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Economic Development Manager Jobs in Arab, AL (NOW HIRING)

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Economic Development Manager information

See Arab, AL salary details

$28.1K

$93.2K

$140.3K

How much do economic development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development manager in Arab, AL is $93,245.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,800.00 and $112,700.00 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 Arab, AL?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Arab, AL are:

What job categories do people searching Economic Development Manager jobs in Arab, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development Manager jobs in Arab, AL are:

What cities near Arab, AL are hiring for Economic Development Manager jobs?

Cities near Arab, AL with the most Economic Development Manager job openings:

Economic Development Manager jobs near you

Manager, Marketing and Communications - BRIDGES Engine

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Manager, Marketing and Communications, BRIDGES Engine
Tell the Story of Biobased Innovation and Rural Economic Development
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Employment Type: Full-time | Exempt
The Opportunity
Every transformative movement needs a powerful storyteller. As Manager of Marketing and Communications for the BRIDGES NSF Engine, you'll be the voice amplifying one of the most ambitious regional innovation initiatives in America, translating cutting-edge science, groundbreaking partnerships, and real-world impact into compelling narratives that inspire researchers, energize industry leaders, engage communities, and attract the world's attention.
This isn't just communications work. You'll be a strategic partner shaping how the world understands the sustainable biobased economy. You'll craft the stories that connect plant-based innovation to rural economic opportunity, translate complex biotechnology into human terms, and build the narrative momentum that turns vision into movement. From executive messaging to digital campaigns, from thought leadership to community engagement, you'll ensure that BRIDGES Engine's transformative potential reaches every stakeholder who needs to hear it.
What You'll Do
Strategic Communication & Storytelling
  • Develop and implement integrated communication strategies aligned with BRIDGES Engine priorities and NSF Engine objectives
  • Translate groundbreaking scientific discoveries, partnerships, and commercialization milestones into compelling, clear narratives for diverse audiences
  • Create messaging frameworks that unite researchers, industry partners, policymakers, rural communities, and the public around shared vision
  • Position BRIDGES Engine as a national leader in sustainable biobased manufacturing innovation and regional economic development
  • Tell the human stories behind the science, showcasing how plant-based technologies drive opportunity, prosperity, and sustainability

Content Creation & Digital Excellence
  • Develop high-quality written content including press releases, social media content, articles, thought leadership pieces, case studies, and web materials
  • Create engaging multimedia content (video, graphics, infographics) that bring innovation to life
  • Manage digital platforms and channels to maximize reach and engagement across stakeholders
  • Use analytics to evaluate performance and continuously improve messaging effectiveness
  • Stay current with communications trends and emerging platforms to keep BRIDGES Engine at the forefront

Internal & External Engagement
  • Support internal communication channels-employee updates, newsletters, team messaging-that strengthen culture and alignment across teams
  • Assist executive leadership with presentations, remarks, speeches, and materials for key events
  • Develop and execute outreach campaigns targeting donors, academic partners, industry collaborators, policymakers, and the public
  • Cultivate relationships with media outlets, journalists, and thought leaders to amplify BRIDGES Engine's visibility
  • Manage media inquiries and coordinate press coverage that showcases impact and innovation

Event & Project Coordination
  • Collaborate on communication strategies for major events (workshops, showcases, industry forums, and stakeholder gatherings)
  • Develop event messaging, promotional materials, and audience engagement strategies
  • Manage vendor relationships and coordinate deliverables for communications-related projects
  • Track budgets, timelines, and performance metrics for communications initiatives
  • Ensure seamless integration of messaging across all event touchpoints

Brand & Reputation Management
  • Maintain consistency in institutional voice and visual identity across all communications
  • Monitor and respond to stakeholder feedback and community sentiment
  • Proactively manage communications to build trust and credibility with all stakeholder groups
  • Support reputation-building initiatives that position HudsonAlpha and BRIDGES Engine as trusted innovation leaders

About You
Experience & Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, English, or related field;
  • Experience in communications, public relations, digital media, or related roles
  • Demonstrated experience in science, research, biotechnology, nonprofit, or innovation-driven environments
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and manage multiple competing priorities
  • Track record of developing and executing strategic communications that drive engagement and impact

Essential Skills & Competencies:
  • Exceptional writing and editing abilities with talent for translating complex information into clear, engaging narratives
  • Strategic thinker who understands how communication drives organizational and mission success
  • Proficiency in digital content management systems, video editing, and visual communication tools
  • Strong project management, organizational, and time-management skills
  • Ability to manage relationships and collaborate effectively across diverse teams and disciplines
  • Excellent communication skills-both verbal and written
  • Poise, discretion, and professionalism in handling sensitive or confidential information
  • Competence with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and relevant creative or analytics software
  • Proven ability to thrive under pressure and adapt to fast-paced, evolving priorities
  • Passion for translating science into impact and communicating innovation to the world

Why BRIDGES Engine? Why HudsonAlpha?
HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a leading nonprofit research institute leveraging genomics to improve human health, strengthen global food systems, and drive sustainable economic growth. Our 150-acre Huntsville campus, located in one of the world's premier science and technology communities, unites world-class scientists, educators, and 45+ innovative life science companies in a collaborative ecosystem where discovery becomes impact.
With U.S. National Science Foundation Engine funding, BRIDGES represents the next frontier: a bold initiative to build a sustainable biobased economy that transforms rural communities and opens entirely new markets and industries.
This isn't incremental change, it's ecosystem-building at scale. You'll work alongside visionary leaders, innovative companies, and passionate researchers united by a common mission: to prove that biotechnology can drive prosperity, sustainability, and opportunity for entire regions.
Physical & Work Environment
  • Primarily on-site position with potential for flexible or remote work as approved by leadership
  • Dynamic office and event settings with frequent engagement across multiple locations
  • Travel for conferences, convenings, media events, and stakeholder gatherings
  • Occasional evening or weekend hours for events, deadlines, and time-sensitive projects
  • Ability to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods during content creation and strategy work

Join Us
Help shape the narrative of sustainable innovation. Tell stories that matter. Amplify voices that inspire change. Drive visibility and impact at scale.
Apply now and become part of the BRIDGES Engine story.

Apply