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Economic Development Manager Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Maryland Department of Transportation

MD · Hybrid

$120K - $190K/yr

The OPPPD develops rail safety and economic development policy, manages MDOT owned freight rail assets, coordinates rail safety activities, and implements rail-focused economic developments. The ...

Ameresco

$121K - $176K/yr

Ameresco has an immediate opening for a Senior Business Development Manager who will be responsible ... Bachelor's degree or equivalent in sustainability, engineering, economics, finance, environmental ...

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Economic Development Manager information

See Maryland salary details

$30.1K

$100K

$150.4K

How much do economic development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development manager in Maryland is $99,985.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,100.00 and $120,800.00 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.

Is economic development a good career path?

Economic development managers plan and implement strategies to improve local economies, often working with government agencies, businesses, and community organizations. The role requires strong analytical, communication, and project management skills, and it can offer opportunities for advancement and community impact. It is considered a stable career with demand in many regions, especially for those with relevant education and experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Maryland?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Maryland are:

What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Manager jobs in Maryland?

For Economic Development Manager jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Economic Development Manager jobs in Maryland look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development Manager jobs in Maryland are:

What cities in Maryland are hiring for Economic Development Manager jobs?

Cities in Maryland with the most Economic Development Manager job openings:

Economic Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Manager job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,985 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Economic Development Specialist

St. Mary's County, MD

Leonardtown, MD • On-site

$82K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Salary : $82,638.40 - $91,291.20 Annually
Location : Leonardtown, MD
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202200325
Department: Economic Development
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Summary
This is a professional economic development position assisting with the attraction of new businesses to the County, the retention and expansion of existing County businesses, and the creation of new businesses. The position will manage multiple marketing and communication projects and department messaging initiatives, and help the Director and Deputy Director carry out the mission of the department.
The hiring salary for this position is $82,638 - $91,291 annually; full salary range for this position is $82,638 - $142,355
Essential Functions
  1. Carries out department outreach, marketing, and communication initiatives
    • Communicate the department's initiatives and accomplishments through various means;
    • Develop digital and printed marketing materials based on data, strategic plans, and other initiatives and documents
    • Represent the organization at various economic development functions;
  2. Develops, implements, plans, schedules, monitors, and supervises large and complex department-specific marketing and communication projects;
  3. Liaisons with local, regional, and state organizations related to the program;
  4. Performs targeted industry communication for business attraction and retention
    • Oversee updates to the printed and digital versions of the Technology Resource Book;
    • Investigate and identify growth opportunities for business relocation and existing business expansion;
    • Research and support recruitment efforts for qualified companies;
    • Work with external organizations charged with regional marketing, business recruitment, business retention, and business expansion efforts;
    • Work with key retail districts to identify messaging strategies that would increase their vitality;
    • Foster entrepreneurship and small business growth communication;
  5. Performs data analysis
    • Collect and organize industry specific market data and analyze economic trends;
    • Provide strategic advice and information on economic development activity, trends and issues;
    • Coordinate department participation on economic assumptions and forecasts;
  6. Fosters a business and development friendly environment
    • Help identify processes and regulations that hinder business establishment and work towards streamlining and simplifying;
    • Help coordinate economic development initiatives with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders;
    • Participate in established internal teams to coordinate large-scale development projects;
    • Review proposals for development opportunities and assist with multi-party negotiations for significant economic development projects;
  7. Management and County Governance
    • Assess performance as compared with comprehensive economic development strategic plan;
    • Draft memos and reports for submittal in BoardDocs and other professional written correspondence;
    • Assist Director and Deputy Director with meeting preparation and follow-up;
    • Attend meetings on behalf of Director and Deputy Director and accompany them to meetings;
    • Coordinate and oversee contracts with outside agencies associated with economic development.
  8. Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  1. Ability to gain thorough knowledge of St. Mary's County Government policies and procedures;
  2. Ability to act as a representative of St. Mary's County Government to the public;
  3. Expert knowledge of department practices and procedures and of the practices, procedures, and concepts of the assigned programs;
  4. Knowledge of relevant Federal, State, and Local regulations relative to the operations of specific projects and programs;
  5. Ability to effectively communicate with other staff members;
  6. Ability to effectively monitor staff performance;
  7. Ability to develop, implement, prioritize, and coordinate program-related activities;
  8. Ability to use available resources to research information;
  9. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records;
  10. Ability to operate relevant computer systems, including hardware and software.

Education and Experience
  1. Bachelor's degree;
  2. Five years or more of related experience;
  3. Or equivalent technical training, education, and/or experience.

Additional Requirements:
  1. Must successfully pass background investigation with favorable results;
  2. Must pass a pre-employment drug test.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:
Work requires light physical effort in the handling of light materials or boxes and tools or equipment in non-strenuous work positions up to 30 pounds and/or continual standing or walking of 60%/+ of the time.
Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meetings and training rooms.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plan, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, identity theft protection, sick-leave transfer, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Regular Part-time employees who work an average of 20 or more hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at the following link:

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