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Economic Development Manager Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Town Manager

Fraser, CO · On-site

$70K - $115K/yr

Town Manager SALARY RANGE: $70,000-$115,000 DOE - This is an exempt position. HOURS: 8am-5pm M-F ... Research and analyze economic development strategies and facilitate and support economic ...

Assistant Town Manager

Fraser, CO · On-site

$70K - $115K/yr

Town Manager SALARY RANGE: $70,000-$115,000 DOE - This is an exempt position. HOURS: 8am-5pm M-F ... Research and analyze economic development strategies and facilitate and support economic ...

Manager of Thermal Development

Denver, CO · On-site

$118K - $155K/yr

Manage and direct economic model development and financial evaluation. * Work collaboratively with the Engineering team to determine technology to be used its performance and capital costs. * Create ...

Manage and direct economic model development and financial evaluation.* Work collaboratively with the Engineering team to determine technology to be used its performance and capital costs.* Create ...

Manager of Thermal Development

Denver, CO · On-site

$118K - $155K/yr

Manage and direct economic model development and financial evaluation. * Work collaboratively with the Engineering team to determine technology to be used its performance and capital costs. * Create ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 5, 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.

Is economic development a good career path?

Economic development managers plan and implement strategies to improve local economies, often working with government agencies, businesses, and community organizations. The role requires strong analytical, communication, and project management skills, and it can offer opportunities for advancement and community impact. It is considered a stable career with demand in many regions, especially for those with relevant education and experience.

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, 78% Full Time, 19% 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.

Airport Chief Commercial Officer (Aviation Assistant Director)

City of Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$153K - $214K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


City Of Colorado Springs rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary: $153,099.00 - $214,485.00 Annually
Location : Airport - City of Colorado Springs, CO
Job Type: At-Will Manager
Job Number: 18375
Division: Airport
Department: Airport Directors Office
Opening Date: 08/19/2026
Closing Date: 9/9/2026 4:00 PM Mountain
FLSA: Exempt
Description / Position Overview
Airport Chief Commercial Officer (Aviation Assistant Director)
In this at-will Airport Chief Commercial Officer position, you will provide strategic leadership and executive oversight for all airport commercial activities, including Airport Economic Development (the division managing Peak Innovation Business Park) and Airport Properties. This individual will report to the Airport Director of Aviation and direct the development, negotiation, and management of complex aeronautical and non-aeronautical agreements, oversee commercial land planning and business park development, drive initiatives that expand the airport's economic impact, and revenue diversification and growth.
The Colorado Springs Airport serves as the gateway to the Colorado Springs community and the Pikes Peak Region, welcoming 2.5 million travelers annually. Learn more about our airport here:
Come explore the possibilities a career with the City of Colorado Springs can offer!
We're an accredited pay equity employer!
Your starting pay will be within the posted hiring range based on your years of experience and education. See the full potential of growth for this position here:2026 Salary Schedule
As the Airport Chief Commercial Officer, you will:
  • Lead the Airport's commercial strategy by expanding revenue streams, advancing new business opportunities, and maximizing long-term asset value.
  • Provide strategic oversight for all commercial functions, including Peak Innovation Park, Airport Properties, commercial development, and economic development initiatives.
  • Direct the negotiation, development, and management of complex aeronautical and non-aeronautical agreements such as leases, concessions, airline agreements, land development projects, and parking and ground transportation programs.
  • Drive sustained growth in non-aeronautical revenue through strategic management of Peak Innovation Business Park, concessions, parking, real estate, and other commercial services.
  • Enhance performance, quality, and customer experience across all revenue-generating services.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance related to Airport property use, land development, tenant operations, and commercial programs in accordance with FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), state, and local requirements.
  • Build and maintain strategic relationships with airlines, tenants, developers, elected officials, business organizations, and regulatory agencies to advance commercial growth at the Airport.
  • Oversee planning, financing, and implementation of commercial development projects, including land development, site planning, infrastructure coordination, and business park operations.
  • Represent the Airport in property, commercial development, and economic development matters, ensuring coordinated communication with governmental and community stakeholders.
  • Lead continuous improvement and provide senior-level leadership to Airport Properties and Airport Economic Development teams to cultivate a collaborative, high-performing commercial division.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Learn more about this job by reviewing the class specification on the

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business, public administration, finance, aviation management, or a related field.
  • Five years of full-time, professional experience reflective of the job duties listed above with direct responsibility for financial performance, revenue generation, economic development, or business operations.
  • Two years of administrator, leadership, and supervisory experience.
We value a diverse range of qualifications and experiences. Our organization views each year of further education as equivalent to each year of relevant work experience, and each year of additional relevant work experience as equivalent to each year of required education.
Preferred Qualifications
The following qualifications are not required, but they are considered desirable. If you possess any of the preferred qualifications, please include specific details in your application. This information may be used to identify a top group of applicants.
  • 10 years of full-time leadership experience reflective of the job duties listed above with direct accountability for financial performance, revenue generation, economic development, or business operations.
  • An advanced degree (Masters of Business Administration or similar)
  • Demonstrated track record of improving financial or operational performance, including revenue diversification and growth
  • Familiarity with revenue-generating activities such as commercial development, concessions, parking, real estate, or similar operations
  • Familiarity with metro districts
  • Experience working in an airport or other aviation environment
  • Experience in economic development and deal flow management
  • Experience working for a municipality or other government entity

Additional Information
Please contact City Recruiting at with any questions about this role.
The selected candidate must pass (or have already passed) a fingerprint-based criminal history records check as required by the Transportation Security Administration.
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.

The City's job classifications, including physical demands and descriptions, can be found on the
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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
How many years of relevant experience do you possess?
  • 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

03
Do you have two years of administrator, leadership, and supervisory experience?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Which of the following areas do you have experience with? Select all that apply.
  • Improving financial or operational performance, including revenue diversification and growth
  • Revenue-generation via commercial development, concessions, parking, real estate, or similar operations
  • Familiarity with metro districts
  • Working in an airport or other aviation environment
  • Economic development and deal flow management
  • Working for a municipality or other government entity
  • None of the above

05
Please describe how your education and relevant experience make you the best candidate for this role.
Required Question

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