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Economic Development Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Town of Berlin

Economic Development Director

Berlin, CT

$90.32K - $115.47K/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 ...

City Of Roswell

Economic Development Specialist

Roswell, GA · On-site

$57.35K - $74.54K/yr

Data Management & Performance Tracking Maintains and manages data related to economic development projects, pipelines, and financial metrics. Tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) and evaluates ...

City of Mesa, AZ

Economic Development Specialist

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$74.29K - $102.52K/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 ...

City of Rowlett

Director of Economic Development

Rowlett, TX · On-site

$125.64K - $188.46K/yr

... City's economic development and tourism initiatives, including office, industrial, and retail ... Creates, implements, and manages the marketing and positioning strategies to promote the community ...

Harris County

Economic Development Director

Houston, TX · On-site

$83.20K/yr

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

City of Mesa

Economic Development Specialist

Mesa, AZ

$74.29K - $102.52K/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 ...

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How much do economic development manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 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 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 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 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 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:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Manager jobs are:
Economic Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 21% 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

Town of Berlin

Berlin, CT

$90.32K - $115.47K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Economic Development Director
Hours: (35) per week
Union Affiliation: 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 includes real estate acquisition; special projects related to economic development, real estate, and other development projects; as well as grant writing and administration. Spearheads economic development, real estate and special projects that require interdepartmental coordination.
Typical Duties, Responsibilities, Tasks amp; Assignments:
  • Plans, directs, and administers all aspects of the Town's economic development and real estate functions. Leads real estate and related development agreement negotiations at the direction of the Town Manager. Recommends Departmental policies, projects, and procedures. Performs duties as Staff Liaison to the Town's Economic Development Commission and confers with the Town Manager and the Economic Development Commission concerning ongoing and future projects. Prepares Town Council agenda items and attends Town Council meetings and meetings of other Boards and Commissions, as needed.
  • Develops and maintains an inventory of available commercial and industrial real estate and markets the Town's economic development opportunities and responds to media questions and inquiries. Manages local business retention programs to develop and grow businesses.
  • Assists the Town Manager and other departments in the research, preparation and acquisition process for grants, some of which are in excess of $1 million. Provides oversight and grant management as necessary.
  • Works in conjunction with the Town Manager to establish and oversee a project management system for the Town's priority capital projects. Oversees the management of programs, including tax abatements, infrastructure loans and grants, and façade grants. Provides technical assistance to all other Town Departments and/or Divisions engaged in capital projects particularly in the areas of real estate and grants.
  • Under the direction of the Town Manager and Corporation Counsel, oversees and administers the Town's real estate acquisition activities for economic development, open space and for other governmental purposes. Serves as ombudsman for development projects, ensures due diligence and participates in property development activities as required.
  • Plans, develops and implements short and long range strategic initiatives for economic development including recommendations for zoning amendments to support economic development. Develops and presents strategic capital budget plans and administers ongoing budget.
  • Develops and maintains effective working relationships with local businesses, developers, state and federal government officials, colleagues and the public and consistently displays tact and professionalism, in an effort to continually develop Berlin as guided by the Economic Development Commission.
  • Leads efforts to promote economic development through social media and public engagement. Maintains a community calendar of events, coordinates with the Mayor and Town Council on outreach and recognition activities, and organizes ribbon cuttings, anniversaries, and related events.
  • Coordinates with various Town departments, regional partners, and private entities to advance housing and community development initiatives, including the development and preservation of affordable housing.
  • Supports and facilitates Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) projects, brownfield redevelopment efforts (including the identification, application for, and administration of related grants).
  • Collaborates with the Arts amp; Culture Committee and other community stakeholders to enhance quality of life and economic vitality.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
Special Skills amp; Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 5 years of related experience or equivalent preferred. Strong leadership and communication skills required. Must possess a working knowledge of economic development; including governmental programs, real estate negotiation, contracts, and land use regulatory issues. Knowledge and experience in obtaining and administering grants including grants in excess of $1 million. Comprehensive technical and practical knowledge of the materials, methods and techniques relative to local economic development issues. Working knowledge of a variety of computer software programs including data collection and spreadsheets. Knowledge of municipal government processes and organization. Must possess the ability to work independently, to lead interdepartmental initiatives involving economic development, real estate and capital projects.

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