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Economic Developer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Lead Data Scientist

Oak Brook, IL · Hybrid

$102.60K - $193.43K/yr

Master's degree in data science, statistics, mathematics, econometrics, engineering, or other quantitative field of study Experience: * 5+ years of relevant work experience Knowledge, Skills, and ...

Lead Data Scientist

Oak Brook, IL · Hybrid

$102.60K - $193.43K/yr

Master's degree in data science, statistics, mathematics, econometrics, engineering, or other quantitative field of study Experience: * 5+ years of relevant work experience Knowledge, Skills, and ...

Lead Data Scientist

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$102.60K - $193.43K/yr

Master's degree in data science, statistics, mathematics, econometrics, engineering, or other quantitative field of study Experience: * 5+ years of relevant work experience Knowledge, Skills, and ...

Our analysts and alumni have backgrounds in data science, economics, mechanical and materials engineering, philosophy, journalism, software development, and political science, and have worked in ...

Our analysts and alumni have backgrounds in data science, economics, mechanical and materials engineering, philosophy, journalism, software development, and political science, and have worked in ...

Sr. DevOps Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$134K - $172.20K/yr

In this quickly changing economic landscape, virtual recruiting and remote work are critical for ... Role:Sr. DevOps Engineer Location: Chicago, IL Duration: 6 month Required Skills: Devops Major ...

Whether your background is in data science, astrophysics, economics, biostatistics, operations ... Engineering, or similar); a master's or PhD is a plus. Relevant credentials are a plus (e.g ...

Skills and Experience: • A degree, preferably in Economics, Econometrics, Engineering, Physics, (Applied) Mathematics, Accounting, Information Systems. • Minimum 5 years of professional ...

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Showing results 1-20

Economic Developer information

See Illinois salary details

$15

$64

$98

How much do economic developer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for economic developer in Illinois is $64.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.71 and $83.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

Infographic showing various Economic Developer job openings in Illinois as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,367 per year, or $64.6 per hour.
Tenure-Track, Economics and Finance (Open Rank)

Tenure-Track, Economics and Finance (Open Rank)

North Central College

Naperville, IL • On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Posting Number
F000483
Position Title
Tenure-Track, Economics and Finance (Open Rank)
Department
Economics & Finance
Division
Academic Affairs
Faculty Status
Tenure Track
Supervisor Title
Chair Economics
Status
Full-time Tenure-Track Faculty
Tenure Track
Yes
Salary Range
$90,000 - $115,000
Position Summary
The Department of Economics & Finance in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship at North Central College invites applications for a tenure-track position in Economics and Finance to begin August 1, 2026.
The duties in this role include:1. Provide instruction for both introductory, upper-level, and graduate courses in economics and finance, including personal finance, financial literacy, wealth management, insurance, and transfer pricing.
2. Provide leadership for the Center for Financial Literacy.
  • Build and maintain partnerships with local high schools, nonprofit organizations, employers, alumni, and community partners.
  • Support advancement, donor relations, grant opportunities, and external partnerships related to financial literacy and student financial well-being.
  • Represent the College publicly through presentations, outreach, and media engagement when appropriate.
  • Recruit, supervise, and mentor student workers, interns, or ambassadors connected to Center programming.

3. Develop curricula for new courses and programs.
4. Mentor undergraduate students and engage students in research if possible.
5. Pursue research activities in finance, including writing, dissemination, and presentation of research at national conferences to maintain Scholarly Academic (SA) qualifications.
Basic Qualifications:
  • The successful candidate will have a terminal degree (Ph.D. or DBA) in Economics, Finance or Financial Economics
  • At least 5 years of full time teaching experience at the undergraduate and graduate levels
  • Record of scholarship published in peer reviewed journals
  • Evidence of experience developing or delivering financial literacy, personal finance, or financial education programming
  • Experience with outreach, partnership development, and fundraising
  • Online course development and teaching experience
  • Experience working with diverse student populations and communities including first generation college students

Preferred Qualifications: (not required)
  • Experience leading a center or program focused on financial literacy
  • Demonstrated ability to secure grants, donor support, sponsorships, or external partnerships
  • Record of successful collaboration with K-12 schools, community organizations, or nonprofit partners
  • Experience supervising graduate asssitants, student employees, or interns
  • Certified Financial Planning (CFP®) certification
  • Industry experience in the field of wealth managenet or financial economics

Salary Range:
The budgeted salary range for this position is $90,000 to $115,000.
Only candidates already authorized to work in the U.S. will be considered. North Central College is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
About NCC:
Founded in 1861, North Central College is a selective, comprehensive liberal arts institution of about 3000 students, located in Naperville, IL, a thriving suburb just west of Chicago. The College is in a period of growth with the addition of a $60 million Science Center (2017), and a new Health Sciences and Engineering building (2020). North Central College is within walking distance of the Naperville Metra station and is next to downtown Naperville. The Naperville area is home to many excellent school districts and Naperville, IL has been ranked as one of the best places to live by Money magazine.
North Central College values diversity, equity and inclusion and strongly encourages candidates who would enrich the diversity of the campus community to apply.
Application Window:
Open date: May 25, 2026
Initial review date: June 1, 2026
Apply by initial review date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/academic-affairs/prospective-and-incoming-faculty
Interested candidates should complete and submit an application with all required documentation online at:https://northcentralcollege.peopleadmin.com/postings/15697
For further information, contact Gwendolyn Tedeschi, Chair, Economics & Finance, at gatedeschi@noctrl.edu.
Employment Conditions
An offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of the College's background screening process.
Number of Vacancies
1
Posting Detail Information
EEO Statement
North Central College is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce. North Central College provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need reasonable accommodation, please notify the Office of Human Resource. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Additional Information
The budgeted salary range for this position is $90,000 - $115,000. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, including equivalent years in rank, training, and field or discipline; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs.
North Central College provides a comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
  • All-inclusive medical, dental and vision group insurance
  • Health and dependent care savings plans
  • Employer-paid life, AD&D and disability group insurance
  • 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions
  • Employee assistance plan resources
  • Tuition waiver for full-time employees, spouse and dependent children