comprehensive plan.
Initiates, establishes, and seeks funding to support programs to meet emerging economic development needs.
Leads staff in achieving milestones and benchmarks set by City Council, City Manager, and adopted strategic plans.
Responsible for providing high quality, responsive customer service to both internal and external customers of the department. Expected to promote interdepartmental collaboration, build employee morale, and foster a workplace culture of integrity.
Monitors internal controls for fraud, errors, and omissions within the department.
ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Performs other related work as required.
This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.
This position is a Department Director and is covered under Personnel Policies and Administrative Code.
Health Insurance: Health care plan options include HDHP, OAPIN and OAP through Cigna.
Dental Insurance: Dental coverage is offered in three plans that include DHMO & PPO High/Low plans.
Vision Insurance: Vision coverage includes an annual eye exam, frames and lenses or contact lenses in lieu of eyeglasses.
Life Insurance: The City of Palm Bay provides each employee with life insurance in the amount of two times their annual base salary at no cost. Additional coverage is available at the employee's cost up to the Guaranteed Issue amount of $250,000.
Dependent/Spouse Life Insurance: The City of Palm Bay provides each employee with dependent/spouse life insurance in the amount of $5,000 per dependent at no cost. Additional coverage is available at the employee's cost.
Short Term Disability: Coverage pays 66 2/3% of employee's annual base salary during a short-term disability period not to exceed 26 weeks.
Long Term Disability: Coverage pays 66 2/3% of employee's salary at time of disability after a 180 consecutive day waiting period.
Executive Defined Contribution Retirement Plan: City contributes a base of 3.75%. Employees may contribute up to 9.75% and the City will match the employee's contribution up to 6%.
Holidays: 11 holidays and 1 birthday holiday and 1 floating holiday.
Paid Leave: You accrue 96 hours of vacation and sick leave per year. Accrued vacation hours increase after 10 years of service. Administrative leave - 80 hours per year.
01
Please select the answer that best describes your highest level of education?

• Master's degree in Urban planning, Business Administration, Public Administration, Marketing, Economics or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Urban planning, Business Administration, Public Administration, Marketing, Economics or a related field.
• Associate's degree in Urban planning, Business Administration, Public Administration, Marketing, Economics or a related field.
• None of the above

02
Please select the answer below that best describes the number of years' experience in Economic or Community Development, Business Assistance, Commercial Development and Permitting, and/or Workforce Development?

• No related experience
• Less than 6 years
• 6 to 7 years
• 8 to 9 years
• 10 or more years

03
Do you have an understanding of Economic Development practices and general familiarity with the land use planning and zoning processes?

• Yes
• No

04
Have you worked in a local government or public agency setting?

• Yes
• No

05
Do you have experience in Florida real estate or market conditions?

• Yes
• No

06
If yes to the answer above, please explain briefly.
07
Have you worked in a local government or public agency setting?

• Yes
• No

08
If yes to the answer above, please explain briefly.
09
How many years of responsible supervisory experience do you possess?

• Less than 5 years
• 5 or more years
• None

10
Do you possess outstanding interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills?

• Yes
• No

11
Do you hold a Certified Economic Developer (CED) designation from the International Development Council (IEDC)?

• Yes
• No

12
Are you proficient in using Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)?

• Yes
• No

13
Do you possess a valid Driver's License and maintain an acceptable safe driving record

• Yes
• No

Required Question