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Economic Development Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The Business Development Manager is responsible for working with the business development team in ... Additionally, this role is responsible for researching economic trends and commercial construction ...

About Us The Iowa Economic Development Authority is dedicated to making Iowa the choice for people ... The Data and Survey Manager position has the opportunity to be involved in projects across the ...

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Economic Development Manager information

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$29.1K

$96.8K

$145.6K

How much do economic development manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development manager in Iowa is $96,763.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,600.00 and $116,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 Iowa? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Iowa are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Manager jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Manager jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Economic Development Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Economic Development Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Economic Development Manager job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,763 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Business Development Manager

Contrack Watts, Inc.

Cedar Rapids, IA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Our Company is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to join our Industrial team.


    The Business Development Manager is responsible for working with the business development team in building an adequate base of business by pursuing and developing relationships with current and suggested clients. Additionally, this role is responsible for researching economic trends and commercial construction markets, assisting in acquiring new business, and developing proposals material and presentations. This job may be asked to participate in strategic planning, advertising, and public relations. Occasional travel is expected in this role.


    What You'll Do:

    • Pursue sales opportunities that will lead to successful projects.
    • Track progress against sales calls and goals as established for the division.
    • Initiate, expand, and maintain strong networks and relationships with current and potential clients, designers, commercial real estate individuals and groups, civic groups, and related firms and individuals to generate new and continuing business leads.
    • Pursue sales opportunities necessary to achieve volume and gross profit goals.When requested, serve as the chief salesperson and public representative of Weitz in the market.
    • Assure high-quality response to RFQs and RFPs.
    • Assure professional and high-quality presentation materials and exhibits represent Weitz positively.
    • Utilize leads management system, project information database, and relative marketingand sales databases as required.
    • Monitor, encourage, and coach marketing and sales efforts of others.
    • Facilitate a key account plan.
    • Compile, analyze, and provide a summary of business themes from the client satisfaction surveys.
    • As necessary, managethe salesdatabase.
    • When requested, assist in the preparation of periodic marketing plans, including organizational structure, marketing materials, market research, public relations, advertising strategy, project types, and other relative opportunities and goals.
    • Research and provide a summary of relative economic trends and conditions, and assistwith the development of plans to address these as a part of the strategic planning process.
    • Identify market segments with long-term business opportunities.


    What We're Looking For:

    • Education: A Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in marketing, construction engineering, and/or business. A Masters Degree or MBA is helpful but not required. Academic exposure in public relations, advertising, communications, or journalism would also be helpful.
    • Experience: Five years of experience in the construction or related industry is required. Preferably four in business development and/or marketing with proven management experience. Experience in strategic direction and budgeting is helpful. Experience in public relations, advertising, or communications is helpful. Industrial construction industry experience is preferred.
    • Skills: Knowledge of construction practices, pricing, estimating, preconstruction, and fee structures.Oral and written communication skills, influencing others, providing a high level of service after the sale, and communicating to variety of audiences necessary.Must be self-motivated, creative, and take personal enjoyment in the process of deal-making.


    Our Company views employees as our most valuable asset, and the key to our success. We are committed to growing a diverse and inclusive culture that inspires, motivates, and continuously improves. Community involvement, employee empowerment, and strong relationships makes The Weitz Company a great place to work.


    What We Offer:

    • Competitive Pay
    • Rewarding Bonus Program
    • Comprehensive Benefits Package with Tax-Advantaged HSA and FSA offerings
    • Employer-Paid Short and Long Term Disability Programs
    • Employer-Paid Life Insurance
    • Generous Paid Time Off Provisions
    • 401K Retirement Savings Plan With Company Match
    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Fully Paid Parental Leave
    • Voluntary Products including Critical Illness Insurance and Accident Insurance
    • Corporate Wellness Program with Wellness Time Off and Rewards


    Visa sponsorship is not available for this position at this time.

    The Company is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment (minorities, females, veterans, individuals with disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected categories in accordance with state and federal laws). The Company is a drug and alcohol free workplace and background checks are required if applicable.Click hereto review our Privacy Notice.


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