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Economic Development Manager Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Development Manager

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

... economic development benefits for the community while being good stewards of the land and ... The Development Manager will collaborate with a matrixed set of stakeholders, focusing on all ...

Corporate Development - Manager

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$73K - $244K/yr

As a Manager, Corporate Development, you will play a key role in shaping the strategic growth of ... Economics and Finance, or Finance preferred - Other advanced degrees in a related field may be ...

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Economic Development Manager information

See Colorado salary details

$32.6K

$108.3K

$163K

How much do economic development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development manager in Colorado is $108,328.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,700.00 and $130,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an economic development manager?

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Manager jobs in Colorado?

For Economic Development Manager jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Economic Development Manager jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Economic Development Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Economic Development Manager job openings in Colorado 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 $108,328 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

Development Manager

Tract

Denver, CO โ€ข On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Tract is a team of digital infrastructure experts dedicated to accelerating responsible data center growth by developing master-planned data center parks with access to pre-positioned power and fiber in key markets where hyperscale and wholesale demand is growing. Our approach is collaborative with cities and counties to ensure that development is targeted for the optimal locations to maximize revenue and economic development benefits for the community while being good stewards of the land and minimizing the impact on neighborhoods. Tract is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with real estate holdings throughout the United States.
Position Overview:
The Development Manager will be a key position as Tract's primary lead in the development efforts in selected markets, interfacing with local governments, technical consultants, and contractors. The Development Manager will collaborate with a matrixed set of stakeholders, focusing on all stages of the development process such as site selection, diligence, master planning, zoning/entitlements, permitting, extending infrastructure, and supporting earthworks specific to data center campus uses. They will act as the technical land development lead and project champion throughout the development process, managing the project strategy and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders. A strong Development Manager candidate demonstrates a unique ability to blend project management and site development skills and are proactive in generating creative solutions to address the complexities of large-scale development projects. Moreover, they must exhibit tenacity and a results-driven mindset where effective communication and partnership-building with both internal and external stakeholders is key.
This is an exciting role with an opportunity to build skills, leverage experienced mentorship, and grow within a dynamic company on the cutting edge of data center campus development.
Responsibilities:
In addition to other duties assigned by supervisors, the Development Manager will have the following key primary functional responsibilities:
Project Management
  • Lead site inquiry and diligence efforts to evaluate prospective sites, identifying risks and opportunities.
  • Manage multiple development projects across diverse jurisdictions.
  • Oversee local due diligence processes and coordinate cross-functional teams.
  • Contribute to master planning and provide strategic input on land planning concepts.
  • Drive the entitlement process, ensuring timely submission and execution of permits to meet project milestones.
  • Prepare RFPs for consultants and engineers, negotiate terms, and recommend awards to management.
  • Coordinate and manage contractors, engineers, and consultants for land improvement projects.
  • Support utility planning and maintain relationships with public utility entities.
  • Serve as the primary point of communication with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Provide project-level strategic guidance to management, including updates through reports and dashboards.
  • Develop and manage project budgets and schedules, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
  • Uphold company Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) standards.
  • Contribute to the development of scalable tools and processes to improve project delivery and communication.

Government & Regulatory Interface
  • Represent the company in interactions with local governments, planning/zoning commissions, and public works staff.
  • Attend City Council and County Supervisor meetings as required.
  • Collaborate with local assessors, clerks, and state/local Economic Development Offices.
  • Support entitlement and permitting processes, including securing easements and Rights of Way.

Community Engagement
  • Act as a positive representative of Tract, consistently reflecting company values within the community.
  • Build and maintain relationships with adjacent neighbors and community groups

Required Traits, Expertise, and Skills:
  • Responsible, ethical, and collaborative mindset with a can-do attitude and pride in work product
  • Ability to manage projects and teams to successful and predictable conclusion
  • Ability to problem solve, leveraging independent analysis, local relationships, corporate resources, and executive support
  • Strong work ethic, with ability to manage time and energy independently toward well-understood target outcomes
  • Curiosity coupled with the ability to network in structured and unstructured environments to quickly identify, understand and communicate opportunities and challenges
  • Detail oriented to support data-driven analysis and decision making
  • Strong written communication skills including internal reports and dashboards and external land use applications
  • Strong verbal communication skills including internal presentations and public speaking at local government meetings
  • Ability to collaborate with and guide both external teams and internal teams
  • Baseline financial expertise, including budgeting and managing project expenses
  • Eagerness to be a part of building something unique, special, and valuable in a dynamic environment with a top-notch team

Education:
Bachelor's Degree in one of the following: Engineering, Real Estate Development, Architecture, Planning, or equivalent.
Experience:
Minimum 4 years' experience in large-scale land development, civil engineering, site planning, and/or construction. Current or past Professional Engineer licensure greatly preferred. Data center, utility, or telecom engineering experience greatly preferred.
Annual Compensation Range: $150,000 - $170,000 Base Salary + Discretionary Bonus
Tract Employment
Tract employees enjoy competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401K program, standard paid holidays, and unlimited PTO.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the organization's ongoing needs.
Tract is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status. If you need assistance applying for any of our open positions, please contact us at info@tract.com.