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Economic Development Manager Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Blue Grass Energy

Key Accounts Specialist

Nicholasville, KY

$16.75 - $23/hr

Manage the commercial incentive marketing programs in conjunction with East Kentucky * Process all paperwork with members and East Kentucky * Assists in economic development and community relations ...

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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 Jul 13, 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 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 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 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 $89,476 per year, or $43 per hour.
Director for Research and Economic Dev

Director for Research and Economic Dev

Kentucky State University

Frankfort, KY • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

TITLE: Director for Research and Economic Development

DEPARTMENT: College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources / Land Grant Program

REPORTS TO: Dean, College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

LOCATION: On-Site Main Campus

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Dean, College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, the Director for Research and Economic Development provides strategic leadership in advancing research partnerships, economic development initiatives, and external engagement activities for the College and Land Grant Programs. The position is responsible for developing and sustaining collaborations with public and private sector partners, including industry, government, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions to support applied research, workforce development, and experiential learning opportunities.

The Director leads efforts to strengthen Kentucky State University’s research enterprise and economic development impact with particular emphasis on agriculture, food systems, natural resources, aquaculture, equine industries, and related sectors. This position exercises independent judgment in developing partnerships, managing complex initiatives, and aligning external engagement strategies with institutional priorities. This role requires a regular, reliable, and consistent on-campus presence to effectively perform leadership, coordination, and stakeholder engagement responsibilities and is not suitable for remote work except as approved in accordance with University policy.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Provides strategic leadership for research development, external partnerships, and economic development initiatives aligned with the College and Land Grant Program mission.
  • Develops and implements strategies to establish and expand partnerships with private industry, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions.
  • Builds and manages a portfolio of research and economic development initiatives, including planning, budgeting, implementation, logistics, risk management, and reporting.
  • Cultivates and sustains relationships with stakeholders in agriculture, food and beverage industries (including bourbon and spirits), equine industries, natural resources, and related sectors.
  • Facilitates collaboration between University researchers, faculty, students, and external partners to support applied research, innovation, and workforce development initiatives.
  • Coordinates cross-functional project teams and ensures alignment of deliverables, timelines, and resource allocation with strategic objectives.
  • Provides leadership in developing experiential learning opportunities, including internships, summer programs, and workforce development initiatives across the College and Land Grant Programs.
  • Supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of youth programs, workforce development initiatives, and extension-related training activities.
  • Prepares annual reports and performance summaries, including evaluation of program outcomes, stakeholder engagement, and initiative effectiveness.
  • Analyzes program data and identifies opportunities for continuous improvement and expanded impact.
  • Serves as liaison to internal and external stakeholders, including industry partners, government agencies, community organizations, and professional associations.
  • Represents the College and Land Grant Programs at meetings, conferences, events, and stakeholder engagement activities.
  • Provides training and support materials for extension associates, youth programs, and workforce development initiatives.
  • Maintains a complex schedule of engagements, meetings, and project activities while ensuring effective prioritization and execution of responsibilities.
  • Exerts independent judgment in resolving complex issues related to partnerships, program development, and project execution.
  • Maintains a regular, reliable, and consistent on-campus presence to effectively perform the essential functions of the position.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Knowledge of research administration, economic development, and industry partnership development.
  • Knowledge of agricultural systems, food and beverage industries, equine industries, natural resources, or related sectors.
  • Knowledge of program development, project management, and evaluation methods.
  • Strong ability to develop and sustain partnerships with public and private sector organizations.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and strategic planning skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple complex projects and initiatives simultaneously.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies including industry leaders, government officials, faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders.
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment and make decisions in complex and dynamic environments.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and project management tools.
  • Ability to prepare reports, analyze program data, and support performance evaluation.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

  • This position has supervisory responsibility for professional staff, project personnel, and assigned programmatic initiatives.


OTHER DUTIES:

  • The position will conduct other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Public Administration, Business Administration, Economic Development, Community Development, Agricultural Economics, Education Leadership, Sociology, or a closely related field is required.
  • Doctoral degree is preferred.
  • Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, research administration, public-private partnerships, community development, or a related field is preferred.
  • Experience in higher education, extension programming, or applied research environments is strongly preferred.



Licensing and Certifications:

  • Valid drivers’ license.



WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Work requires frequent travel, including in-state, out-of-state, and occasional national travel via automobile or air transportation.
  • Work may involve exposure to varying environmental conditions including outdoor settings, agricultural environments, and event-based activities.
  • Work may require standing, walking, and occasional lifting up to 40 pounds.
  • Frequent interaction with external stakeholders, industry partners, government agencies, and community organizations is required.
  • Occasional evening and weekend work may be required based on program and event schedules.



Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.


KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.