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Economic Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Downey

Economic Development Manager

Downey, CA · On-site

$93K - $115K/yr

... with developers, brokers, commercial real estate professionals, site selectors, and business ... Demonstrated knowledge of Economic development; knowledge of economics and procedural requirements ...

MRB Group

Economic Development Analyst

Rochester, NY · On-site

MRB Group, Engineering, Architecture & Surveying, D.P.C. ( www.mrbgroup.com ) is a growing firm ... We are currently seeking an Economic Development Analyst to support our team of economic ...

City of Perris

Economic Development Manager

Perris, CA · On-site

$70.72 - $94.78/hr

Economic Development Opening Date: 08/06/2026 Closing Date: 8/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific DEFINITION ... Render technical assistance to private developers, citizen groups, nonprofit foundations, public ...

Jobtailor

Economic Consulting Associate

California, MO · On-site

$65 - $110/hr

Experience with statistical, econometric and programming tools such as Excel, Stata, R, Python, SQL or similar platforms is preferred * Fluency with AI tools is desirable * Candidates must be able to ...

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Economic Developer information

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How much do economic developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 is an economic developer?

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 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 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.

How much do economic developers make?

Economic developers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior or specialized roles can pay over $100,000, especially in larger organizations or regions with a high cost of living. The role often requires strong communication, project management skills, and knowledge of economic development tools and policies.
More about Economic Developer jobs

What states have the most Economic Developer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Economic Developer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Economic Developer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Developer jobs are:

Economic Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Developer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,662 per year, or $66.7 per hour.

Chief Economic Development Officer, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership

MONTGOMERY COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Evansville, IN • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

The Chief Economic Development Officer (CEDO) serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for the strategic direction, execution, and performance of regional economic development initiatives for the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP).

This role provides visionary leadership to drive business attraction, retention, expansion, and overall economic vitality across the Evansville Region. The CEDO leads the development and implementation of strategies that generate job growth, capital investment, and increased regional competitiveness while aligning public and private sector partners around shared economic priorities.

The CEDO operates with a high degree of autonomy and accountability, serving as the primary leader for economic development efforts and as a principal representative of the organization to business leaders, site selectors, government officials, and regional stakeholders.

Scope of Work Strategic Leadership & Economic Development Execution
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive regional economic development strategy aligned with E-REP’s mission and strategic plan
  • Establish measurable goals related to job creation, capital investment, business growth, and regional competitiveness
  • Lead the identification, pursuit, and execution of economic development projects, including business attraction and expansion opportunities
  • Maintain and manage a robust pipeline of prospective projects and investments
  • Monitor economic trends, industry shifts, and competitive positioning to inform strategy
Business Attraction, Retention & Expansion (BRE)
  • Build and maintain relationships with site selectors, developers, corporate executives, and industry leaders
  • Oversee and continuously improve Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) programs to support existing employers
  • Lead responses to Requests for Information (RFIs), site visits, and project negotiations
  • Position the Evansville Region as a competitive location for targeted industries
Stakeholder & Government Relations
  • Serve as a primary liaison to local, regional, and state government officials, economic development partners, and funding entities
  • Cultivate strong partnerships with municipalities, counties, utilities, educational institutions, and regional organizations
  • Align public and private sector stakeholders around shared economic development priorities
  • Represent E-REP in regional, state, and national economic development forums
Organizational & Team Leadership
  • Provide leadership, direction, and oversight for the Economic and Community Development team
  • Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and accountability measures for staff
  • Build organizational capacity through effective team structure, systems, and processes
  • Foster a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement
  • Ensure alignment between economic development, workforce, marketing, and entrepreneurship initiatives
Funding, Partnerships & Resource Development
  • Support the development and execution of public and private funding strategies, including contracts, grants, and fee‑for‑service models
  • Collaborate with executive leadership to align economic development initiatives with organizational revenue goals
  • Identify and secure resources necessary to advance strategic initiatives and major projects
  • Ensure responsible stewardship of budgets and financial resources within the department
Executive Leadership & Communication
  • Serve as a key advisor to the President & CEO on economic development strategy and regional priorities
  • Provide regular updates to the CEO, Board of Directors, and key stakeholders on progress, challenges, and opportunities
  • Represent E-REP publicly with professionalism, credibility, and a strong executive presence
  • Maintain clear and consistent communication across internal teams and external partners
Performance Metrics & Success Measures

The Chief Economic Development Officer is accountable for delivering measurable outcomes that advance the economic vitality and competitiveness of the Evansville Region. Performance will be evaluated based on a combination of quantitative results and strategic impact, including:

Economic Impact
  • Number of jobs created and retained within the region
  • Total capital investment generated from economic development projects
  • Number and quality of business attraction and expansion projects completed
  • Growth and health of the active project pipeline
Business Engagement & Regional Competitiveness
  • Number and effectiveness of Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) engagements
  • Responsiveness and success rate on Requests for Information (RFIs) and site selection inquiries
  • Strength and growth of relationships with site selectors, developers, and corporate decision-makers
  • Positioning of the Evansville Region within target industries and markets
Revenue & Resource Development
  • Securing and managing public sector contracts, grants, and funding agreements tied to economic development initiatives
  • Development and execution of fee‑for‑service models or partnership-based funding strategies
  • Contribution to organizational revenue goals through economic development programming and partnerships
  • Alignment of economic development initiatives with sustainable funding sources
Organizational Leadership
  • Effectiveness in building and leading a high‑performing Economic and Community Development team
  • Implementation of efficient systems, processes, and reporting structures
  • Cross‑functional alignment with workforce, marketing, and entrepreneurship initiatives
  • Retention, development, and engagement of team members
Stakeholder & Community Impact
  • Strength and effectiveness of partnerships with public and private stakeholders
  • Engagement with local, regional, and state leadership
  • Advancement of strategic regional priorities and initiatives
  • Overall contribution to the reputation and influence of E-REP
Qualifications & Experience Education
  • Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in economic development, public administration, business, or related field preferred
Experience
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, business development, public‑private partnerships, or a related field
  • Demonstrated success in leading economic development initiatives that result in job creation, capital investment, and business growth
  • Experience working with or within government entities, regional partnerships, or economic development organizations
  • Proven ability to develop and manage relationships with corporate executives, site selectors, developers, and key stakeholders
  • Experience securing funding through public contracts, grants, or partnership‑based revenue models strongly preferred
  • Prior leadership experience managing teams, budgets, and complex initiatives
Core Competencies
  • Strategic Leadership – Ability to develop long‑term strategies, anticipate economic trends, and position the region for sustained growth
  • Business Acumen – Strong understanding of economic drivers, financial analysis, deal structuring, and market dynamics
  • Relationship Management & Influence – Skilled at building trust and credibility with diverse stakeholders, including executives, elected officials, and community leaders
  • Execution & Results Orientation – Proven ability to move initiatives from concept to completion and deliver measurable outcomes
  • Political & Organizational Awareness – Understands the dynamics of public‑private partnerships and can navigate complex environments effectively
  • Communication & Executive Presence – Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to represent the organization at the highest levels

This position is open until filled. For consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume to Todd Jorgenson at EREP@jorgensonpace.com. Upon receipt, resume and cover letter will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this brochure. Candidates selected for an interview will be contacted by Jorgenson Pace.

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