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Economic Development Manager Jobs in Tulsa, OK (NOW HIRING)

Cherokee Nation Cultural & Economic Development is a part of the Cherokee Nation Businesses family ... Manages accounting staff. * Works with Controllers and other senior managers. * Problem solves.

New

Cherokee Nation Cultural & Economic Development is a part of the Cherokee Nation Businesses family ... Manages accounting staff. * Works with Controllers and other senior managers. * Problem solves.

New

Required: Bachelor's degree; a minimum five (5) years' supervisory/management experience and ... Exposure to/experience working with capital market debt and equity financing, economic evaluation ...

Required: Bachelor's degree; a minimum five (5) years' supervisory/management experience and ... Exposure to/experience working with capital market debt and equity financing, economic evaluation ...

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Showing results 1-20

Economic Development Manager information

See Tulsa, OK salary details

$28.3K

$94.1K

$141.6K

How much do economic development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development manager in Tulsa, OK is $94,096.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,400.00 and $113,700.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Tulsa, OK?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Tulsa, OK are:

What cities near Tulsa, OK are hiring for Economic Development Manager jobs?

Cities near Tulsa, OK with the most Economic Development Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Economic Development Manager job openings in Tulsa, OK as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,096 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

Senior Customer Relations Manager -Wholesale

Grand River Dam Authority

Chouteau, OK • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Grand River Dam Authority rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

This job posting will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on the date listed below.
August 11, 2026
We deliver affordable, reliable ELECTRICITY, with a focus on EFFICIENCY and a commitment to ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP. We are dedicated to ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, providing resources and supporting economic growth. Our EMPLOYEES are our greatest asset in meeting our mission to be an Oklahoma Agency of Excellence.
The Senior Customer Relations Manager is responsible for driving GRDA's electric sales by managing large-wholesale accounts, cultivating and maintaining strong trustworthy client relationships, and leading customer focused initiatives in collaboration with internal divisions. This role ensures exceptional service delivery, assists with developing strategic growth objectives, and promotes long term customer satisfaction.
Essential job functions include, but are not limited to:
  • Manage end-to-end outcomes for wholesale accounts, including strategic planning, providing technical expertise execution, issue resolution, operational coordination, and continuous improvement.
  • Build and sustain long-term strategic relationships with public power communities, authority leaders, economic development managers, councils, utility boards, civic organizations, and other external stakeholders.
  • Serve as the senior liaison between internal divisions and external public power communities, ensuring alignment, coordination, technical support and effective delivery of electric services.
  • Provide direction and coordination for programs, projects, proposals, and initiatives that support public power communities and expand electric service to new and existing customers.
  • Collaborate with internal divisions and business partners to influence strategy, secure resources, and drive execution of power-related projects and customer initiatives.
  • Respond to customer needs and service requests, including new service, billing inquiries, outages, service coordination, rate inquiries, and operational concerns.
  • Support contract development and execution, including communicating service terms, coordinating implementation, and preparing key commercial terms for power purchase and sale agreements.
  • Coordinate planning with Business Development, Project Management, and Economic Development partners to support the growth of electric sales and delivery of services.
  • Analyze customer feedback and operational data to identify trends, systemic issues, and opportunities for improvements that enhance customer experience and organizational performance.
  • Develop creative, tailored solutions for complex customer needs, recognizing that each project and client may require customized strategies and approaches.
  • Represent the organization in meetings, outreach events, community initiatives, and external communications to support and strengthen public power community relationships.
  • Provide informal leadership and mentorship to less experienced team members while contributing to team development and organizational effectiveness, and perform other duties as assigned.
  • Provide strategic oversight of wholesale utility operations, including load management, tariff application, service reliability, distribution performance, regulatory compliance, operational excellence and consistent delivery of high-quality electric service for customers.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Skills, Knowledge, Qualities:
  • Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives and manage strategic projects in a collaborative, business-to-business environment.
  • Advanced knowledge of the electric power industry, utility operations, and the operational and regulatory factors that influence service delivery.
  • Strong knowledge in contractual partnerships, including interpreting, developing, and supporting agreements with external stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise sound independent judgment when prioritizing work, resolving complex issues, and recommending solutions with organization-wide impact.
  • Ability to analyze complex, non-routine challenges and apply experience and strategic insight to guide effective decision-making.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to deliver clear written, verbal, and presentation materials.
  • Advanced proficiency managing and maintaining electric distribution systems.
  • Highly organized and adaptable professional with strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills, capable of managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
  • Ability to travel up to 25%.

Education, Training, Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in business administration and or a closely related field.
  • 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in customer relations with wholesale accounts, including knowledge of municipal utility operations and demonstrated technical expertise in the electric utility industry.
  • Valid Oklahoma driver's license, or the ability to convert within 30 days for those with an out of state driver's license that are an Oklahoma resident.

Physical/Mental Requirements & Working Conditions:
  • Work is primarily performed in an office setting.

Other information:
  • This position is an on-premises position and will be located at one of the following GRDA locations:
    • The Administrative Center in Chouteau
  • Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
  • Highly competitive benefits package.
  • Evening and weekend meetings and travel may be required to support community and customer needs.
  • customer needs.

If you're passionate about growth, teamwork, and making an impact, you'll love building your career with us.

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