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Economic Development Manager Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

About the job Economic Development Director Location: Miami-Dade County The Role We are seeking a ... This is an opportunity for a "diagnostic" leader to spearhead community-wide growth, managing ...

The position has primary responsibility for evaluating state economic development programs and ... Knowledge of computer software used in database management and quantitative analysis. Knowledge of ...

The position has primary responsibility for evaluating state economic development programs and ... Knowledge of computer software used in database management and quantitative analysis. * Knowledge ...

The position has primary responsibility for evaluating state economic development programs and ... Knowledge of computer software used in database management and quantitative analysis. * Knowledge ...

The position has primary responsibility for evaluating state economic development programs and ... Knowledge of computer software used in database management and quantitative analysis. * Knowledge ...

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Economic Development Manager information

See Florida salary details

$23.2K

$77K

$115.8K

How much do economic development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development manager in Florida is $76,986.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,900.00 and $93,000.00 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 Florida?

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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Economic Development Manager jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development Manager jobs in Florida are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Economic Development Manager job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,986 per year, or $37 per hour.

Economic Development Manager

Palm Coast, FL • On-site

$40.71/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee the City's economic development planning and implementation efforts and coordinate with private sector and other governmental agencies.

  • Act as business recruitment and commercial development facilitator, focusing on retaining and expanding existing businesses.

  • Assist in creating and managing City grants and financial incentives related to economic development.


Job description

Salary: $40.71 Hourly
Location : Palm Coast, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Community Development
Division: Economic Development
Opening Date: 08/25/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Highly professional and technical work coordinating the City's efforts toward improving the local economy. Perform complex, professional-level assignments in economic development, including business recruitment, job development, and business retention strategies. Conduct research and analyze matters of economic health, real estate trends, and commercial and industrial development. Assist in developing City policies that affect the local economy and implementing and monitoring programs that encourage economic growth in the City of Palm Coast.
This Senior Management position is responsible for professional duties related to the economic development of the City's private and public sector economy. Specialized knowledge of financial analysis and business development techniques is required. The incumbent is the primary contact for businesses and the City representative to the business community. The work involves responsibility for applying professional knowledge and skills to affect research, analysis, planning, and implementation of economic development programs. The incumbent requires a high degree of professionalism, problem-solving skills, and the frequent use of independent judgment. The incumbent will develop partnerships with outside agencies and business/property owners and work effectively with the community. The ability to work in a team and across city departments is mandatory. Assigned duties and responsibilities will require work outside of regular office hours, including weekends and holidays.
The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.
  • Oversee the City's economic development planning and implementation efforts and coordinate the City's economic development and revitalization efforts with the private sector and other governmental agencies.
  • Provide a high level of customer service using a proactive approach towards solving problems and expediting development, and assisting developers, businesses, and property owners to successful outcomes with the City and other agencies.
  • Act as business recruitment and commercial development facilitator for the City and focus on retaining and expanding existing businesses.
  • Evaluate local resources, needs, goals, and opportunities and aggressively promote businesses in the City of Palm Coast.
  • Under the guidance of the Director, manage all activities of the City's Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) and the Town Center Community Development District.
  • Assist in the creation and management of City grants and financial incentives related to Economic Development.
  • Update existing City economic development data, and develop efficient methods of maintaining current, needed data on real estate trends, employment/training efforts, and related issues.
  • Maintain the department's website and marketing materials.
  • Coordinate with the Flagler County Economic Development department, the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce, and various private and public agencies to assist in the City's continued economic development.
  • Ensure the collection and provision of valuable data to businesses and individuals in making investment decisions and advises the City Manager regarding capital improvements and funding mechanisms for projects that catalyze economic development and redevelopment programs.
  • Attend public meetings to provide information regarding the activities associated with economic development. Develop goodwill and positive public relations with citizens and stakeholders.
  • Prepare financial reports, analyses, and budgets.
  • Prepare and present action requests to the City Council.
  • Represent the City in meetings with Federal, State, and County agencies.
  • Administer the City's economic development grant programs
  • Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES, OR CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Urban/Regional Planning, Finance, Commercial Real Estate or related field required; three to five years of progressively responsible professional experience in economic/community development project management experience within a similar public organization; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Previous and demonstrable experience in real estate, community redevelopment areas or community development districts is preferred.
Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License. IEDC certification is preferred but not required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Ability to develop and maintain good personal relationships with other employees and the public.
  • Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others, including County, State, federal agencies, civic groups, and the public.
  • Ability to clearly and effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
  • Knowledge of real estate development and sales, private-sector financing and incentive strategies, planning, zoning and long-range economic development
  • Knowledge of regulations and procedures concerning economic development and statistics and mathematics applicable to economic analysis.
  • Knowledge of business attraction and retention programs.
  • Knowledge of small business loan packaging and counseling.
  • Knowledge of marketing and promotional practices and strategies, mainly municipal and community promotions.
  • Knowledge of methods and sources used in analyzing local economic trends and industry trends.
  • Knowledge of Federal, State, and other resources for economic development and business assistance.
  • Knowledge of local land use development practices, zoning, and policies, including thorough knowledge of state and federal economic development programs.
  • Ability to use financial analysis techniques such as liquidity tests, debt coverage, cash-flow analysis, and capitalization analysis.
  • Ability to plan, organize, and implement a comprehensive economic development program, including proactive outreach and communication program that projects the community's image.
  • Ability to organize work, set priorities, and exercise sound and independent judgment consistent with City policy and established guidelines.
  • Ability to work effectively with a wide range of people, including but not limited to business leaders, developers, financial institutions, citizen groups, outside agencies, interdepartmental staff, and brokers.
  • Ability to creatively solve problems and establish and maintain a positive customer service attitude.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
  • Ability to supervise the work of professional and administrative staff and consultants.
  • Skilled in public and interpersonal relations in a group setting or a one-to-one situation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and lift and move up to 25 pounds.
  • While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is rarely exposed to disagreeable environmental factors.

The City of Palm Coast, Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, The City of Palm Coast, Florida will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The City of Palm Coast participates in E-Verify.
01
Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Urban/Regional Planning, Finance, Commercial Real Estate, or a related field?
  • Yes
  • No

02
How many years of professional economic/community development experience do you have?
  • No experience
  • Less than 2 years of experience
  • 2 years but less than 4 years of experience
  • 4 years but less than 6 years experience
  • 6 or more years of experience

03
How many years of experience do you have with community redevelopment areas or community development districts
  • No Experience
  • Less than 2 years of experience
  • 2 years but less than 4 years of experience
  • 4 years but less than 6 years of experience
  • 6 or more years of experience

Required Question