ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Economic Development Manager Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Capital Access Corporation-Kentucky

Be Seen First

Business Development Officer

Louisville, KY · On-site

... economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and business professionals. The ideal ... development and relationship management. - Represent the organization at industry events ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Manager JobsEconomic Development Manager Jobs in Kentucky

Economic Development Manager information

See Kentucky salary details

$26.9K

$89.5K

$134.6K

How much do economic development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development manager in Kentucky is $89,476.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,800.00 and $108,100.00 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 Kentucky? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Manager jobs in Kentucky? For Economic Development Manager jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Manager jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Manager jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Economic Development Manager jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Economic Development Manager job openings:
Economic Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Manager job openings in Kentucky 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 $89,476 per year, or $43 per hour.

Economic Development Student Worker

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 12 days ago

University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

308th of 615 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Job Title
Economic Development Student Worker
Requisition Number
DU14891
Department Name
37500:Economic Development
Work Location
Lexington, KY
Salary Range
$15.00
Type of Position
Student
Position Time Status
Part-Time
Required Education
Full-time University of Kentucky Student in good standing.
Required Related Experience
None
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
May require sitting or standing for long periods of time.
Shift
Flexible, up to 15 hours per week, to be agreed upon with supervisor.
Job Summary
The Office of Economic Development and Real Estate at the University of Kentucky is seeking a student intern to support program storytelling, digital content development, and event coordination. This position will assist with capturing and sharing the impact of UK's economic development and real estate initiatives through written stories, photography, video, and digital content. The intern will also provide support for the Economic Development Collaborative's quarterly convening by assisting with planning, logistics, on-site execution, and post-event reporting. Working closely with university and community partners, the intern will help document program outcomes, develop engaging content, and contribute to initiatives that highlight the office's work and impact.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
  • Pursuing a degree in journalism, public relations, business, design, English, integrated strategic communication, or a related field.
  • Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to communicate complex topics to a broad audience.
  • Experience creating digital content, including photography, graphics, and short-form video using Canva or Adobe Creative Cloud.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
  • Interest in event planning and providing logistical support for meetings, conferences, and community engagement activities.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace for organizing information and basic reporting.
  • Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and comfortable collaborating with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No
Preferred Education/Experience
Pursuing a degree in journalism, public relations, business, design, English, integrated strategic communication, or a related field
Deadline to Apply
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

What University Of Kentucky employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

University of Kentucky logo

About University of Kentucky

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865

View All University of Kentucky Jobs

Apply