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Economic Development Project Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Perris

Economic Development Manager

Perris, CA · On-site

$70.72 - $94.78/hr

Manage economic development projects, programs, and initiatives on an ongoing basis, including real property development and workforce development. Manage land acquisition and property management ...

City of Perris

Economic Development Manager

Perris, CA · On-site

$70.72 - $94.78/hr

Manage economic development projects, programs, and initiatives on an ongoing basis, including real property development and workforce development. Manage land acquisition and property management ...

City of Yuma

Economic Development Manager

Yuma, AZ

$112K - $146K/yr

Guides economic development projects through the development approval process, coordinates plan ... Supports and represents City Council and management policies and practices to the public and other ...

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$43K

$94.5K

$142K

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

As of Aug 21, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an economic development project manager?

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 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.

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Cities with the most Economic Development Project Manager job openings:

What states have the most Economic Development Project Manager jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Economic Development Project Manager jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development Project Manager jobs are:

Economic Development Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Project Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,541 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Economic Development Project Manager

City of Mesa, AZ

Mesa, AZ • On-site

$90K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

City Of Mesa rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

220th of 848 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary: $90,291.97 - $124,603.65 Annually
Location : PO Box 1466, Mesa, AZ
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 17533
Department: (H900) Citywide
Opening Date: 08/07/2026
Closing Date: 8/27/2026 11:59 PM Arizona
Description/Duties
There are currently two (2) vacancies in the Economic Development Department. While both of these vacancies fall under the Office of Economic Development (Special Programs) assignment, one (1) of the positions will support the emerging field of Creative Economy & Industry Development, while the other will support Small Business and Entrepreneurship. This recruitment will also be used to establish a Citywide eligible list for potential future vacancies.
The first review of applications will be on Monday, August 17, 2026.
An Economic Development Project Manager plans, organizes, monitors, manages, and evaluates economic development project activities. Responsibilities include coordinating, directing, and implementing programs and projects that support commercial, office, and industrial development; business development; workforce development; the attraction of and assistance to domestic and international businesses; development of public facilities and infrastructure; small business development initiatives; and/or other economic development, redevelopment, or capital improvement programs or projects.
Work requires considerable independent judgment and initiative in combining a broad scope of professional planning and economic development knowledge and sophisticated, analytical judgments in order to solve a variety of complex, technical problems. Responsible for overall management of economic development project activities. Employees in this class may be required to work evenings and/or weekends for special events or programming coverage (by assignment). This class may functionally supervise Economic Development Specialist(s) and/or office support staff. This class is supervised by a department director or deputy director who reviews work through conferences, meetings, reports, and results achieved. This class is FLSA exempt-administrative.
Creative Economy & Industry Development: Develops and advances Mesa's creative economy ecosystem by attracting, growing, and retaining businesses in areas such as film, media, music, gaming, immersive technologies, industrial design, digital content, and other creative industries. Fosters strategic partnerships, workforce development, and innovation opportunities that diversify Mesa's economy and strengthen the competitiveness of the City's target industry sectors.
Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Supports entrepreneurs and small businesses through resource connections, technical assistance, strategic partnerships, and programs that encourage business formation, growth, and long-term success.
Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.
Qualifications & Requirements
Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.
Minimum Qualifications Required. Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Economic Development, Public or Business Administration, Commercial Real Estate, Urban Planning, Marketing, Arts Management, Creative Industries, or a related field. Extensive (5+ years) progressively responsible work experience at a level that required supervision or management of projects and programs in economic development, redevelopment, marketing, commercial real estate development, business assistance, public facility, infrastructure development, or workforce development.
Special Requirement. Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date.
Preferred/Desirable Qualifications. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Economic Development, Public or Business Administration, Commercial Real Estate, Urban Planning, Marketing, Arts Management, Creative Industries, or a related field; membership in related professional organizations; the ability to speak a second language; and designation as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or current certification in a related field.
City Manager's Office (Urban Transformation) Assignment: Experience working in a downtown setting with multiple stakeholders, including business improvement districts, enhanced municipal services districts, and/or convention and visitor bureaus; contract negotiation and management; and grant writing.
Office of Economic Development (Special Programs) Assignment - Creative Economy & Inustry Development: Experience in creative industry development, arts administration, media production, and/or event management.
Link to Job Description
A is linked here.
01
Which vacancy do you want to be considered for? Please select all that apply.
  • The current vacancy in the Office of Economic Development (Special Programs) assignment, with a focus in Creative Economy & Industry Development.
  • The current vacancy in the Office of Economic Development (Special Programs) assignment, with a focus in Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
  • Future Citywide vacancies

02
Do you have a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university Degree in Economic Development, Public or Business Administration, Commercial Real Estate, Urban Planning, Marketing, Arts Management, Creative Industries, or a related field? **To receive education credit, you MUST fully detail your degree(s) and major(s) on your application. Information provided only on a resume will NOT be considered.**
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have a Master's Degree or higher from an accredited college or university Degree in Economic Development, Public or Business Administration, Commercial Real Estate, Urban Planning, Marketing, Arts Management, Creative Industries, or a related field? **To receive education credit, you MUST fully detail your degree(s) and major(s) on your application. Information provided only on a resume will NOT be considered.**
  • Yes
  • No

04
How many years do you have of progressively responsible work experience at a level that required supervision or management of projects and programs in economic development, redevelopment, marketing, commercial real estate development, business assistance, public facility, infrastructure development, or workforce development?
  • None
  • Some but less than 5 years
  • 5 years or more but less than 7 years
  • 7 years or more but less than 9 years
  • 9 years or more

05
Please describe your work experience that required supervision or management of projects and programs in economic development, redevelopment, marketing, commercial real estate development, business assistance, public facility, infrastructure development, or workforce development. below; include employment dates and names of employer(s). If none, type N/A. **To receive credit, you MUST fully detail this experience on your application. Incomplete applications or responses such as "see resume" will not be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed, detailed application.**
06
Do you have a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License, or can you obtain one by hire or promotion date?
  • Yes
  • No

07
If you possess a membership in any related professional organizations, please list them in the text box below. If none, type N/A.
08
If you have the ability to speak a second language (other than English), please list them in the text box below. If none, type N/A.
09
Are you a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD)? Please detail this information on your application under Certificates and Licenses.
  • Yes
  • No

10
Do you have experience in creative industry development, arts administration, media production, and/or event management? Please detail your experience on your application.
  • Yes
  • No

11
Please describe your experience in creative industry development, arts administration, media production, and/or event management? If none, type N/A
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