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Economic Development Manager Jobs in Plainfield, IN

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Economic Development Manager information

See Plainfield, IN salary details

$30.4K

$101.1K

$152.1K

How much do economic development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development manager in Plainfield, IN is $101,065.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $122,100.00 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 Plainfield, IN look for?

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

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

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

Economic Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Manager job openings in Plainfield, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,065 per year, or $48.6 per hour.

Director, Attractions South

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

State of Indiana
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 189 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Respectful managers

Learn more about State of Indianaexternal

$80K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana Economic Development Corporation:
Bring your biggest and boldest ideas to life as an employee of the IEDC. We are a fast-paced and forward-thinking team charged with pursuing economic development opportunities for current and future Hoosiers in our state and around the world. Our culture embodies the spirit of being bold and working collaboratively to create the economy of the future.
The IEDC is organized as a public private partnership led by the Secretary of Commerce and governed by a board chaired by the Governor of Indiana.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation has been recognized as one of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Top Workplaces by Indianapolis Star.
Role Overview:
The Director, Attractions South serves as the key Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) project representative for South Indiana Attractions strategy and projects. The Director is responsible for overall management of the IEDC regional office business development activities, successful negotiation of economic development deals taking place within the region, and other critical functions outlined herein.
Salary:
The salary range for this position is $80,011 - $85,000, commensurate with education and work experience.
A Day in the Life:
  • Manages and negotiates high-profile and highly competitive projects with emphasis on attracting new capital investment resulting in new job opportunities for Hoosiers; manages and oversees negotiations for other competitive projects within the South Region.
  • Builds and maintains relationships with economic development partners within the State and in particular within the South region and other regions as needed, acting as a professional resource for education and training of economic development and local elected officials.
  • Lead state and local economic development partners in presenting unified responses to company requests for proposals and site visits.
  • Visits local businesses, local elected officials and development-related organizations to asses needs and identify opportunities for the IEDC.
  • Serves as primary South Indiana regional Attractions liaison, utilizing and regularly updating IEDC leadership on regional activities.
  • Encourages collaboration between economic development partners within the IEDC and the South region.
  • At the direction of and/or approval by IEDC leadership, provides representation on economic development related partner organizations assisting Indiana's economic development ecosystem.
  • Maintains confidentiality to protect the integrity of the client and State of Indiana.
  • Supports outside sales trips and other outside sales efforts in order to generate leads and raise Indiana brand awareness; responsible for attending conferences, out of state meetings, and events as needed.
  • Other critical Business Development functions as identified by Business Development and IEDC Leadership.

What You'll Need for Success:
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree (or higher) and equivalent experience including, but not limited to, the following fields: economic development, community development, urban planning, real estate, sales/ business development, tax/ regulatory law, or any of the core industries listed below.

Experience:
  • Eight years of post-graduate professional work experience, or other equivalent background and experience, preferably in a client-facing role.
  • Minimum five years' experience working in the field of economic development.
  • Appropriate business development/ professional experience and background, in particular with an emphasis of business deal negotiation and/or government relations.

Knowledge of:
  • Core industries to the State of Indiana such as agribusiness (preferred), manufacturing, life sciences, mobility, microelectronics, and information technology.
  • IEDC and other government-agency programs and processes; both in-state and other states.
  • IEDC business development processes and account management processes.
  • Region's community and business development- organizations, including local government officials, economic development leaders, business executives and non-profit and community development organizations.
  • Region's business climate, quality of place offerings, workforce makeup, and state economic development laws and trends.
  • Indiana government structure, including local government structure and how it engages with state government structures.
  • Local government incentive programs, administrative processes, etc.
  • Microsoft Dynamics CRM program or other similar client management system.

Ability to:
  • Engage a broad range of business professionals in order to generate desired project outcomes.
  • Identify the leverage of each side in a business deal via analysis of the overall context within which the deal is taking place.
  • Negotiate on behalf of the State of Indiana in complex business transactions, optimizing the outcome for Hoosier taxpayers.
  • Lead state and local economic development partners in presenting unified responses to company requests for proposals.
  • Develop relationships with local economic development officials, brokers, site selectors, consultants to help develop economic development projects.
  • Mentor and grow project managers in their business transaction management and business negotiation abilities as well as interaction with businesses, government agencies and local economic development offices.
  • Analyze and evaluate needs of businesses and communities to determine the appropriate level of IEDC and other state, public and private sector services to meet those needs.
  • Communicate clearly and directly both orally and in writing, including public speaking and presentations.
  • Navigate, use and understand CRM-based databases and spreadsheets.
  • Travel in-state and nationally as needed.
  • Maintain residency within the South Region, and preferably near the IEDC's primary offices, or willingness to locate within region.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 160 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
    • Up to 16 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 192 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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