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Economic Development Manager Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Cardiology Physician

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

$347K - $392K/yr

... economic development performance for seventh consecutive year Position Details: * Full time, permanent opening * Clinic is a private medical group completely owned and managed by the shareholder ...

Showing results 21-40

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 9, 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 cities in Kentucky are hiring for Economic Development Manager jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Economic Development Manager job openings:
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.

Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development - Morgan County

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

310th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Job Title Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development - Morgan County Requisition Number RE55392 Working Title Department Name 81E05: KCES Region East Area 05 Work Location West Liberty, KY Grade Level 00 Salary Range Type of Position Staff Position Time Status Full-Time Required Education

No set minimum requirements.

Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies Required Related Experience

No set minimum requirements.

Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Job-related travel including overnight stays; visiting clientele at sites throughout the county (including farms); standing/walking for long periods; handling of average-weight objects up to 25 lbs.
Shift
Monday-Friday (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) with evenings and weekends as needed. Most weeks will exceed 40 hours.
Job Summary
Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development in Morgan County
Location: West Liberty, KY
The Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development will work to provide leadership and management to the overall 4-H youth development programs for Morgan County.
Agent responsibilities include:
  1.  implementing a well-rounded program that develops youth through school and community-based programs;
  2.  recruiting and training volunteers and leaders to work with youth;
  3.  utilizing and/or developing councils, advisory groups, and committees in programing around issues involving leadership development, community involvement, local government, community services and other forms of community economic development.
All agents in a county will support the dissemination of useful and practical information on subjects relating to Agriculture, Family Consumer Sciences, 4-H and Community and Rural Development as outlined in the KRS statutes 164.605 to 164.675.

State law requires a national and state criminal background check and a letter from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services stating the employee is clear to hire based on no findings of substantiated child abuse or neglect found through a background check of child abuse and neglect records as a condition of employment or involvement in this program.

Resume, cover letter and transcripts are required at time of application.

Visit the Extension Careers page: https://ces-personnel.ca.uky.edu/careers
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Demonstrated ability to communicate orally and in writing with groups and individuals and through mass media. Ability to use the computer for program delivery and management. Ability to visit clientele at sites throughout the county. Ability to plan and teach educational programs. Demonstrated leadership and ability to serve as a positive role model.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes Preferred Education/Experience
Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Education, Agriculture, Family & Consumer Sciences, Social Science, or similar field of study.
Deadline to Apply 08/28/2026 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.

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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