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Economic Development Manager Jobs in Elkhart, IN

Ivy Tech

Employer Consultant

South Bend, IN · On-site

$56K/yr

... management and analysis, and assisting in the design and development of programs. * Monitors and responds to demand-driven needs and skills gaps within key economic sectors of the campus service area ...

Ivy Tech

Employer Consultant

South Bend, IN · On-site

$56K/yr

... management and analysis, and assisting in the design and development of programs. * Monitors and responds to demand-driven needs and skills gaps within key economic sectors of the campus service area ...

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All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Manager JobsEconomic Development Manager Jobs in Elkhart, IN

Economic Development Manager information

See Elkhart, IN salary details

$29.7K

$98.6K

$148.3K

How much do economic development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development manager in Elkhart, IN is $98,570.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $119,100.00 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 job categories do people searching Economic Development Manager jobs in Elkhart, IN look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development Manager jobs in Elkhart, IN are:

What cities near Elkhart, IN are hiring for Economic Development Manager jobs?

Cities near Elkhart, IN with the most Economic Development Manager job openings:

Economic Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Manager job openings in Elkhart, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,570 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Assistant Director for Economic Development

The City of Elkhart

Elkhart, IN

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

City Of Elkhart (Indiana) rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

344th of 851 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

CITY OF ELKHART – JOB DESCRIPTION
DEPARTMENT: Office of Development Services
POSITION: Assistant Director for Economic Development
DIVISION: Economic Development
STATUS :Full-time
CATEGORY : Salaried, Up to $77,800
FLSA : Exempt
REPORTS TO : Director of Development Services
JOB SUMMARY
Promotes the retention and expansion of existing businesses and the development of new business through financing programs, land/building availability assistance, tax incentives and technical assistance through local partnerships. Administers and develops economic development policies and programs for the City of Elkhart; performs other work as may be requested by the Director and/or the Mayor.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develop and cultivate relationships with other Economic Development organizations, regional businesses, governments and media on a local, regional and statewide basis to broaden the economic development opportunities.
  • Researches and understands all applicable economic development incentive programs that attract business investment and encourage business expansion.
  • Work with state and local economic development organizations to attract new businesses.
  • Develop proposals for the appropriate use of public incentives based on individual projects.
  • Prepares financial analyses on all economic incentive proposals, assesses the economic feasibility of projects, and makes recommendations to the Director on public sector funding participation
  • Prepares and solicits Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from private and/or public entities for economic development projects
  • Advises and works with the City Common Council and top management to develop strategies and initiate projects for economic development.
  • Researches target parcels and associated opportunities for grant funding for special urban redevelopment projects that include, but are not limited to, brownfields redevelopment, open space acquisition and redevelopment, and special “overlay” districts.
  • Identify critical skills needed in the local workforce to support business growth.
  • Work with workforce development organizations to create programs and strategies to develop critical skills within the local workforce.
  • Create redevelopment strategies for selected brownfield sites.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Prepares and maintains a database containing the various local, State and Federal economic development incentives.
  • Coordinates and implements the objectives of the Urban Enterprise
  • Association.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Minimum of 4-year college degree in Economics, Urban Planning, Political Science, Public Administration or Business Administration.
  • Master’s Degree strongly desired.
  • Minimum of 4 years comparable experience with a Master’s Degree counting as an equivalent of 2 years’ experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Knowledge of public sector financing including: tax incremental financing, tax abatement and industrial development bonds.
  • Strong writing skills as required for preparing grants, project reports and general correspondence.
  • Financial management skills including spreadsheet preparation and knowledge of general accounting procedures.
  • Knowledge of real estate development including creating and evaluating project pro formas, property acquisition, zoning, site planning and subdivision process.

POST OFFER TESTING REQUIREMENTS
The City of Elkhart is a Drug Free Workplace. Therefore, successfully passing a post offer drug screen is required (random drug testing may be conducted after employment).
Background checks producing acceptable BMV and criminal history reports required.
POLICY STATEMENT
The incumbent is required to possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities, and the physical, mental, and visual skills described in this job description to perform the principal duties, responsibilities and essential job functions.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent. Principal duties and responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job and other duties and responsibilities include those that are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of this job.
This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employee holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by the Mayor. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.

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