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Economic Development Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Economic Development Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$30.7K

$102.1K

$153.7K

How much do economic development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development manager in Virginia is $102,137.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,800.00 and $123,400.00 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Manager jobs in Virginia? For Economic Development Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Manager jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Manager jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Economic Development Manager jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Economic Development Manager job openings:
Economic Development Manager jobs near you

Economic Development Specialist

Goochland County, VA

Goochland, VA • On-site

$45K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Salary: $45,000.00 - $75,000.00 Annually
Location : 1800 Sandy Hook Road, Goochland, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202400267
Department: Economic Development
Opening Date: 06/03/2026
Closing Date: 6/20/2026 11:00 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Goochland County is located in the heart of Central Virginia. Just over 289 square miles of rural countryside, our County is home to just over 26,000 residents and is ideally located within a short drive to beaches or mountain tops. We have great proximity to major cities including Charlottesville and Richmond. Our quality of life is unsurpassed, and our active community welcomes one and all. A community rich in history, the Goochland County Courthouse is widely considered to be the most well-maintained Jeffersonian courthouse in Virginia. Goochland County is the smallest county in the United States to have earned the highest rating from all three credit rating agencies which reflects the County's exceptional financial resilience and is home to an award-winning public-school system.
Description
Works under the direction of the Economic Development Director. This position is responsible for advancing economic initiatives by providing essential administrative support to the department and managing marketing initiatives that promote the County's economic assets. This position will also be responsible for marketing and tourism campaigns highlighting County events, businesses, and attractions.
Essential Functions
  • Provides administrative support to the Deputy County Administrator and to the Director of Economic Development by assisting with calendar management and other administrative tasks.
  • Assists with economic development activities such as business retention and expansion (BRE), small business assistance, and tourism initiatives.
  • Assists with planning and execution of events for Economic Development.
  • Collects, organizes, and analyzes data in accordance with the implementation of the county's Economic Development Plan.
  • Receives and coordinates responses to business requests and inquiries.
  • Responsible for tracking real estate changes in Costar and update IVS system.
  • Assists in supporting the Economic Development Authority through various administrative tasks, including assisting with agenda and minutes creation.
  • Assists in planning and promoting small business and entrepreneurship development programs through partnerships with Goochland Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Center, and other partner organizations.
  • Manages marketing efforts including updating departmental websites, social media channels, hard-copy materials, and media outlets.
  • Collaborates with the Director to develop materials that attract new business and programs to retain existing businesses.
  • Updates and maintains the department's CRM database of existing Goochland County businesses.
  • Assists in curating and publishing content for Goochland Economic Development and Tourism Newsletter.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, and a willingness to learn other programs.
  • Knowledge of standard office procedures and practices.
  • Skill in the use of computers and software applications related to the essential functions of the job.
  • Preferred but not required - basic knowledge of economic development processes and practices in the areas of marketing, tourism, business retention, or local government experience working in Economic or Community Development.
  • Preferred by not required - General knowledge of marketing and marketing material development to include visual aids, brochures, reports and multi-media presentations.
  • Skill in effective communication, both verbally and in writing.
  • Skill in providing customer service.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Ability to think creatively and innovatively.
  • Ability to manage time effectively to achieve specific project objectives in a deadline-driven environment.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in various stages.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other personnel and the public.

Education, Experience and Training
  • High School Diploma.
  • Two (2) years of related experience in administrative assistance, marketing, economic development, tourism, building development process, real estate, community planning, or a related field or equivalent training, education, and/or experience.
  • Valid State of Virginia Driver's License with a driving record that meets HR Policy requirements.
  • Criminal background check and drug screen required.

Other Necessary Requirements
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work is light work, which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. Tasks may require the ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods of time. Additionally, the following physical abilities may be required: bending, reaching, handling, and grasping.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a relatively safe, and secure work environment.
As part of employment with Goochland County, all employees are required to complete Emergency preparedness and incident management training courses as directed or requested.
Goochland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, color, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental disability, family medical history or genetic information, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status that is protected by federal, state or local laws.
Goochland County Government offers an excellent benefits package that includes health, dental and vision, vacation and sick leave as well as retirement benefits for all regular full-time employees. Goochland County participates in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) which requires a 5% mandatory contribution by employees.
PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS: As a prospective employee of Goochland County, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website atore information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at
Please visit our web page for additional information.

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