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Economic Development Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Economic Development Director

Victoria, TX ยท On-site

$110K - $134K/yr

The role manages the Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation (Type B) and departmental budgets ... Coordinates economic development efforts between, but not limited to, including the City, Victoria ...

Under the administrative direction of the City Manager and in accordance with the Burkburnett Development Corporation Bylaws, the Director of Economic Development plans, organizes, administers, and ...

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How much do economic development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development manager in the United States is $103,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $124,500.00 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.
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What cities are hiring for Economic Development Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Economic Development Manager job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Economic Development Manager jobs?

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What states have the most Economic Development Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Economic Development Manager jobs include:

Infographic showing various Economic Development Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,020 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Economic Development Director

Big-Valley-Rancheria

Lakeport, CA โ€ข On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:Under the general direction of the Tribal Administrator, the Economic Development Director plans, organizes, and implements economic development strategies and initiatives that support the Tribeโ€™s long-term economic growth and sustainability. Responsibilities include business retention and expansion, business attraction, redevelopment planning, grant and partnership development, and coordination of community and infrastructure initiatives related to economic development.The Director performs a wide range of administrative, professional, technical, and project management duties while collaborating with Tribal departments, businesses, governmental agencies, and external partners to strengthen and diversify the Tribal economy. The position operates with a high degree of independent judgment while coordinating major initiatives and policy recommendations through the Tribal Administrator.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:The duties listed below are representative and not intended to be a comprehensive list. The incumbent may be required to perform additional duties as needed.Develop and implement the Tribe's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, ensuring alignment with the Tribe's strategic priorities, long-term sustainability goals, and community needs.Identify, evaluate, and develop new revenue-generating opportunities through Tribal enterprise development, strategic partnerships, commercial ventures, tourism, renewable energy, housing, infrastructure, land development, and other diversified economic initiatives.Provide strategic oversight and support for Tribal enterprises by evaluating operational and financial performance, identifying expansion opportunities, conducting feasibility analyses, and recommending improvements that strengthen long-term profitability and sustainability.Lead and manage economic development projects from concept through implementation, including redevelopment initiatives, infrastructure improvements, business attraction, development negotiations, and community development projects.Conduct feasibility studies, market analyses, financial modeling, and return-on-investment (ROI) analyses to evaluate proposed projects, investments, and development opportunities.Coordinate pre-development activities, including site selection, land use planning, environmental review, permitting, infrastructure planning, engineering coordination, and project due diligence.Develop and manage the department budget, establish annual work plans and performance objectives, and oversee departmental operations, administrative functions, documentation, and workflow processes.Supervise, mentor, and evaluate assigned staff, consultants, contractors, and project teams, fostering professional development, accountability, and high performance.Identify, pursue, secure, and administer grant funding from Tribal, federal, state, and private sources, including preparing grant applications, managing budgets, ensuring compliance, monitoring expenditures, and completing required reporting.Coordinate with Tribal departments, governmental agencies, funding organizations, private developers, financial institutions, and community partners to successfully implement economic development initiatives and leverage available resources.Analyze economic conditions, demographic trends, and market opportunities to support business attraction, business retention, workforce development, investment decisions, and long-term economic planning.Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with Tribal, local, regional, state, and federal agencies, educational institutions, private industry, investors, and community organizations to advance Tribal economic opportunities.Represent the Tribe in meetings, negotiations, conferences, and public forums, promoting investment opportunities and fostering positive relationships with prospective businesses, developers, investors, and strategic partners.Prepare reports, presentations, resolutions, business cases, and policy recommendations for the Tribal Administrator, Business Committee, Tribal Council, and other governing bodies regarding economic development initiatives and investment opportunities.Negotiate and coordinate development agreements, contracts, memoranda of understanding, leases, requests for proposals (RFPs), and other business agreements, subject to Tribal legal review and established approval processes.Conduct community outreach and stakeholder engagement activities to gather input, communicate project progress, build consensus, and promote transparency throughout economic development initiatives.Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure operational efficiency, fiscal accountability, regulatory compliance, and effective project management.Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the Tribe's economic development objectives.Perform other duties as assigned.Knowledge and SkillsPrinciples and practices of economic development, including business attraction, retention, and redevelopmentPublic administration and Tribal governance structuresStrategic planning, project management, and program evaluationMarket analysis, economic forecasting, and data interpretationContract negotiation and developmentApplicable federal, state, and Tribal laws, regulations, and policiesEconomic development financing tools and incentives (Tribal and general economic development tools preferred)AbilityLead and manage economic development programs and initiativesExercise sound judgment and decision-makingPrepare clear, concise reports and presentationsAnalyze complex issues and develop effective solutionsCommunicate effectively both orally and in writingBuild and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders #J-18808-Ljbffr