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Economic Development Analyst Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Finance, Economics, or a related field and/or real estate work experience in real estate analysis, development, or investment * Strong understanding of real estate ...

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Sr. Financial Analyst

Nashville, TN · On-site

$82K - $102K/yr

... acquisition, development, and accounting/finance Market Research and Analysis * Conduct comprehensive market research on real estate trends, property values, and economic factors * Analyze ...

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Showing results 21-40

Economic Development Analyst information

See Tennessee salary details

$28.1K

$66.5K

$118K

How much do economic development analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development analyst in Tennessee is $66,493.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,600.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an economic development analyst do?

An Economic Development Analyst researches and evaluates economic data to help governments, organizations, or communities make informed decisions about growth and development strategies. They analyze trends, assess the impact of proposed projects, and identify opportunities to stimulate local economies. Their work supports policy-making, investment decisions, and community planning with the goal of promoting sustainable economic growth and job creation.

What are some common challenges economic development analysts face when working with local governments or community stakeholders?

Economic Development Analysts often encounter challenges such as balancing the diverse interests of local governments, businesses, and community members. Navigating conflicting priorities—such as economic growth versus environmental concerns—can require strong communication and negotiation skills. Additionally, analysts must frequently interpret complex data to make recommendations that align with long-term strategic plans, sometimes with limited resources or tight deadlines. Building positive relationships with stakeholders and staying adaptable are key to overcoming these obstacles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an economic development analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Economic Development Analyst, you need strong skills in economic research, data analysis, and report writing, typically supported by a degree in economics, urban planning, or a related field. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, Stata, or R), GIS tools, and economic modeling systems is highly beneficial. Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and stakeholder engagement abilities help analysts present findings and collaborate with public and private partners. These skills are essential for providing actionable insights and supporting policies that drive sustainable regional growth.

What is the difference between Economic Development Analyst vs Urban Planner?

AspectEconomic Development AnalystUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in economics, urban planning, or related field; often some certificationsBachelor's or master's in urban planning, geography, or related field; certifications like AICP
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, economic development organizations, consulting firmsMunicipalities, government agencies, private planning firms
Industry UsageFocuses on economic growth, business attraction, and development projectsFocuses on land use, zoning, community development, and spatial planning

While both roles involve planning and development, Economic Development Analysts primarily focus on economic growth strategies and business development, whereas Urban Planners concentrate on land use, zoning, and community design. Both roles often collaborate but serve different aspects of community and economic growth.

What degree do you need to work in economic development?

Economic development analysts typically need at least a bachelor's degree in economics, public policy, urban planning, or a related field. A master's degree or relevant certifications can enhance job prospects and advancement opportunities.

What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Analyst jobs in Tennessee?

For Economic Development Analyst jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Economic Development Analyst jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development Analyst jobs in Tennessee are:

Infographic showing various Economic Development Analyst job openings in Tennessee as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,493 per year, or $32 per hour.

Program Officer, Knox Good Food Fund

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Knoxville's Community Development Corporation
Individual, Family and Community Social Assistance • 51 - 200 employees

$60K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

About KCDC
For nearly 90 years, Knoxville's Community Development Corporation (KCDC) has invested in affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, and community development. KCDC believes strong neighborhoods require more than housing. They require access to opportunity.
Today, KCDC is expanding that commitment by developing community investment tools that increase access to capital, strengthen local businesses, and create pathways to opportunity for entrepreneurs and underserved communities.
About the Knox Good Food Fund
The Knox Good Food Fund is a mission-driven revolving loan fund designed to expand access to flexible capital for food retailers and food enterprises serving Knoxville and Knox County.
The Fund will combine responsible lending with access to technical assistance and other forms of support to help food businesses start, grow, and strengthen the regional food economy. It is being developed through a partnership among KCDC, United Way of Greater Knoxville, Real Good Kitchen Foundation, financial institutions, and other community partners.
Position Summary
The Program Officer will serve as the primary staff member responsible for coordinating the day-to-day administration of the Knox Good Food Fund. This position will help launch and grow the Fund by expanding access to capital, supporting food entrepreneurs, and strengthening the regional food economy.
During the Fund's launch, the Program Officer will work closely with KCDC leadership and the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA), KCDC's lending consultant, to help develop and implement the Fund's lending framework, policies, underwriting standards, documentation, and operational systems. As the portfolio grows, the Program Officer will coordinate borrower intake, loan applications, credit analysis and underwriting support, loan closings, servicing, portfolio monitoring, and reporting.
The ideal candidate brings practical banking or lending experience and is interested in applying that experience in a community development setting where sound financial practices and community impact are equally important.
Responsibilities
Fund Operations & Lending
  • Help launch and administer the Knox Good Food Fund, working with KCDC leadership and CDFA to implement the Fund's lending policies, procedures, underwriting framework, loan documents, and operational systems.
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for prospective and existing borrowers, guiding businesses through financing requirements, applications, documentation, and next steps.
  • Coordinate the lending process from initial inquiry through financial and credit analysis, underwriting support, approval, closing, disbursement, and repayment.
  • Review business financial statements, cash flow, credit information, collateral, and other underwriting materials and prepare complete loan files for review and approval.

Portfolio, Partnerships & Impact
  • Coordinate loan servicing and portfolio monitoring, including payments, borrower reporting, compliance requirements, and identification of emerging concerns.
  • Connect businesses with Real Good Kitchen Foundation or other technical assistance resources when appropriate; technical assistance is available based on borrower need but is not required for financing.
  • Maintain accurate loan and program records and support required financial, federal, funder, and community-impact reporting.
  • Build relationships with financial institutions, food businesses, technical assistance providers, and community partners while supporting outreach and the continued growth of the Fund.

Requirements
Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, accounting, economics, community development, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
  • Professional banking or lending experience, with experience in commercial lending, credit analysis, loan administration, or a related area.
  • Demonstrated ability to review and understand business financial statements, cash flow, credit information, and other financial documentation.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple transactions and explain financial requirements clearly to business owners with varying levels of financial experience.
  • Commitment to responsible lending, excellent borrower service, and KCDC's community development mission.

Preferred
  • Experience in small business or commercial lending, underwriting, credit analysis, or portfolio management.
  • Experience working with small businesses, entrepreneurs, or community-based borrowers.
  • Experience with revolving loan funds, community development finance, CDFIs, economic development lending, or other mission-driven financing programs.
  • Familiarity with loan origination, servicing, and portfolio-management systems.
  • Experience working with public, philanthropic, or federally funded programs.
  • Knowledge of Knoxville and Knox County's small-business or food-business ecosystem.