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Economic Development Consulting Jobs in Illinois

Meta

Economic Development Manager

Chicago, IL

$154K/yr

Economic Development Manager Responsibilities: * Prepare and present monthly, quarterly and annual ... Experience coordinating internal staff and consultants * Proven precise communication skills About ...

Crowe LLP

Senior Business Development Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$64K - $129K/yr

The Senior Business Development Consultant is a senior-level individual contributor responsible for ... Familiarity with economic consulting or B2B advisory environments preferred We expect the candidate ...

Crowe LLP

Senior Business Development Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$64K - $129K/yr

The Senior Business Development Consultant is a senior-level individual contributor responsible for ... Familiarity with economic consulting or B2B advisory environments preferred We expect the candidate ...

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All JobsEconomic Development Consulting JobsEconomic Development Consulting Jobs in Illinois

Economic Development Consulting information

See Illinois salary details

$30K

$99.8K

$150.2K

How much do economic development consulting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development consulting in Illinois is $99,829.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $120,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is economic development consulting?

Economic development consulting is a professional service that helps governments, organizations, and communities create strategies to promote economic growth, job creation, and investment. Consultants in this field analyze local economies, identify strengths and challenges, and recommend actionable plans for improvement. Their work can involve everything from market research and feasibility studies to policy development and project management. By leveraging their expertise, economic development consultants help clients attract businesses, foster innovation, and improve overall economic well-being.

How do economic development consultants typically collaborate with local government and community stakeholders during projects?

Economic development consultants frequently work in partnership with local government officials, business leaders, and community organizations to design and implement strategies that stimulate economic growth. This involves conducting stakeholder meetings, gathering input to assess community needs, and facilitating consensus-building among diverse groups. Consultants must balance various interests, communicate complex data in accessible ways, and ensure that project recommendations are both feasible and aligned with local goals. Effective collaboration is key to building trust and achieving sustainable outcomes.

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

To thrive as an Economic Development Consultant, you need a strong background in economics, urban planning, data analysis, and often a relevant degree such as in economics, public administration, or business. Familiarity with GIS software, economic modeling tools, and certifications like CEcD (Certified Economic Developer) are highly valued. Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement, and project management skills help consultants build consensus and drive initiatives forward. These skills and qualities are essential for designing effective strategies, securing funding, and fostering sustainable growth in communities.

What is the difference between Economic Development Consulting vs Urban Planning?

AspectEconomic Development ConsultingUrban Planning
Required CredentialsTypically degrees in economics, public policy, or related fields; certifications like CEcD are commonDegrees in urban planning, architecture, or civil engineering; certifications like AICP are common
Work EnvironmentConsulting firms, government agencies, non-profits; project-based workMunicipalities, government agencies, private firms; focus on land use and infrastructure
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by economic development agencies, consulting firms, and government bodiesUsed by city governments, urban planning departments, and private planning firms

While both roles aim to improve community growth, Economic Development Consulting focuses on strategies to attract investment and create jobs, whereas Urban Planning emphasizes land use, zoning, and infrastructure development. They often collaborate but serve different primary objectives within community development.

Is economic development consulting a good career path?

Economic development consulting is a viable career that involves advising governments and organizations on strategies to promote economic growth and job creation. It requires strong analytical skills, knowledge of economic policies, and often a background in economics or public policy. The field offers opportunities for impact, professional growth, and typically involves project-based work with varying schedules.

What do economic development consultants do?

Economic development consultants analyze local economies to identify growth opportunities and develop strategies to attract businesses and investments. They often conduct research, prepare reports, and collaborate with government agencies and stakeholders to implement economic policies and projects. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of economic tools are essential for this role.

What does an economic development consulting do?

An economic development consultant analyzes local economies to identify growth opportunities, develop strategies to attract businesses, and improve community prosperity. They often use data analysis, policy recommendations, and stakeholder engagement to support economic initiatives and sustainable development.

What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Consulting jobs in Illinois?

For Economic Development Consulting jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Economic Development Consulting jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development Consulting jobs in Illinois are:

Economic Development Consulting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Consulting job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,829 per year, or $48 per hour.

Economic Development Manager

Meta

Chicago, IL

$154K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 245 rated software companies

Job description

Meta designs, builds, leases and operates the most innovative and efficient data centers in the world. Locating, developing and managing this data center infrastructure is synonymous with ensuring high uptime, capacity availability, flexibility and capital and operational cost efficiency. Meta is seeking an experienced, organized and proactive Asset Manager to join the Data Center Economic Development team.This position will play a key role in Meta’s data center site selection activities by completing tax and economic incentive diligence and managing compliance efforts for new and expanding regions.
Economic Development Manager Responsibilities:
  • Prepare and present monthly, quarterly and annual reports to management related to property and portfolio performance in regards to budget, internal and external benchmarks, and established goals.
  • Interface with internal organizations including data center design, construction, legal, payroll, finance, accounting and tax.
  • Gather and analyze investment and employment related data to drive decisions for future site selection efforts and complete compliance obligations for existing regions.
  • Maintain and optimize data center incentive compliance program for global portfolio of data center assets.
  • Complete diligence relating to economic development programs as well as state and local tax laws for new and existing data center regions.
  • Build and maintain cost models that compare taxes and economic incentives in new and existing data center regions.
  • Partner with economic development managers to prepare internal and external summary materials needed for ongoing site selection efforts.
  • Work cross-functionally to understand the project parameters needed to support data center economic development discussions.
  • Ability to travel domestically (up to 25% a month) as project needs require.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a directly related field, or equivalent practical experience
  • 6+ years of experience in state and local taxes and economic incentives
  • Financial analysis and project management experience

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • Experience coordinating internal staff and consultants
  • Proven precise communication skills

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$154,000/year to $200,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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