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Economic Development Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Economic Development Director

Berlin, CT · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Middle Management Salary Range: Group C, $90,324 - $115,472 annually Function : Under the direction of the Town Manager, oversees and administers the Town's economic development program. This ...

The Economic Development Director serves as the senior leader responsible for implementing, managing, and advancing Harris County Economic Development initiatives. This position drives business ...

Economic Development Specialist

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$74K - $102K/yr

An employee in this classification may also assist Economic Development Project Managers with more complex projects. An employee in this class also performs statistical comparisons and trend analysis ...

Economic Development Director

Victoria, TX · 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 ...

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Economic Development Manager information

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$31K

$103K

$155K

How much do economic development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 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 are Economic Development Managers?

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.

More about Economic Development Manager jobs
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? The top employers for Economic Development Manager jobs are:
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,020 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Senior Business and Economic Development Manager

Riviera Beach, City of (FL)

Riviera Beach, FL

$116K - $175K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Summary Objective Under administrative direction, the Senior Business and Economic Development Manager leads the City's housing program and business/economic development initiatives. The position develops and implements strategies to strengthen the City's economic base; manages housing policies, programs, and compliance; coordinates interdepartmental efforts and external partnerships; prepares analyses and recommendations; and advances City priorities consistent with adopted plans, policies, and agreements. Classification/Reporting: Assigned as a Division within City Administration; this position reports to the City Manager or designee (Assistant City Manager).

Job Duties and Responsibilities The following duties and functions, as outlined herein, are intended to be representative of the type of tasks performed within this classification. They are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of specific statements of the duties or functions does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.

Other duties may be required and assigned. HOUSING Plans, directs, and evaluates the City's housing program (policy development, compliance, grant/loan administration, project pipeline, partner coordination, and performance reporting), ensuring alignment with federal, state, and local requirements and City strategic goals. Assists in the development, implementation and monitoring of capital projects as assigned.

Manages and identifies and coordinates acquisition and development of vacant lots. Maintains inventory of vacant lots and buildings. Works with local lending institutions in developing financing programs for approved development initiatives.

Create first time homebuyers' program for assistance opportunities and in-fill development. Manages a housing delivery program for rental and homeownership, acquisition/rehabilitation, new construction, supportive and emergency housing delivery system. Develops, manages and leads a Vacant Properties Campaign to eliminate vacant, dilapidated and abandoned properties in the neighborhoods.

Reviews request for proposals, bid documents and project plans and ascertain their compliance with Policy and Procedures, funding agreements, and program regulations for MEAHOP and Community Benefits. Attends conferences and meetings that relate to Sustainability, Green, Economic Development, Public Safety, Housing and Community Development. Works with local real estate brokers in order to assist in identification of properties targeted for improvement.

Serves as a liaison between City/County Departments involved in neighborhood delivery strategies. Coordinates with City Officials for special needs of residents during disasters. Assist in the development of standards for streetscape and facade implementation.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Coordinates, assigns, and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors the status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed. Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the economic and business development program; recommends new and existing business development and expansion strategy for the City; recommends and administers economic development policies and procedures. Coordinates with the Riviera Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), consistent with the Interlocal Agreement, to align City housing and economic development initiatives with CRA programs and schedules.

Responsibilities include information exchange; aligning deliverables and timelines; coordinating joint reports and agreement-related tasks; and elevating issues for City review. This role does not supervise CRA personnel, modify CRA policies, or obligate CRA funds or resources Plans, markets, and directs business recruitment with industry representatives to encourage the location of businesses in the City, and the retention and/or expansion of businesses within the City. Proactively identifies quality business prospects and establishes and executes marketing campaigns to attract those businesses to the City.

BUSINESSDEVELOPMENT Collaborates and builds effective working relationships with local and regional government agencies, chambers of commerce, developers, brokers, and other resources for bringing business prospects into theCity. Acts as liaison with various State and Federalagencies. Manages all aspects of the economic and business development activities and develops, maintains, and updates a local Comprehensive Economic andBusiness DevelopmentStrategy.

Develops and maintains positive working relationships with existing businessesto encourage business retention and expansionprojects. Maintains the inventory of pertinent information and statistics on all aspects ofthe City; and maintains a database of business prospects, available land sites, and availablebuildings. Participates in regional activities to promote the City to the development community and businessprospects.

Oversees, annually reviews, and periodically updates the City'seconomic development incentivesprograms. Directs and manages business attraction and outreach marketingstrategies. Promotes the City of Riviera Beach as both a business-friendly and sustainable community Performs related work as assigned.

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT Work with third party consultant(s) and Travel Industry partners to include Palm Beach County Tourism Development Council and VISIT FLORIDA to implement the Tourism Master & Implementation Plans for the destination. OTHER Coordinate the data and information tracking for verification of economic impact of tourism, business and economic enhancement activities. Performs related work as assigned.

Minimum Requirements Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Bachelor's degree in economics, urban planning, business, or public administration. Minimum of eight years of professional and/or managerial experience in housing and economic development, including four years of experience in a government setting and supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Preferred qualification: Master's degree in an appropriate field is preferred.

Supplemental Information Physical Demands: Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement. Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Riviera Beach, Florida, is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) and Affirmative Action Employer.

All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including identity or expression), marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or any other protected classification as defined by applicable law (except as limited by Personnel Rules, Collective Bargaining Agreements, or bona fide occupational qualifications). Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects qualified individuals with disabilities from employment discrimination. Under the ADA, a person has a disability if he/she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.

The physical demands described within the job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with the ADA, the City of Riviera Beach will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties.

All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat of significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others.

Requirements are representative of the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and ability.