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Economic Development Manager Jobs in Portland, ME

... economic mobility for families. You will lead and support Performance Managers and take ... development, coaching, and the systems affecting families in poverty. A commitment to data-driven ...

... economic mobility for families. You will lead and support Performance Managers and take ... At least 5 years' experience in career services, case management, workforce development, or social ...

... economic mobility for families. You will lead and support Performance Managers and take ... At least 5 years' experience in career services, case management, workforce development, or social ...

... economic mobility for families. You will lead and support Performance Managers and take ... At least 5 years' experience in career services, case management, workforce development, or social ...

Showing results 41-60

Economic Development Manager information

See Portland, ME salary details

$31.4K

$104.3K

$156.9K

How much do economic development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development manager in Portland, ME is $104,272.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $126,000.00 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 Portland, ME?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Portland, ME are:

What job categories do people searching Economic Development Manager jobs in Portland, ME look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development Manager jobs in Portland, ME are:

Infographic showing various Economic Development Manager job openings in Portland, ME 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 $104,272 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Case Manager - Homeless Youth Services - full time

Opportunityalliance

South Portland, ME โ€ข On-site

$20.50 - $26.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Case Manager

Homeless Youth Services

The Opportunity Alliance is seeking aCase Managerto join the team in ourHomeless Youth Services (HYS) program.

The primary goal of Homeless Youth Services (HYS) is to ensure that youth are stably housed. HYS provides case management to youth who are at risk of homelessness or are literally homeless. This program serves youth who are between the ages of six and twenty-one and reside in York or Cumberland county. This intensive case management service seeks to support and stabilize the entire family, caregivers and siblings included, to promote safety and security through connection to housing and other basic needs.

Homeless Youth Case Managers:

  • Provide intensive case management services to youth and/or families in York and Cumberland counties who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness
  • Support youth and/or families in finding and obtaining stable housing while promoting safety and security
  • Link youth and/or families to services and resources which meet their basic needs to support and stabilize the whole family
  • Participate in program initiatives
  • Attend team meetings
  • Coordinate service teams for each youth and or/family, and complete documentation in a timely fashion.

Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours/week position. Position requires a flexible work week including evenings.

Location: Based out of our South Portland office. This position supports Cumberland and York Counties.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Social work or related field required.
  • LSW preferred.
  • At least one year of relevant experience working in human services with families and children who have experienced mental health issues/trauma, substance use disorder and/or poverty required
  • Direct experience volunteering and or working with and for young people in advocacy, youth development, youth leadership and direct social services preferred.
  • Ability to respond to crisis situations in the moment required.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively required.
  • Excellent organizational skills required.
  • Ability to be flexible regarding scheduling, required.
  • Demonstrated computer proficiency regarding data entry and recording.
  • Must be able to meet physical requirements associated with family visitation, e.g. climb stairs, etc
  • Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office and email is required.
  • Contracts that have Rider D: Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background, child protective service check & sex offender check.
  • Must not be on the state or federal suspension and disbarment list.
  • Must be able to exert moderate physical effort with occasional standing, walking, reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, typing and frequently lift and carry small children or material weighing up to 25 pounds.
  • Driving may be necessary to attend meetings and trainings and for the occasional need to meet with clients offsite and within the program service area. This may include transportation of clientsordriving to agency location to complete work. A good driving record is required.

Benefits: Our benefits include but are not limited to:

(offered to full-time and part-time employees)

  • Generous paid time off accrual
  • 9paid holidays per calendar year and up to 3 floating holidays per calendar year
  • Excellent medical benefits at very reasonable cost
  • Dental and Vision insurance options
  • Agency paid basic life insurance and STD & LTD disability insurances
  • 403(b) retirement with a generous agency match (all employees are eligible)
  • Tuition Reimbursement -offered once per year through an application process
  • The Opportunity Alliance (TOA) is a qualified employer under thePublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)program.

To learn more about our benefits please visit, https://www.opportunityalliance.org/explore-our-benefits

Who we are...

The Opportunity Alliance is "Helping People Reach for a Brighter Future".

Mission: The Opportunity Alliance works with people to build better lives and stronger communities. We provide advocacy, leadership, and support to identify the goals and address the needs of individuals, families, and communities.

The Opportunity Alliance (TOA) is a dynamic, results-focused Community Action Agency providing approximately 50 integrated community-based and clinical programs serving more than 20,000 people annually throughout the state of Maine. With over 50 years of experience, TOA draws from a comprehensive set of programs which address issues such as mental health, substance use, homelessness, lack of basic needs, and access to community supports.Through an extensive array of services, TOA provides opportunities for individuals to stabilize fragile situations and then works with them to achieve self-sufficiency.TOA is client-focused with extensive experience working with diverse client populations. TOA programming includes four key sectors of service:

  • Mental Health & Wellness
  • Community Building
  • Family & Early Childhood Education
  • Economic Resources

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If you are viewing this posting on a third-party site, please visit our website athttps://opportunityalliance.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Careersto apply.

Please submit a cover letter and resume along with your application.

Thank you!