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Economic Development Manager Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

Contributes to the development and execution of business team priorities by participating in joint ... analysis or economics OR High School Diploma/GED and at least 5 years of experience in an ...

Contributes to the development and execution of business team priorities by participating in joint ... analysis or economics OR High School Diploma/GED and at least 5 years of experience in an ...

... economic development and capital planning support, and federal grant advisory with potential ... Learn directly from experienced managers and partners with specialized experience and technical ...

Showing results 21-40

Economic Development Manager information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$30.5K

$101.5K

$152.7K

How much do economic development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development manager in Milwaukee, WI is $101,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,300.00 and $122,700.00 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 Milwaukee, WI?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:

What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Manager jobs in Milwaukee, WI?

For Economic Development Manager jobs in Milwaukee, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Milwaukee, WI are hiring for Economic Development Manager jobs?

Cities near Milwaukee, WI with the most Economic Development Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Economic Development Manager job openings in Milwaukee, WI 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 $101,500 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Chief Executive Officer

MRA Recruiting Services

Milwaukee, WI โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired 2 days ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Description
Job Description
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Company: WRTP | BIG STEP
Chief Executive Officer
WRTP | BIG STEP | Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Lead a respected workforce institution into its next chapter.

WRTP | BIG STEP is seeking an accomplished, strategic, collaborative, and mission-driven Chief Executive Officer to lead an organization with a fifty-year history of connecting employers, labor, education, government, philanthropy, and communities to expand access to family-supporting careers and strengthen Wisconsin's workforce.
This is an opportunity for a leader who can build on a strong foundation while bringing clarity, alignment, and momentum to the organization's next chapter.
The Opportunity
Reporting to an engaged Board of Directors, the CEO will provide overall leadership for:
  • Organizational strategy and execution
  • Staff leadership, culture, and performance
  • Financial stewardship, budgeting, and sustainability
  • Fundraising, grants, foundations, and revenue development
  • Board partnership and governance
  • Employer, labor, education, government, philanthropic, and community relationships
  • Public representation and industry leadership

The CEO will be a highly visible ambassador for WRTP | BIG STEP, engaging regularly with staff, employers, labor leaders, funders, policymakers, government officials, community partners, and the public.
The Leader
The ideal candidate will bring:
  • 5โ€“7+ years of progressive executive leadership experience in a complex, mission-driven environment
  • A record of leading people and organizations through change, growth, or transition
  • Strong financial, budgeting, and organizational management skills
  • Experience with fundraising, grants, foundations, government funding, or revenue development
  • Experience working effectively with a Board of Directors
  • Exceptional communication, public speaking, and relationship-building skills
  • The ability to navigate diverse perspectives and build common ground across stakeholders
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience; advanced degree preferred

Experience in workforce development, economic development, education, labor-management partnerships, skilled trades, manufacturing, public-sector workforce initiatives, philanthropy, or nonprofit leadership is strongly preferred.
Most importantly, WRTP | BIG STEP seeks a leader who combines strategic thinking with practical execution, executive presence with humility, and strong business judgment with a genuine passion for mission.
What Success Looks Like
The CEO will help create:
  • Clear strategic direction and organizational alignment
  • A confident, engaged, and accountable team
  • Strong financial sustainability and diversified revenue
  • Expanded philanthropic, government, corporate, and strategic partnerships
  • A strong Board/CEO partnership
  • Measurable workforce and economic mobility impact
  • Continued growth in WRTP | BIG STEP's statewide and national influence

Location & Travel
Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Approximately 10โ€“20% travel, primarily throughout Wisconsin, including Madison and other statewide locations, with periodic national travel, including Washington, D.C.
Evening and occasional weekend commitments should be expected.
Benefits:
Health, vision, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, and retirement contribution.
WRTP | BIG STEP is an equal opportunity and ADA-compliant employer.

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