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Economic Development Manager information

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$29.8K

$98.9K

$148.8K

How much do economic development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development manager in Baton Rouge, LA is $98,924.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,300.00 and $119,500.00 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 Baton Rouge, LA?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Manager jobs in Baton Rouge, LA?

For Economic Development Manager jobs in Baton Rouge, LA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Economic Development Manager jobs in Baton Rouge, LA look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development Manager jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

What cities near Baton Rouge, LA are hiring for Economic Development Manager jobs?

Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most Economic Development Manager job openings:

Economic Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Manager job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,924 per year, or $47.6 per hour.

Fiscal Policy and Research Specialist, Economic Competitiveness

Louisiana Economic Development

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

The Economic Competitiveness Team leads LED’s efforts to position Louisiana to win and ensure sustainable economic growth for generations to come. The team analyzes economic trends, evaluates public policy, and works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to foster an environment conducive to innovation, investment, and job creation.

The Economic Competitiveness Team’s work includes:


  • Benchmarking and researching best-in-class economic development tax, and fiscal policies across the United States and internationally;
  • Evaluating Louisiana’s tax and business climate to identify opportunities to strengthen the state’s economic competitiveness and support strategic industries;
  • Conducting economic and fiscal research to inform executive leadership, policymakers, and stakeholders; and
  • Supporting the development and implementation of policy initiatives that advance Louisiana’s long-term economic competitiveness. 




Work Experience

 Position Overview


The Fiscal Policy & Research Specialist will support Louisiana’s efforts to strengthen its competitive position through data-driven fiscal policy research, economic analysis, and strategic recommendations. This position will analyze state and local tax systems, evaluate economic development incentives, benchmark Louisiana’s economic competitiveness position on a national scale, and assess the economic and fiscal impacts of proposed policy changes.


The position requires an individual who is intellectually curious, highly analytical, and capable of translating complex fiscal and economic concepts into clear, actionable recommendations for improving Louisiana’s economic competitiveness.


The ideal candidate will possess strong quantitative and research skills, an understanding of state and federal fiscal policy, and the ability to communicate technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. 


Job Requirements


  • Bachelor’s degree in economics, public policy, public administration, finance, accounting, business, political science, or a related field.
  • 2-5 years of experience in tax policy, economic development, management consulting, government, or a related analytical field.
  • Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including experience interpreting economic, fiscal, and demographic data.
  • Experience conducting policy research and comparative analyses across states or jurisdictions.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement and work independently while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Knowledge of state tax policy, economic development incentives, public finance, or legislative processes is preferred.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other suite programs; experience with data visualization or statistical software is a plus.

Job Responsibilities


  • Research and analyze Louisiana’s fiscal policies, including state and local tax structures, business climate, incentive programs, and regulatory environment, to benchmark the state’s economic competitiveness against peer and competitor states.
  • Prepare research reports, briefing materials, and summaries to communicate findings.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret economic, tax, labor market, and demographic data from federal, state, and private sources.
  • Collaborate with internal LED teams and, as requested, external stakeholders on research initiatives.
  • Monitor emerging trends in taxation, economic development, fiscal policy, and state competitiveness.
  • Support strategic initiatives related to tax reform, incentive modernization, economic competitiveness, and legislative priorities.
  • Assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned in support of the Economic Competitiveness Team. 

Company Description

Louisiana Economic Development is transforming the state’s approach to economic development. With a mission to cultivate jobs and build meaningful economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana, LED is modernizing its organizational structure to operate at the speed of business, proactively and comprehensively supporting the state’s existing business ecosystem, and aggressively competing to attract new ones.

LED is excited to identify leaders who share this vision of success.

Apply