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Economic Development Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Cushman & Wakefield

Sr. Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Job Title Sr. Development Manager Summary Responsible for developing, executing, and directing the ... the economic and zoning viability of a land site Lead and present at local staff, design review ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Sr. Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Job Title Sr. Development Manager Summary Responsible for developing, executing, and directing the ... the economic and zoning viability of a land site Lead and present at local staff, design review ...

UL Solutions

Corporate Development Manager

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$145K - $155K/yr

Develops in-depth analysis of economic, industry, customer, competitor, and financial data to ... Manages the development of financial projections for acquisition targets. Performs discounted cash ...

UL Solutions

Corporate Development Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$145K - $155K/yr

Develops in-depth analysis of economic, industry, customer, competitor, and financial data to ... Manages the development of financial projections for acquisition targets. Performs discounted cash ...

UL Solutions

Corporate Development Manager

Northbrook, IL · Hybrid

$145K - $155K/yr

Develops in-depth analysis of economic, industry, customer, competitor, and financial data to ... Manages the development of financial projections for acquisition targets. Performs discounted cash ...

RWE

Utility Scale Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$116K - $173K/yr

The Utility Scale Development Manager will play a key role in delivering renewable energy projects ... Bachelor's degree in STEM, business/economics, or relevant fields. Advanced degree is a plus

RWE

Utility Scale Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$116K - $173K/yr

The Utility Scale Development Manager will play a key role in delivering renewable energy projects ... Bachelor's degree in STEM, business/economics, or relevant fields. Advanced degree is a plus

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Manager JobsEconomic Development Manager Jobs in Illinois

Economic Development Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$30K

$99.8K

$150.2K

How much do economic development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development manager in Illinois is $99,829.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $120,600.00 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 Illinois? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Manager jobs in Illinois? For Economic Development Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Manager jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Manager jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Economic Development Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Economic Development Manager job openings:
Economic Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,829 per year, or $48 per hour.

Sr. Development Manager

Cushman & Wakefield

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Cushman & Wakefield rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 158 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 201 rated real estate companies

Job description

Job Title

Sr. Development Manager

Job Description Summary

Responsible for developing, executing, and directing the overall strategic objectives involved in the development and acquisition of land to include feasibility analysis, establishing scope and developmental schedules, and leadership for all activities related to the client's real estate development projects from inception and architectural design through municipal approvals and zoning throughout the region.

Job Description

Create tailored development schedules for a land lease / acquisition based on zoning status, conditional use permits, platting and required third party approvals to pursue speed to construction start for a given project

Manage and lead a team of architects, civil, structural, electrical engineers & more to confirm the economic and zoning viability of a land site

Lead and present at local staff, design review boards, planning commission and city council meetings to represent the clients and pursue zoning and site plan approval

Manage the launch and receipt of all given surveys to qualify a land site ranging from Title Reports, ALTA Survey, Geotechnical reports, Environmental reports, Sign Surveys and more depending upon the site

Play critical leadership, coordination, and communication role with all stakeholders including the client, architects, civil, structural, electrical and mechanical engineers, sign vendors and more

Manage program and project efforts for new store developments, store relocation, and multi-state program roll-outs

Assist during the initial leasing / purchase agreement feasibility phase by: reviewing all surveys and providing cost and zoning analysis back to Real Estate for review and consideration

Pursue all approvals from County, City, State & more to prepare a land site for Lease Commencement or Closing and communicate with the client and all stakeholders each step of the way

Meet established development timelines by: reviewing master project schedules for assigned projects, ensuring Architects & Civil Engineers are provided with accurate and timely information, verifying material procurement and delivery are synchronized with schedules, regularly monitoring progress of all projects, visiting sites, and requesting modified completion target dates when necessary

Provide value engineering ideas and opportunity for savings regularly through project evaluation

Complete all required documentation/paperwork and provide timely and accurate project status reporting while traveling

Requirements

Bachelor's degree; Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering or related discipline, 10+ years of development management in the commercial construction industry or equivalent as an Owner's Representative, or any similar combination of education and experience

Experience in pre-construction and land development efforts ranging from site planning, grading plan reviews and utility design and review

Expertise in Feasibility / Due Diligence, Site Planning, Permitting, Site Analysis, civil design and construction, Entitlements, Land Use, Land Planning, Utility Providers and Construction

Proven experience in working with local municipalities and organizations to pursue site plan / zoning approvals for a given concept

Experience in managing restaurant, banking and/or pad site projects preferred

Certification in PMP, PE, AIA, LEED, or CMAA preferred

Proficient in preparing and tracking detailed project budgets and schedules

Proven experience leading and managing numerous facets of multiple projects simultaneously

Solid understanding of construction industry, terminology, codes, documentation, and design disciplines

Ability to read, understand, and apply construction standards and plan sets

Proficient with project management software (e.g. Microsoft Project, NIKU)

Ability to conduct weekly project meetings either onsite or via conference calls with clients, contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders

Demonstrated customer/vendor relationship building experience

Excellent organizational, presentation and communication skills

Ability to travel 25-50%


Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate's experience and qualifications.
The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.
The compensation for the position is: $ 140,250.00 - $165,000.00Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or emailAccommodations@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.

INCO: "Cushman & Wakefield"

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