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Economic Development Administration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Economic Development Consultant

$94K - $119K/yr

S. Economic Development Administration, state commerce agencies, regional planning organizations, economic-development authorities, or site-selection initiatives. Key Responsibilities * Lead or ...

The Seguin Economic Development Specialist plays a vital role in advancing strategic initiatives through departmental coordination, operational administration, and stakeholder engagement that support ...

Economic Development Director

Berlin, CT · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

This includes real estate acquisition; special projects related to economic development, real estate, and other development projects; as well as grant writing and administration. Spearheads economic ...

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Economic Development Administration information

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$31K

$103K

$155K

How much do economic development administration jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development administration in the United States is $103,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $124,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Economic Development Administrator?

To thrive as an Economic Development Administrator, you need a solid background in economics, urban planning, public administration, and often a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with economic analysis software, grant management systems, and GIS tools is typically required. Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and project management skills help build partnerships and drive community initiatives. These competencies are crucial for effectively designing, implementing, and evaluating programs that promote sustainable economic growth.

What projects or initiatives does an Economic Development Administrator work on, and how do they collaborate with local stakeholders?

Professionals in the Economic Development Administration (EDA) often work on projects such as infrastructure improvements, workforce development programs, and business attraction or retention initiatives in economically distressed communities. Collaboration is central to the role; EDA staff regularly engage with local governments, business leaders, non-profits, and community organizations to identify community needs and design effective grant-funded projects. This collaborative approach helps ensure that initiatives are tailored to local priorities and have strong stakeholder buy-in, making the work dynamic and community-focused.

What degree do you need to work in economic development administration?

A bachelor's degree in economics, public administration, urban planning, or a related field is typically required for roles in economic development administration. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or relevant experience in economic analysis, project management, or policy development.

What is the difference between Economic Development Administration vs Economic Development Specialist?

AspectEconomic Development AdministrationEconomic Development Specialist
RoleFederal agency providing grants and support for regional economic growthProfessional implementing economic development projects at local or regional levels
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in economics, public policy, or related fieldsRequires a degree in economics, urban planning, or related areas; certifications may enhance prospects
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, policy planning, grant managementFieldwork, community engagement, project coordination
Employer & IndustryFederal government, public sectorLocal government, non-profits, consulting firms

While the Economic Development Administration is a federal agency supporting regional growth, the Economic Development Specialist is a professional role focused on executing development projects. Both require similar educational backgrounds, but differ in scope and work environment.

What does the economic development administration do?

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is a federal agency that supports economic growth and job creation in distressed communities through grants, technical assistance, and strategic planning. EDA professionals analyze regional economic data, develop development projects, and collaborate with local stakeholders to promote sustainable economic development.
More about Economic Development Administration jobs
What cities are hiring for Economic Development Administration jobs? Cities with the most Economic Development Administration job openings:
What states have the most Economic Development Administration jobs? States with the most job openings for Economic Development Administration jobs include:
Infographic showing various Economic Development Administration job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,020 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Senior Economic Development Consultant

AlphaHire

Remote

$94K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a Senior Economic Development Consultant to support regional economic-development, site-readiness, expansion-readiness, and strategic-planning engagements for public agencies and regional organizations.
The consultant will help clients assess their competitive position, evaluate industrial and commercial sites, identify barriers to investment, and develop practical strategies for attracting and retaining employers. The ideal candidate has experience working with the U.S. Economic Development Administration, state commerce agencies, regional planning organizations, economic-development authorities, or site-selection initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead or support economic-development strategy and implementation projects.
  • Conduct regional economic, industry, labor-market, and demographic analyses.
  • Assess community and regional readiness for business attraction, expansion, and retention.
  • Evaluate industrial and commercial sites for infrastructure, workforce, transportation, utility, zoning, and development readiness.
  • Develop site-readiness and expansion-readiness frameworks.
  • Identify target industries based on regional assets, workforce capabilities, supply chains, and market conditions.
  • Conduct stakeholder interviews and facilitate sessions with employers, government agencies, utilities, educational institutions, and community partners.
  • Develop recommendations related to infrastructure, workforce, incentives, permitting, business climate, and regional competitiveness.
  • Support EDA-funded planning, implementation, and technical-assistance projects.
  • Prepare clear reports, implementation roadmaps, presentations, and executive summaries.
  • Contribute technical narratives, methodologies, work plans, and qualifications to government proposals.
  • Present findings to public officials, boards, economic-development organizations, and community stakeholders.

Requirements
  • Seven or more years of experience in economic development, regional planning, site selection, or business attraction and retention.
  • Experience working with government agencies, economic-development organizations, or regional planning entities.
  • Demonstrated experience with site-readiness, expansion-readiness, or economic-development strategy projects.
  • Strong understanding of business-location factors, including workforce, infrastructure, utilities, transportation, real estate, and permitting.
  • Experience analyzing economic, demographic, industry, and labor-market data.
  • Strong stakeholder-engagement, facilitation, report-writing, and presentation skills.
  • Ability to convert research findings into actionable economic-development recommendations.