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Economic Development Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Economic Development Manager

New York, NY

$154K/yr

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 ...

New

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Economic Development Manager

Menlo Park, CA

$154K/yr

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 ...

New

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Economic Development Manager

San Francisco, CA

$154K/yr

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 ...

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City of Yuma, AZ

Economic Development Manager

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$112K - $146K/yr

Manages and oversees the City's Economic Development Division and develops strategies to attract new businesses and encourage expansion and retention of existing business. * Supervises staff and ...

Meta

Economic Development Manager

Chicago, IL

$154K/yr

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 ...

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City of Yuma

Economic Development Manager

Yuma, AZ

$112K - $146K/yr

We are looking for someone to join Team Yuma as an Economic Development Manager working with the City of Yuma Community Development Department. The ideal candidate will manage and oversee the City ...

City of Downey, CA

Economic Development Manager

Downey, CA · On-site

$93K - $115K/yr

Plans, manages, and oversees the daily operations, activities, and services of the Economic Development Division. * Develops, implements, and monitors goals, objectives, policies, and procedures to ...

City of Downey

Economic Development Manager

Downey, CA

$93K - $115K/yr

Plans, manages, and oversees the daily operations, activities, and services of the Economic Development Division. Develops, implements, and monitors goals, objectives, policies, and procedures to ...

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How much do economic development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development manager 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 Economic Development Managers?

Economic Development Managers are professionals responsible for planning and implementing strategies to boost economic growth within a community, city, or region. They work with government agencies, businesses, and other stakeholders to attract new investments, support local businesses, and create jobs. Their role often involves analyzing economic data, coordinating development projects, and promoting the area to potential investors. By fostering a healthy business environment, they help improve the overall quality of life for residents.

What are some common challenges Economic Development Managers face when balancing community needs with business interests?

Economic Development Managers often navigate the complex task of balancing the goals of attracting new businesses and investments with the needs and concerns of the local community. Challenges can include addressing potential impacts on housing, infrastructure, and the environment while ensuring job creation and economic growth. Success in this role relies on strong stakeholder engagement, transparent communication, and creative problem-solving to find solutions that benefit both the community and business partners. Collaboration with local government, business leaders, and residents is essential for developing sustainable, mutually beneficial strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Economic Development Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Economic Development Manager, you need expertise in economic analysis, project management, and community engagement, typically supported by a degree in economics, urban planning, or public administration. Familiarity with GIS tools, economic modeling software, and grant management systems is often required, along with certifications like CEcD (Certified Economic Developer). Strong networking, negotiation, and communication skills help build effective partnerships and foster stakeholder collaboration. These competencies enable Economic Development Managers to drive sustainable growth, attract investment, and successfully implement development initiatives within communities.

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

AspectEconomic Development ManagerUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in economics, urban planning, or related field; often certifications in economic developmentBachelor's or master's in urban planning, geography, or related field; licensure may be required
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, economic development organizations, private sectorMunicipalities, government agencies, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageFocuses on economic growth, business attraction, and job creationFocuses on land use, zoning, and community development

While both roles aim to improve communities, the Economic Development Manager concentrates on economic growth and business development, whereas the Urban Planner focuses on land use and urban design. Their skills and work environments often overlap, but their core objectives differ.

More about Economic Development Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Economic Development Manager jobs? Cities with the most Economic Development Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Economic Development Manager jobs? The top employers for Economic Development Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Economic Development Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Economic Development Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Manager jobs are:
Economic Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,020 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Economic Development Manager

TOWN OF CORNELIUS

Cornelius, NC • On-site

$89K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Town of Cornelius, North Carolina

Application period ends 08/28/2026

Shaping the Future of Downtown Cornelius

The Town of Cornelius is seeking an innovative, strategic, and collaborative Economic Development Manager to lead initiatives that strengthen our local economy, support business growth, and bring our Downtown Master Plan to life.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced economic development professional to make a lasting impact in one of the Charlotte region's most vibrant communities. The successful candidate will work directly with Town leadership, business owners, developers, community organizations, and regional partners to implement transformative projects that enhance downtown vitality and drive sustainable economic growth.

Hiring Range: $89,000 – $112,000 annually
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt

What You'll Do

As the Economic Development Manager, you will:

  • Lead implementation of the Town's Downtown Master Plan and comprehensive economic development strategy.
  • Foster relationships with business owners, developers, property owners, investors, community organizations, and government partners.
  • Support business retention, expansion, recruitment, and redevelopment initiatives.
  • Coordinate downtown revitalization efforts including streetscape enhancements, public art, placemaking, branding, and marketing initiatives.
  • Develop, prepare, and administer grant applications to secure funding for economic development and redevelopment projects.
  • Manage and support downtown marketing efforts, special events, beautification projects, and community engagement initiatives.
  • Coordinate the promotion of downtown, events, and economic development activities, etc. as appropriate.
  • Serve as the Town's Main Street Program Manager should Cornelius receive NC Main Street designation.
  • Identify and advance (via product development, marketing, etc.) priority economic development sites and redevelopment opportunities.
  • Collect, analyze, and present economic data, market trends, and development opportunities.
  • Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for the Town Board, advisory boards, stakeholders, and community groups.
  • Collaborate across Town departments—including Administration, Planning, Parks, and Public Works—to implement strategic initiatives.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is a relationship-builder, strategic thinker, and project manager who enjoys working collaboratively while moving complex initiatives from vision to implementation.

Successful candidates will possess:

  • Strong knowledge of downtown revitalization and economic development principles and practices.
  • Experience with business recruitment, retention, redevelopment, and community partnerships.
  • Knowledge of North Carolina economic development practices, planning processes, and funding opportunities; AICP certification is a plus.
  • Familiarity with Main Street America principles and downtown revitalization programs.
  • Understanding of grants, public financing tools, capital improvement planning, and project management.
  • Excellent research, analytical, presentation, and written communication skills.
  • Ability to build partnerships with elected officials, developers, business leaders, nonprofit organizations, and residents.
  • Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat Professional.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, or a closely related field.
  • Master's degree preferred.
  • Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, downtown development, community development, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Main Street Program administration experience.
  • Economic development certification (such as NC Certified Economic Developer) or related professional certifications.

Why Join the Town of Cornelius?

Located on the shores of Lake Norman just north of Charlotte, Cornelius is a dynamic community that values thoughtful planning, vibrant businesses, and exceptional quality of life. This position offers the opportunity to work alongside dedicated, long-tenured leadership and community partners to shape the future of Cornelius’ jurisdiction-wide economic development and downtown Cornelius for generations to come.

If you're passionate about creating thriving economic development and downtowns, supporting local businesses, and leading meaningful community development initiatives, we'd love to hear from you.

*A detailed job description can be found in attachments.

The Town of Cornelius is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


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