ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Economic Development Consulting Jobs in Illinois

Hasana, Inc.

Branding Consultant

Chicago, IL

... an economic development strategy to lift women out of poverty and as a community development ... The position of the Branding Consultant will be responsible for the strategic development of ...

Papco

Senior Energy Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

You will join one of the largest energy brokerage and consulting teams in the PJM market ... Experience working with chambers of commerce, trade associations, economic development ...

Bakertilly

Engineering Consulting Manager

Chicago, IL

$16 - $21/hr

... economic development and capital planning support, and federal grant advisory with potential ... Assiston management consulting projects for private and public sector organizationsin the energy ...

Hasana, Inc.

Social Media Consultant

Chicago, IL

... an economic development strategy to lift women out of poverty and as a community development ... The position of Social Media Consultant will be responsible for assisting the Marketing/ PR ...

Baker Tilly

Engineering Consulting Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

... economic development and capital planning support, and federal grant advisory with potential ... A minimum of five (5) plus years of progressive related consulting experience, including at least ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

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 12, 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.

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 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.

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.

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, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,829 per year, or $48 per hour.

Manager, Tribal Energy & Infrastructure Advisory

Bakertilly

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Overview

Baker Tilly is a leading advisory, tax and assurance firm, providing clients with a genuine coast-to-coast and global advantage in major regions of the U.S. and in many of the world's leading financial centers - New York, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, LLP (Baker Tilly) provide professional services through an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable laws, regulations and professional standards. Baker Tilly US, LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities provide tax and business advisory services to their clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms.

Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, LLP, trading as Baker Tilly, are independent members of Baker Tilly International, a worldwide network of independent accounting and business advisory firms in 141 territories, with 43,000 professionals and a combined worldwide revenue of $5.2 billion. Visitbakertilly.comor join the conversation onLinkedIn,FacebookandInstagram.

Please discuss the work location status with your Baker Tilly talent acquisition professional to understand the requirements for an opportunity you are exploring.

Baker Tilly is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable federal, state or local law.

Any unsolicited resumes submitted through our website or to Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP, employee e-mail accounts are considered property of Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP, and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorized recruitment agency ("search firm") for Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by Baker Tilly's Talent Attraction team, to submit candidates for review via our applicant tracking system.

Job Description:

Responsibilities

Join Baker Tilly's Development Advisory (DA) practice as aManagerfocused on Tribal Energy & Infrastructure Advisory. This leadership role will support Tribal Nations, Tribal enterprises, utilities, and public sector organizations in developing and implementing energy, infrastructure, and economic development strategies that advance community priorities and long-term sustainability.
As aManager, you will lead client engagements, manage multidisciplinary project teams, support business development efforts, and serve as a trusted advisor to Tribal leadership and executive stakeholders. Projects may include renewable energy development, utility formation and expansion, broadband deployment, water and wastewater infrastructure, capital planning, grant strategy, and federal funding implementation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve asengagementmanager and trusted advisor for Tribal governments, Tribal enterprises, and infrastructure organizations.
  • Lead strategic planning initiatives related to energy sovereignty, infrastructure investment, economic development, and organizational transformation.
  • Manage multiple client engagements simultaneously, including project budgets, schedules, staffing, risk management, and quality control.
  • Facilitate executive workshops, stakeholder meetings, and strategic planning sessions with Tribal leadership and governing bodies.
  • Advise clients on renewable energy development opportunities including solar, wind, battery storage, microgrids, and utility-scale generation.
  • Support Tribal utility development, utility governance structures, and energy sovereignty initiatives.
  • Assistclients with infrastructure planning across energy, broadband, transportation, water, wastewater, and resilience projects.
  • Conduct feasibility assessments, financial analyses, and business case evaluations for energy and infrastructure investments.
  • Advise clients on federal funding opportunities through DOE, BIA, USDA, EPA, NTIA, Treasury, and other federal agencies.
  • Lead grant strategy, funding prioritization, andimplementationplanning efforts.
  • Lead proposal development, presentations, and pursuit activities for new client opportunities.
  • Mentor and develop consultants and senior consultants while fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
  • Assess organizational structures, governance models, and operating practices to identify opportunities for improvement.

Success Factors

  • Passion for advancing Tribal self-determination and economic development.
  • Ability to balance strategic vision with practical implementation.
  • Strong clientrelationshipand business development skills.
  • Executive presence and facilitation capabilities.
  • Commitment to collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
  • Self-starter, motivated to work hard for team success.

MinimumQualifications

  • 4-yeardegree
  • 5 years of professional experience


PreferredQualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Public Administration, Planning, Environmental Studies, or relatedfield.
  • MBA, MPA,Master's in Planning, Engineering, Public Policy, or related discipline.
  • 8+years of progressive consulting, infrastructure, energy, economic development, or public sector experience.
  • 3+years leading complex projects and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Experience working with Tribal Nations, Tribal enterprises, public sector organizations, utilities, or infrastructure-related organizations.
  • Experience with Tribal governance, Tribal economic development, or Tribal utility operations.
  • Experience in energy and utilities, renewable energy development, infrastructure planning, economic development, federal funding, or strategic planning.
  • Strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and executive communication skills.
  • Ability to develop and review financial models, business cases, and capital investment analyses.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Knowledge of IIJA, IRA, and DOE Tribal Energy programs.

The pay rate ranges for this job position are listed below. Actual compensation is influenced by a variety ofrelevant factors including but not limited to applicant's skills, prior experience, qualifications, degrees,professional certifications, work arrangements and geographic location. Baker Tilly offers acomprehensive compensation and benefits packageto eligible employees.

The US National pay rate range for this job position is $59,400-$236,800.

#LI-JM3

Apply