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Economic Development Project Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Economic Development Specialist

Roswell, GA · On-site

$57.35K - $74.54K/yr

This position works closely with the Economic Development Project Manager, providing the analytical framework that informs project selection, deal structuring, and strategic direction, while the ...

Economic Development Director

Berlin, CT · On-site

$90.32K - $115.47K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

Economic Development Manager

Colton, CA · On-site

$122.59K - $149.01K/yr

Serves as coordinator for major economic development projects, prepares studies and reports, and ... The Economic Development Manager is the management class level responsible for the operations ...

Economic Development Manager

Opa Locka, FL · On-site

$56.28K - $90.05K/yr

Economic Development Manager Department: Planning & Community Development Reports To: Community ... Advise the PCD Director [as appropriate] on economic development projects and strategies consistent ...

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Economic Development Project Manager information

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$43K

$94.5K

$142K

How much do economic development project manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development project manager in the United States is $94,541.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $108,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Economic Development Project Manager, you need a solid background in economic analysis, project management, and urban planning, typically supported by a relevant degree such as economics, public administration, or business. Familiarity with project management software (like Microsoft Project), GIS tools, and economic impact modeling systems is often required. Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and negotiation skills help you build consensus and manage diverse interests effectively. These abilities are crucial for successfully guiding projects that foster community growth and economic vitality.

What are some common challenges faced by Economic Development Project Managers when coordinating with multiple stakeholders?

Economic Development Project Managers often encounter the challenge of balancing the diverse interests and priorities of various stakeholders, such as local government officials, business leaders, community members, and funding agencies. Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential to align goals, address concerns, and keep projects on track. Additionally, managing timelines and adapting to policy or regulatory changes can require flexibility and proactive problem-solving. Building strong relationships and fostering trust among partners is key to overcoming these challenges and achieving successful project outcomes.

What does an Economic Development Project Manager do?

An Economic Development Project Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing projects that aim to improve the economic well-being of a community or region. They work with government agencies, businesses, and community organizations to attract investments, create jobs, and support business growth. Their tasks may include conducting research, preparing grant applications, managing budgets, and evaluating project outcomes. They play a key role in fostering sustainable economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

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

AspectEconomic Development Project ManagerUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in economics, urban planning, or related field; certifications like CEcD are commonBachelor's or master's in urban planning, geography, or related field; often requires AICP certification
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, economic development organizations, consulting firmsMunicipalities, government agencies, private planning firms
Employer & Industry UsageFocuses on economic growth, business attraction, and project implementationFocuses on land use, zoning, community development, and land planning

The main difference is that Economic Development Project Managers concentrate on fostering economic growth and managing development projects to attract businesses, while Urban Planners focus on land use, zoning, and community development. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work within government or consulting sectors, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

More about Economic Development Project Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Economic Development Project Manager jobs? Cities with the most Economic Development Project Manager job openings:
What states have the most Economic Development Project Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Economic Development Project Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Economic Development Project Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $94,541 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Economic Development Project Manager

City of Petersburg

Petersburg, VA

$71.47K - $114.26K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Description General Description The purpose of this job within the organization is to perform professional and managerial level assistance to the Director of Economic Development to recruit and maintain businesses in Petersburg. This job works under administrative supervision, developing and implementing programs within organizational policies and reports major activities to executive level administrators through conferences and reports. Duties and Responsibilities The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this job.

Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the job as necessary. Essential Functions Essential Functions: Meets with existing business owners regarding status and concerns. Contacts representatives of prospective businesses Conducts research and analysis regarding economic development resources and information from State, Federal and other sources.

Responds to telephone inquiries. Compiles and maintains a list of businesses in the City; adds, amends and removes information from Office Website. Works on disposition of City-owned properties.

Secures space, speakers/presenters, and refreshments; sets up audio and visual equipment supports other logistic efforts for business seminars. Develops and distributes flyers and marketing materials and presentations for seminars. Additional Duties: Serves on event committees; attends meetings of regional organization committee for Economic Development Staff.

Assists with development of Annual Enterprise Zone report. Assists with union station booking and shows union station to prospective renters. Assists with the development of RFP's for Economic Development related services.

Obtains training through economic development webinars. Assists with the logistics of the Annual Business and Industry Celebration. Develops property reports.

Performs related work as assigned. Responsibilities, Requirements and Impacts Data Responsibility: Data Responsibility refers to information, knowledge, and conceptions obtained by observation, investigation, interpretation, visualization, and mental creation. Data are intangible and include numbers, words, symbols, ideas, concepts, and oral verbalizations.

Gathers, organizes, analyzes, examines or evaluates data or information and may prescribe action based on these data or information. People Responsibility: People include co-workers, workers in other areas or agencies and the general public. Provides information, guidance or assistance to people that directly facilitates task accomplishment; may give instructions or assignments to helpers or assistants.

Asset Responsibility: Assets responsibility refers to the responsibility for achieving economies or preventing loss within the organization. Requires responsibility and opportunity for achieving moderate economies and/or preventing moderate losses through the management of a small division; handles supplies of high value or moderate amounts of money consistent with the operation of a small division. Mathematical Requirements: Mathematics requires the use of symbols, numbers and formulas to solve mathematical problems.

Uses mathematics involving the practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions; or measurements, logarithmic, or geometric construction; may use algebraic solutions of equations and inequalities, descriptive statistics, deductive geometry, plane and solid and rectangular coordinates; mathematical and classifications or schemes. Communications Requirements: Communications involves the ability to read, write, and speak. Reads journals, manuals and professional publications; speaks informally to groups of co-workers, staff in other organizational agencies, general public, people in other organizations and presents training; composes original reports, training and other written materials, using proper language, punctuation, grammar and style.

Judgment Requirements: Judgment requirements refer to the frequency and complexity of judgments and decisions given the stability of the work environments, the nature and type of guidance, and the breadth of impact of the judgments and decisions. Responsible for the actions of others, requiring development of procedures and constant decisions affecting subordinate workers, crime victims, patients, customers, clients or others in the general public; works in a very fluid environment with guidelines, but significant variation. Complexity of Work: Complexity addresses the analysis, initiative, ingenuity, concentration and creativity, required by the job and the presence of any unusual pressures present in the job.

Performs coordinating work involving guidelines and rules, with constant problem solving; requires continuous, close attention for accurate results or frequent exposure to unusual pressures. Impact of Errors: Impact of errors refers to consequences such as damage to equipment and property, loss of data, exposure of the organization to legal liability, and injury or death for individuals. The impact of errors is moderately serious - affects work unit and may affect other units or citizens.

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. Equipment Usage: Equipment usage involves responsibility for materials, machines, tools, equipment, work aids, and products.

Coordinates the handling/use of computers, office equipment or work aids involving extensive latitude for judgment regarding attainment of a standard or in selecting appropriate items. Unavoidable Hazards: Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken. Involves routine and frequent exposure to bright/dim light; dusts and pollen.

Safety of Others: Safety of others refers to the level of responsibility for the safety of others, either inherent in the job or to ensure the safety of the general public. Requires no responsibility for the safety and health of others. Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Requires a Bachelor's Degree in accounting, business, public administration or a related field.

Requires one year experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the position. Preferred Qualifications: Project management, economic development, marketing or customer service work experience. Familiarity with economic development principles.

Special Certifications and Licenses: Valid Virginia Driver's License. Additional Requirements