ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Economic Development Manager Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

WesleyLife

Workforce Development Manager

Johnston, IA · On-site

Represent the organization in workforce boards, economic development groups, and community ... Strong relationship management, influencing, and communication skills * Proven ability to think ...

WesleyLife

Workforce Development Manager

Johnston, IA · On-site

Represent the organization in workforce boards, economic development groups, and community ... Strong relationship management, influencing, and communication skills * Proven ability to think ...

Edgewater

Workforce Development Manager

Johnston, IA · On-site

Represent the organization in workforce boards, economic development groups, and community ... Strong relationship management, influencing, and communication skills * Proven ability to think ...

Varsity Tutors

Agricultural Science Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... science, agricultural economics, sustainable farming practices, pest management, genetic ... rural economic development. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

State of Iowa

Traffic Safety Data Strategist

Ames, IA

$81K - $124K/yr

Opportunities for professional growth and development. Paid time off effective immediately - ... economics, data science, statistics, mathematics, management information systems, or industrial ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Manager JobsEconomic Development Manager Jobs in Ames, IA

Economic Development Manager information

See Ames, IA salary details

$30.3K

$100.8K

$151.6K

How much do economic development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development manager in Ames, IA is $100,774.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,700.00 and $121,800.00 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.

What job categories do people searching Economic Development Manager jobs in Ames, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Manager jobs in Ames, IA are:
Economic Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Manager job openings in Ames, IA 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 $100,774 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Workforce Development Manager

WesleyLife

Johnston, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

WesleyLife rating

4.3

Company rating: 4.3 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Position Summary
The Workforce Development Manager is responsible for executing workforce development strategies that build sustainable talent pipelines and partnerships and strengthen the organization's employer brand across the broader education and community ecosystems. In alignment with WesleyLife's Vision 2030 and the Uniting Generations strategies, this role operationalizes intergenerational programming within talent development efforts strengthening a multigenerational workforce and creating meaningful opportunities for connections across generations. This role works in partnership with internal leaders and external organizations to implement workforce programs, support talent pipeline growth, and contribute to an age-inclusive workplace culture.
Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities
Workforce Strategy & Talent Pipeline Development
  • Support the implementation of workforce development strategies aligned with current and future hiring needs
  • Build and manage scalable talent pipelines, including internships, apprenticeships, early career programs, and reskilling initiatives
  • Partner with People and Culture and business leaders to identify skill gaps and translate them into targeted pipeline programs
  • Align workforce strategies with intergenerational workforce goals, ensuring representation and engagement across age groups
  • Manage day-to-day execution of workforce programs, ensuring timelines,
    deliverables, and outcomes are achieved

Education & Community Partnerships
  • Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with high schools, community colleges, universities, and workforce development organizations
  • Collaborate with educators to co-develop curriculum alignment, career pathways, and experiential learning opportunities
  • Represent the organization in workforce boards, economic development groups, and community coalitions. May include attending job fairs.
  • Align partnerships to support both workforce pipeline development and intentional engagement opportunities between students, team members, and the communities served that extend beyond hiring and career paths to engagement and connection.
  • Identify and develop partnerships that expand access across generations, including youth, career changers, and older adults seeking workforce participation

Career Pathways & Program Design
  • Leverage external partnerships to showcase WesleyLife's diverse career pathways and strengthen its reputation as an employer of choice
  • Design programs that support entry, progression, and retention of early and nontraditional talent
  • Ensure programs are inclusive, accessible, and aligned with diversity, equity, and inclusion goals

Employer Branding & Talent Engagement
  • Enhance the organization's visibility and reputation as an employer of choice within targeted talent markets
  • Coordinate and participate in outreach initiatives including career fairs, campus events, speaking engagements, and community forums
  • Position the organization as a leader in workforce innovation and age-inclusive employment practices and partnership creativity

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management
  • Key point of contact for external workforce and education partners
  • Build strong, long-term relationships that drive mutual value and measurable outcomes
  • Partner across departments to align workforce, programming, and culture efforts into a unified system

Program Integration & Culture Support
  • Support integration of intergenerational programming into workforce practices and employee experience
  • Support development of mentorship, reverse mentorship, and cross-generational team initiatives that enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing

Intergenerational Programming & Unite Generations Integration
  • Embed intergenerational experiences into internships, mentorships, and career pathways as structured and repeatable components, not one-time activities
  • Support development of signature workforce experiences (e.g., mentorship programs, reverse mentorship, team-based engagement) that support WesleyLife commitment to fostering meaningful connections across generations

Metrics & Impact Measurement
  • Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and program outcomes
  • Analyze workforce trends and provide insights to inform strategic decisions
  • Measure outcomes related to:
    • Talent pipeline growth
    • Retention and engagement
    • Participation and engagement across generations
    • Impact on intergenerational engagement on perception of aging, employee experience, and belonging
  • Deliver regular reporting to leadership on partnership impact and workforce outcomes

Education & Experience
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business, Education, Public Administration, Public Health, or related field
  • 3-7 years of experience in workforce development, talent acquisition, education partnerships, Public Health or a related field
  • Proven experience building partnerships with educational institutions or community organizations and multiple generations
  • Demonstrated ability to design and implement talent pipeline or workforce programs
  • Strong relationship management, influencing, and communication skills
  • Proven ability to think independently with a mindset of innovation

Preferred
  • Experience working across sectors (corporate, education, nonprofit, or government)
  • Knowledge of workforce trends, labor market dynamics, and talent development practices
  • Experience with intergenerational programming, community engagement, or age inclusive workforce strategies
  • Background in employer branding, early career recruiting, or apprenticeship programs
  • Demonstrated ability to design, implement and track program outcomes across multiple system applications

Why Choose WesleyLife?
At WesleyLife, you're not just starting a job - you're joining a purpose-driven community where your well-being, growth, and impact truly matter. With nearly 80 years of excellence in serving older adults, we empower our team members to thrive while making meaningful connections and changing lives every day.
WesleyLife is proud to be recognized as one of Senior Care's Best Places to Work by WeCare Connect! We're committed to a workplace where every team member is seen, heard, and appreciated.
WesleyLife is revolutionizing the experience of aging by challenging the stigma that aging means decline and promoting the idea that life transitions are opportunities for growth and purpose. Come be a part of the revolution!
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What WesleyLife employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply