Economic Development Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary
The Economic Development Coordinator will function as a Program Manager for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development Division. The Program Manager is responsible for driving initiatives and managing programs that promote small business growth and entrepreneurial innovation throughout Arkansas. This position fosters relationships with key stakeholders and ensuring the alignment of division activities with broader strategic goals.
This role will also provide critical support in invoicing and budget management across the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development programs, including tracking expenditures, processing invoices, and ensuring accuracy and compliance with program and state requirements.
This role requires excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills to reach a wide range of audiences, including business partners, peers inside and outside of the agency, company representatives, employees, C-Suite management, and other stakeholders. The successful applicant will have strong attention to detail, good math skills, and be a team player who is willing to ask and answer questions while taking on multiple roles.
This position requires on-site employment with no remote or hybrid options available.
Job Responsibilities and Expected Results
Support the administration of programs under the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development Division.

1. Act as a liaison between AEDC and stakeholders, including Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs), small business owners, resource providers, and state partners, to strengthen collaboration and program impact.
2. Provide support for invoicing and budget management across Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development programs, including tracking expenditures, processing invoices, and ensuring accuracy and compliance with program and state requirements.
3. Develop and maintain databases to track program performance, stakeholder engagement, and project milestones for effective program management.
4. Support outreach efforts to promote state programs, with an emphasis on engaging underserved communities.
5. Prepare reports, materials for board meetings, and other documentation to facilitate informed decision-making by leadership partners.
6. Coordinate cross-initiative support across the division and agency to ensure cohesive efforts in supporting small businesses and startups statewide.
7. Undertake additional duties as assigned to enhance the division's capacity to achieve its objectives.
8. This role requires a proactive, organized, and collaborative individual with a strong commitment to fostering economic growth and innovation in Arkansas. The Program Manager will contribute significantly to shaping an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports and empowers businesses across the state.
9. Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Information
Job Series: Program Operations - Economic Development
Classification: Economic Development Coordinator
Class Code: PED01P
Pay Grade: SPC04
Salary Range: $78,130 - $115,632
Job Summary
The Economic Development Coordinator is a proactive professional responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing initiatives that promote sustainable economic growth within a community or region of the state. This role serves as a bridge between government agencies, local businesses, and community organizations to attract investment, stimulate job creation, and enhance the overall economic vitality of the area. The coordinator crafts strategies by analyzing market trends, facilitating partnerships, and managing projects that contribute to urban revitalization, business retention, and overall community development.
Primary Responsibilities
Develop, manage, and implement economic development projects and initiatives in line with pre-determined strategic priorities.Organize project timelines, allocate resources, and monitor progress to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.Conduct market research, feasibility studies, and demographic analyses to identify economic opportunities and challenges.Compile and present data-driven reports to inform decision-makers and support the development of targeted economic strategies.Build and maintain robust relationships with government officials, business leaders, investors, and community groups.Coordinate and host meetings, workshops, and public forums designed to foster collaboration and gather insights from key partners.Design and promote programs aimed at attracting new businesses and supporting existing ones to expand and thrive within the community.Work with local entities to develop incentives, outreach campaigns, and support mechanisms that encourage sustainable business growth.Prepare grant applications, funding proposals, and progress reports to secure financial backing for economic initiatives.Manage budgets, track expenditures, and ensure compliance with funding requirements and regulatory standards.Monitor state and federal policies that impact economic development and provide recommendations for policy adjustments.Advocate for economic-friendly policies that facilitate business development and workforce advancement.
Knowledge and Skills
Ability to interpret economic data, conduct market analyses, and translate findings into actionable strategies.Proven capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines and budgets are met.Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports, proposals, and engaging with varied community members and leaders.Experience in building and maintaining partnerships with public, private, and non-profit organizations.Detail-oriented with robust organizational skills, capable of managing complex projects and administrative tasks.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Community Development, Economics, or a related field.
Minimum of 4 years of work experience in economic development, government, community planning, or project coordination.
Experience coordinating projects or initiatives that involve collaboration between multiple entities, familiarity with local/regional economic trends, and a proven record of supporting business attraction or retention efforts may be required.
Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee's demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.
Licensure/Certifications
N/AOTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.