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Economic Development Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Tourism Program Manager

Stafford, VA · On-site

$96K - $169K/yr

Economic Development Opening Date: 06/17/2026 Starting Salary: $96,720 to $132,995 based on experience. Stafford County Government is seeking an energetic and strategic Tourism Program Manager to ...

... Development, Institutional Sales, or Account Management within Fintech, Prime Brokerage, or Web3 ... A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field (or equivalent practical ...

... economic development initiatives as they relate to Tourism Supports and assists in the marketing of Stafford County as a premier tourism destination for a positive economic development program ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 30, 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 cities in Virginia are hiring for Economic Development Manager jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Economic Development Manager job openings:

Business Development Manager

Carnegie Mellon University

Arlington, VA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist the SSD Director Strategic Initiatives & Program Development as a strategic advisor in developing strategies and market analysis for the DoW Headquarters, Intelligence Community, and other Federal groups as necessary.

  • Develop and implement action plans to achieve strategic business development goals and objectives focusing on the DoW Headquarters, Intelligence Community, and other Federal Agencies.

  • Coordinate business development action plan implementation with program development teams across the SEI to ensure achievement of business development goals.


Carnegie Mellon University rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

This position is based at the SEI's offices in Pittsburgh, PA. After a year in Pittsburgh, this position would be eligible for relocation to our Arlington, VA office.

What We Do:

The Software Solutions Division (SSD) comprises a large part of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) operated by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Arlington, VA. At SSD our teams engage in ground breaking software research, development, and transition for the US Government.

Position Summary:

Do you love working and collaborating with some of the brightest minds in software engineering research? As the primary SSD Pittsburgh based Business Development Manager for DoW & Federal Agencies, you will be responsible for active identification, qualification and pursuit of new research opportunities within the DoW (focusing on Headquarters) and Intelligence Community (IC) along with other federal government agencies. Through in-depth analysis of acquisition and research needs and building trusted relationships with the acquisition and research community, you will recognize relevant connections to our research, then cultivate the relationships that bring SSD value to the forefront.

Your coordination with SEI technical staff will develop effective approaches to the target customer, leading to long-term, funded relationships. Importantly, you will provide key inputs to SSD leadership to develop our strategic business goals and objectives for the SEI's federal research program.

Do you enjoy working with a professional cadre of program management, contract and legal professionals to ensure your customers are satisfied? Our support and technical teams are here to provide assistance as you lead the customer engagement and pursue future business development for your targeted customers. Likewise, assigned teams of financial and contract professionals are at your disposal as you provide oversight, control and management of customer funding.

Responsibilities:

In this position you will:

  • Assist the SSD Director Strategic Initiatives & Program Development as a strategic advisor in developing strategies and market analysis for the DoW Headquarters & IC and other Federal groups as necessary.
  • Establish strategic business development goals and objectives focusing principally on the DoW Headquarters & IC as well as other Federal Agencies
  • Develop and implement action plans to achieve goals
  • Represent SEI products and services at meaningful forums, seminars, technical programs and trade shows
  • Participate in technical and professional associations; keep informed about developments in the government, military, and economic, scientific, political, and industrial fields as they apply to SEI products and services
  • Coordinate business development action plan implementation with program development teams across the SEI to ensure achievement of business development goals
  • Assist the SSD Director Strategic Initiatives & Program Development in working with the SSD Technical Directors in developing Market Strategies and Product Plans that communicate their groups' technologies, intrinsic knowledge, and core competencies into viable offerings to the Federal Government and industry.

Requirements:

  • BS in a technical/engineering discipline or a technically-oriented business degree.
  • Eight to ten years of progressively responsible experience in business development activities relating to software engineering technologies and research in related areas across the Federal Government (with emphasis on the DoW & IC).
  • We value successful business development experience gained in pursuit of large government projects dealing with engineering support, applied research/development or other similar activities.
  • Recent experience working closely with the DoW HQ, IC, and Federal Agencies acquisition offices or similar activities is critical to success.
  • Willingness to travel to various locations to support the SEI's overall mission. This includes within the SEI and CMU community, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings on occasion. Average Travel - 5-6 days per month.
  • You will be subject to a background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

We are searching for creative, tech savvy, self-starters with:

  • Working knowledge of software and systems development and defense acquisition
  • Experience leading projects as well as leading medium to large technical teams
  • Ability to assess initiatives against programmatic, technical, and operational goals
  • Ability to develop business development plans, technical work plans
  • Experience with CRM systems to track opportunities through the sales funnel
  • Ability to prepare and conduct management and entry-level technical briefings with senior government leaders and technologists
  • Ability to engage customers to elicit and distill capability gaps and needs and translate those needs to SEI technology focus areas
  • Desire to work with technical staff to establish tailored approaches, goals and schedules
  • Ability to recognize and deal appropriately with confidential and sensitive information
  • Extraordinary written and oral communication skills
  • Strong reasoning and analytical skills; a solid presenter and very capable of communicating with and in front of internal and external customers including audiences from diverse military, Governmental and academic backgrounds
  • Ability to work independently but with emphasis on team goals and teamwork
  • Ability to combine technical aptitude with a business perspective, be comfortable with understanding technical products and services and able to interact effectively with technical staff at the SEI and in customer organizations.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Program, Project and Operations Management

Position Type

Staff - Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information:

  • Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon" to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.

  • Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

  • Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

  • Statement of Assurance


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