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Economic Development Manager Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

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Economic Development Manager information

See Missouri salary details

$29.1K

$96.6K

$145.4K

How much do economic development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development manager in Missouri is $96,634.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,400.00 and $116,800.00 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 Missouri? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Missouri are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Manager jobs in Missouri? For Economic Development Manager jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Manager jobs in Missouri look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Manager jobs in Missouri are:
What cities in Missouri are hiring for Economic Development Manager jobs? Cities in Missouri with the most Economic Development Manager job openings:
Economic Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Manager job openings in Missouri as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,634 per year, or $46.5 per hour.
Business Development Specialist

Business Development Specialist

City of Columbia, MO

Columbia, MO • On-site

$66K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Applicant View of Posting
Posting Number
4239P
Position Title
Business Development Specialist
Department
Economic Development
Job Code
08905
FLSA Status
Exempt
Union Code/Affiliation
Unrepresented
Division
GENERAL OPERATIONS
Job Description Summary
The purpose of this job is to identify, attract, and support economic development opportunities within the City of Columbia and Boone County that can stimulate high-impact economic development. This position works to recruit new businesses and investment, market available sites, build strategic relationships with businesses, developers, brokers, and site selectors, and advance projects that contribute to community growth and economic vitality. This position partners closely with City and County stakeholders, businesses, developers, and community partners to support strategic economic development initiatives.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities - The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description
  • Supports economic development efforts including business attraction, retention, and expansion, site development, project management, and strategic growth initiatives.

  • Assists with the administration of Chapter 100 processes, incentive programs, and other financing tools. Facilitates connections to state resources and programs, identifies barriers to economic growth, and recommends strategies to remove or reduce those barriers.

  • Recruits retail businesses by maintaining an inventory of available sites, identifying high-potential prospects, conducting outreach and engagement efforts, attending industry trade shows, responding to requests for information, and following up with prospects to understand project needs and opportunities.

  • Responds to requests for information (RFIs), prospect inquiries, and project opportunities by gathering and presenting relevant community, workforce, infrastructure, demographic, and site data.

  • Facilitates development projects by coordinating with businesses, developers, brokers, and other external stakeholders; guiding projects through regulatory, zoning, and permitting processes; and collaborating with City, County, and regional partners, including Community Development, Utilities, Public Works, and other applicable agencies.

  • Develops and implements revitalization and redevelopment strategies for underserved areas by promoting retail development and economic growth through research, market analysis, data-driven best practices, and identification of financing opportunities.

  • Monitors relevant projects going through City and County Council review and approval processes (e.g., Planning and Zoning Commission).

  • Manages and communicates project activities by preparing reports, tracking progress, and ensuring alignment with departmental goals.

  • Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities
  • No supervisory authority. Work may require providing guidance and training to others.

Human Collaboration and Job Impact - This area describes the personal interaction with others outside direct reporting relationships as well as the impact the job has on organization, the department or unit objectives, the output of services, or employee or public satisfaction
  • Interactions and communications may result in recommendations regarding policy development and implementation. May also evaluate customer satisfaction, develop cooperative associations, and utilize resources to continuously improve customer satisfaction.

  • Interactions have significant impact on the organization in terms of time, money, or public/employee relations.

Fiscal Responsibility
  • Position has limited fiscal responsibility.

  • May assist in the collection of data in support of recommendations for departmental budget allocations. May monitor work unit or program/promotional level budget and expenditures.

Education and Experience - An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered
Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's Degree in Business, Planning, Public Administration, or related field

  • 5 to 7 years of progressive experience in economic development, business attraction/retention, retail/commercial real estate, community development, commercial lending, project coordination, and/or a related field.

Licenses or Certifications
  • Valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities which may be representative, but not all-inclusive of those commonly associated with this position
Knowledge of:
  • Principles and practices of economic development, retail recruitment, and commercial revitalization.

  • Urban planning, land use, zoning, and regulatory processes and regulations relevant to ground up commercial development.

  • Financing tools and incentives such as Chapter 100 bonds, tax incremental financing (TIF), and development districts.

  • Geographic information systems (GIS), site inventory databases, and economic development platforms (e.g. LOIS, LASSO, ESRI, or similar tools).

  • Local, regional, and national retail market trends and site selection criteria.

  • Methods for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting demographic, economic, and market data.

  • General office practices and administrative procedures, records management and administration techniques and procedures.

Skill in:
  • Recognizing, analyzing, and solving a variety of problems.

  • Project management, including setting goals, tracking progress, and meeting deadlines.

  • Communicating verbally and in writing to meet the needs of the audience.

  • Writing technical documentation that guides the work of external partners.

  • Applying active listening and asking questions for understanding.

  • Organizing and managing time effectively.

  • Collecting, organizing, and analyzing data.

  • Strategic planning and implementation of retail and economic development initiatives.

  • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

  • Thinking critically and analytically.

Ability to:
  • Identify and evaluate economic and retail development opportunities and align them with community needs and development goals.

  • Identify necessary and synergistic site/area characteristics required to procure targeted retail occupancies.

  • Work collaboratively across departments and with external partners to move projects forward.

  • Interpret and apply policies, laws, and regulations related to economic development.

  • Create and present reports.

  • Handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.

  • Compile, organize, interpret, and communicate data and results concisely

  • Apply logic and reasoning to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems

  • Provide high levels of effective customer service.

  • Regularly use a computer, software, phone and related office equipment.

  • Focus on tasks.

Work Environment - Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job
Work Environment:
  • Office or similar indoor environment - Frequently/Often
  • Outdoor environment - Sometimes
  • Street environment (near moving traffic) - Sometimes
  • Vehicle - Sometimes

Exposures:
  • Individuals who are hostile or irate - Sometimes

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
  • This position is relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards and is generally sedentary.

  • Incumbents may be required to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Hours/Days
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Occasional meetings or events outside of typical work hours.
Starting Salary
$66,144 - $78,000 annually; commensurate with training and experience
Pay Grade
110
Number of Positions Available
1
Deadline to Apply
07/24/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Occasional meetings or events outside of typical work hours.
Notice to Applicants
Individuals needing accommodation to apply may call 573.874.CITY (2489)
TTY: 711 (MO RELAY)
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA IS A MERIT, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: MALE / FEMALE
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA REQUIRES PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING
The City of Columbia participates in the federal E-Verify work authorization program

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