1

Economic Development Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The result: vibrant economic centers, resilient neighborhoods, and welcoming places that feel like ... Assists senior engineers/designers with developing and managing the project scope, budget, staffing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Economic Development Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$29.1K

$96.8K

$145.6K

How much do economic development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 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 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 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 Iowa? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Manager jobs in Iowa? For Economic Development Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,763 per year, or $46.5 per hour.
Education Program Consultant (STEM Northwest Regional Manager)

Education Program Consultant (STEM Northwest Regional Manager)

State of Iowa

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$68K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description Iowa Department of Education's mission is ensuring all students experience a world-class education. To accomplish our mission, we need talented, passionate people working together to build an excellent education system that empowers all students to achieve their full potential. The Education Program Consultant (STEM Northwest Regional Manager) will be an integral member of the Iowa STEM Bureau, implementing the Iowa STEM Scale-Up Program throughout the region, convene the associated regional STEM Advisory Board, support statewide STEM programming and activities of the Governor's STEM Advisory Council and collaborate Your Responsibilities: Leadership and implementation of the Iowa STEM Scale-Up Programming throughout the region.

Including, but not limited to, Ensure all awards information is up to date and accurate Ensure all financial information is readily available and accurate Provide financial reports of investments and any remainder funds Execute promotion and marketing of programs to ensure a strong applicant pool Conduct evaluations and gather data in assistance of the program and reporting Lead and convene the regional STEM Advisory Board. Maintaining a board schedule, agendas and meeting summaries. Support the Council's other programming including the STEM BEST Program, STEM Teacher Externship Program, STEM Teacher Award Program and STEM Summit among others.

Establish working relationships with STEM-related business and industry, workforce, economic development, early childhood, PK-12 schools, community colleges, universities and community organizations in the region. Lead planning, partnering and publicity of community STEM Festivals. Participate in comprehensive efforts of the Department and Bureau, including Department, Division, and Bureau meetings, and other assigned work groups.

Candidates are encouraged to include detailed information about their relevant experience in their application, or submit a cover letter and resume in addition to their application. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Demonstrated ability to engage, inspire and advocate for STEM interests and activities. Bachelor's degree with emphasis or comparable experience in a STEM field, marketing, management or related area.

Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to plan, organize and manage complex activities. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a multitude of stakeholders.

Knowledge and experience with current software systems, web-based applications and social media. Experience providing technical assistance and professional learning to educators. If you wish to review a copy of the Position Description Questionnaire, please contact idoe.hr@iowa.gov

Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday; routine in-state (non-overnight) travel, occasional out-of-state travel and some nights and weekends based on event A successful candidate will bring or have the ability and desire to learn: Passion for pursuing common goals in pursuit of public service Strong technical skills Strategic and analytical mindset Ability to work in complex situations and meet deadlines while leading teams as a non-traditional leader (no supervisory authority) Experience providing technical assistance and professional learning to educators Ability to interpret and break down highly technical or regulatory language, and present information in an understandable manner Ability to manage self in relation to prioritization and time management Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills Desire to work with diverse teams and stakeholders WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU. Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the lives of children, their families, and Iowa communities Collaborative, positive work environment Talented and passionate work colleagues that will help you learn and grow Opportunities to collaborate with experts from around the country Employee discounts from a variety of vendors Competitive salary and benefits package: https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/employment/Benefits_Beyond_the_Paycheck.pdf (Download PDF reader) E-Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees

Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov

Minimum Qualification Requirements Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification: 1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and five years of full-time post-graduate work experience in any one or a combination of the following areas: a. Professional training, teaching, or counseling experience in an educational setting; b. Professional administrative experience in an educational setting; c.

Professional finance, accounting, or auditing experience, including the preparation or analysis of financial statements; d. Professional experience in a major technical program area housed within the Iowa Department of Education; e. Professional data integration, data analysis, and statistical analysis experience; f.

Professional communications experience, including public relations, marketing, or journalism; g. Professional school safety and emergency preparedness experience. 2) A combination of a total of five years of post-graduate education and full-time experience (as described in number one), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited post-graduate college or university course work equals one year of full-time experience.

3) Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree, possession of a valid Iowa Teaching Certificate, and three academic years of teaching and/or administrative experience in PK-12 and/or a post-secondary educational institution. 4) Possession of a School Business Official Authorization from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and seven years of full-time professional experience in finance, accounting, or auditing, including the preparation or analysis of financial statements. For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.


What State Of Iowa employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


State of Iowa logo

About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939