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Economic Development Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Town of Zebulon

Economic Development Director

Zebulon, NC

$105K - $158K/yr

... planning efforts that affect economic development. Build and maintain a project and prospect ... pipeline that helps the Town track activity, communicate progress, and make informed decisions. Why ...

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Economic Development Planner information

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$34.5K

$65.7K

$95.5K

How much do economic development planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development planner in the United States is $65,702.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects do Economic Development Planners typically work on, and how do they collaborate with other departments?

Economic Development Planners are often involved in projects such as revitalizing downtown areas, attracting new businesses, and developing workforce training initiatives. They regularly collaborate with departments like city planning, public works, and community development to ensure projects align with broader municipal goals. Coordinating with stakeholders—including local businesses, government officials, and community groups—is also a key part of the role. This collaborative environment allows Economic Development Planners to see the direct impact of their work and provides opportunities for professional growth through cross-departmental exposure.

What does an Economic Development Planner do?

An Economic Development Planner is responsible for creating and implementing strategies to promote economic growth within a community or region. They analyze data, assess community needs, and work with government officials, businesses, and the public to attract investments, create jobs, and revitalize neighborhoods. Their work often involves preparing grant applications, conducting market studies, and ensuring that development projects comply with local regulations. Economic Development Planners play a key role in making communities more prosperous and sustainable.

What is the difference between Economic Development Planner vs Urban Planner?

AspectEconomic Development PlannerUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in economics, urban planning, or related field; often certifications in economic developmentBachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, or related field; licensure or certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, economic development organizations, consulting firmsMunicipal governments, planning agencies, private consulting
Industry UsageFocuses on economic growth, business attraction, and community developmentFocuses on land use, zoning, and community design

While both roles involve planning and community development, Economic Development Planners primarily focus on economic growth strategies and attracting businesses, whereas Urban Planners concentrate on land use, zoning, and urban design. Both roles often collaborate but serve different core functions within community development projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Economic Development Planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Economic Development Planner, you need expertise in urban planning, economic analysis, and community development, typically supported by a degree in urban planning, economics, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, data analysis tools, and knowledge of relevant regulations and grant processes is essential. Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and project management skills help you collaborate effectively and drive community initiatives. These competencies are vital for creating sustainable economic growth strategies and ensuring that development projects align with community needs.
More about Economic Development Planner jobs
What states have the most Economic Development Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Economic Development Planner jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Planner jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Planner jobs are:
Economic Development Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Planner job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,702 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Economic Development Specialist

Economic Development Specialist

ROWE Professional Services Company

Flint, MI • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

The Company
ROWE Professional Services Company is an employee-owned, full-service professional consulting firm specializing in civil engineering, surveying, aerial photography/mapping, LiDAR, landscape architecture, planning, and land development.
At ROWE, our core values include safety, quality, people, service, and growth. We are seeking a Economic Development Specialist to join our proactive team of ethical, talented, passionate professionals and leaders at our corporate Flint, MI office.
Position Summary
The Economic Development Specialist supports ROWE clients in identifying, securing, and managing funding for infrastructure and community development projects. This role blends financial strategy, grant writing, regulatory knowledge, and client relationship management to help communities move projects from concept to construction.
Key Responsibilities
Funding Strategy & Planning
  • Collaborate with engineers, planners, and clients to develop comprehensive funding strategies for community development projects.
  • Identify federal, state, and local grant/loan opportunities (e.g., SRF, USDA-RD, Safety, TAP, Bridge, TEDF, CDBG, EPA programs, etc.).
  • Assist in preparing funding feasibility analyses, rate impact studies, and capital improvement funding plans.

Grant & Loan Administration
  • Support business development efforts and proposal preparation.
  • Lead preparation of grant and loan applications, including narratives, budgets, schedules, and benefit analyses.
  • Coordinate required technical documentation with internal design teams.
  • Track legislative and program changes that affect client funding options.
  • Work with project managers to align project scopes and schedules with funding requirements.
  • Maintain funding opportunity databases and internal best practices.

Job Requirements
  • Degree in Public Administration, Finance, Planning, Business, Professional/Technical Writing or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in grant administration, municipal finance, economic development, or A/E consulting.
  • Direct experience with infrastructure funding programs preferred.
  • Certified Grant Administrator or related economic development credentials preferred
  • Strong technical writing experience preferred
  • Knowledgeable of federal/state procurement and compliance
  • Ability to translate engineering concepts into fundable community benefits
  • Relationship-building and presentation skills
  • Project management and deadline coordination
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work remotely and in person effectively

Why Work Here
ROWE offers a highly competitive wage and benefits package which includes:
  • Overtime pay at time and a half.
  • BCBS medical insurance options with industry-low co-shares.
  • Dental, vision, and employer-paid life insurance plan.
  • A generous PTO program and paid holidays.
  • Flex time scheduling and telework opportunities.
  • Traditional and Roth 401(k) options with 4% company match, auto-enroll and target-based funds.

ROWE is truly dedicated to providing a collaborative workspace, rewarding projects, and a business culture that is reputable, ethically minded, and growth driven. With offices in Flint, Lapeer, Farmington Hills, Grand Rapids, Mt. Pleasant, Grayling, Oscoda, MI, and Myrtle Beach, SC, we have lots of opportunity to grow.
WE BUILD CAREERS!
Check us out at: www.rowepsc.com
Direct Contact Information:
ROWE Professional Services Company
Attn: HR
540 S. Saginaw St., Ste. 200
Flint, MI 48502
employment@rowepsc.com
Equal Opportunity Employer

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