Salary: $165,084.47 - $198,180.64 Annually
Location : Economic Development Division - City of Colorado Springs, CO
Job Type: At-Will Manager
Job Number: 18313
Division: Economic Development
Department: Economic Development
Opening Date: 07/02/2026
Closing Date: 7/16/2026 5:00 PM Mountain
FLSA: Exempt
Description / Position Overview
Economic Development Officer
The City of Colorado Springs is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as our next Economic Development Officer,an at-will position reporting directly to the Chief of Staff. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the City by fostering business investment, supporting industry growth, and strengthening partnerships that create lasting economic prosperity.
As the City's chief economic development strategist, you will work at the intersection of public service and private industry, advancing initiatives that support business retention and expansion, attract new investment, develop our workforce, and position Colorado Springs as a premier destination for innovation.
The ideal candidate is a collaborative relationship builder with experience navigating complex economic development initiatives, cultivating partnerships, and turning strategic opportunities into measurable results. You understand how strong communities and thriving businesses go hand in hand and are passionate about creating an environment where both can succeed.
This position is subject to budget required furloughs to be implemented in the 2026 calendar year.
About the City of Colorado Springs
Nestled at the base of majestic Pikes Peak - America's Mountain, Colorado Springs is home to more than 506,000 residents and spans 195 square miles of breathtaking landscapes. With more than 240 days of sunshine each year, the City offers an exceptional quality of life while serving as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity.
Colorado Springs is home to five military installations, a nationally recognized aerospace and defense industry, a growing cybersecurity ecosystem, world-class healthcare organizations, advanced manufacturing, and Olympic City USA. These strengths, combined with a highly educated workforce and collaborative regional partnerships, continue to make Colorado Springs one of the country's most desirable places to live, work, and invest.
Learn more about the City's and the
The Position
The Economic Development Officer provides strategic leadership for the City's economic development efforts, helping create an environment where businesses can start, grow, and thrive. Working collaboratively with business leaders, regional partners, elected officials, and City departments, you will advance initiatives that strengthen the local economy while supporting the City's long-term strategic priorities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading citywide economic development strategies that promote business retention, expansion, redevelopment, and investment.
- Building strong relationships with regional economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, educational institutions, and state and federal partners.
- Partnering with the Colorado Springs Airport to coordinate development efforts within Peak Innovation Park, supporting business attraction and investment in targeted industry sectors.
- Supporting the continued growth of Colorado Springs' nationally recognized defense and aerospace industries through strategic engagement with military installations and the Department of Defense community.
- Promoting workforce development initiatives that strengthen the regional talent pipeline and address workforce needs.
- Negotiating and administering economic development agreements while presenting recommendations to City Council.
- Coordinating complex development projects by bringing together City departments and external partners to facilitate successful outcomes.
- Evaluating economic opportunities through data analysis, financial review, and community impact assessments.
- Serving as a trusted advisor on economic development policy, strategic initiatives, and community partnerships.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related area of study, such as public administration, business administration, or economics.
- Five or more years of full-time, professional experience in economic development or a closely related field.
- Three or more years of administrator, leadership, and/or supervisory experience
One year of relevant work experience may be substituted for one year of required education (OR) one year of relevant academic coursework beyond the minimum requirement may be substituted for one year of required professional experience.
Additional Information
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Colorado Springs is committed to a welcoming culture that values our employees' unique individual qualities and fosters a welcoming environment where people want to be
The City of Colorado Springs offers additional compensation depending on the position, area of assignment, and specific job assignments, including shift differential, pay differential, acting or lead, special assignment, hazard pay, longevity, cell phone allowance, uniform allowance, relocation, awards, standby, call out, compensatory time off, tuition, overtime, extra duty, incentive, holiday premium, proficiency, and vacation sell back.
NOTE: This job announcement is not intended to include a complete listing of all responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the position.
The City does not sponsor applicants for work visas of any kind (including but not limited to F-1, H-1B or TN visas). Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Apply to Join Our Team
- Please visit the and review our opportunities. Click on Apply button to complete an online application for any position of interest. All job applicants will need to create a new login and online application (unless you already have a Government Jobs user ID and password).
- Completing your application in full, including the entire work experience section, will assist Human Resources in the applicant screening process. Your application may not be considered if all of the information requested for each employer you list is not provided.
- Applicants may redact information from their resumes, certifications, transcripts, or any other additional application materials that identify the applicant's age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
- We encourage candidates with out-of-state credentials to inquire about expedited processing of Colorado licensing with the Colorado Occupational Credential Portability Program. More information can be found at the
- Our Government Jobs application system does not allow you to edit your application after it has been submitted for a position. If you want to make changes, you may submit another application prior to the position's closing date and time listed in the job posting. HR will review the last application you submit for a position.
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Working for the City of Colorado Springs is Rewarding!
Please visit the City of Colorado Springs' for additional benefits information.
The City of Colorado Springs is a place where people want to come to work each day. We have a culture of excellence, and we strive to provide our employees with the very best overall career experience and Total Rewards. We are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits program to meet the needs of our employees and their families.
01
What is the highest level of education you have completed?
- Less than high school
- High School diploma or GED
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree or above
02
What is the area of study for your degree? If you do not possess a degree, please respond "n/a"
03
How many years of experience do you possess in economic development or a closely related field?
- Less than one year
- One or more years
- Two or more years
- Three or more years
- Four or more years
- Five or more years
- Six or more years
- Seven or more years
- Eight or more years
- Nine or more years
- Ten or more years
04
How many years of administrator, supervisory, and/or leadership experience do you possess?
- Less than three
- More than three
Required Question