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Economic Development Project Manager Jobs in Texas

Development Project Manager

Dallas, TX · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Commercial Real Estate Development Project Manager Our SelectLeaders client is an active commercial real estate owner and developer seeking an experienced Development Project Manager to lead the ...

Land Development Project Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

$95K - $123K/yr

Effectively design and manage all aspects of land development projects from concept, to design ... economic growth. As a leader in civil engineering, we offer an opportunity to make a real ...

Showing results 21-40

Economic Development Project Manager information

See Texas salary details

$40.1K

$88.1K

$132.3K

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

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development project manager in Texas is $88,079.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,300.00 and $101,100.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Project Manager jobs in Texas?

For Economic Development Project Manager jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Texas are hiring for Economic Development Project Manager jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Economic Development Project Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Economic Development Project Manager job openings in Texas as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,079 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Senior Economic Development Planner - Special Initiatives

Houston, TX • On-site

Houston-Galveston Area Council
Public Administration • 51 - 200 employees

$62K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead implementation and coordination of strategic initiatives such as broadband, digital opportunity, resilience, and infrastructure.

  • Analyze regional data to identify emerging needs and develop strategies to improve services and expand economic opportunity.

  • Develop and manage grant applications, oversee compliance and reporting for awarded grants, and coordinate with internal and external partners.


Job description

About Houston-Galveston Area Council   
The Houston-Galveston Area Council is one of the largest regional planning commissions in the country with a diverse service area of 13 counties and more than 7 million people. We are the pulse of our region addressing issues that cross city limits and county lines every single day.   
 
We make decisions that affect our transportation system, ensure the safety and well-being of our seniors, connect people to jobs, help families recover from natural disasters, preserve water quality for our children, and so much more. We work to make the region a great place to live, work, and thrive.  
   
What will I bedoing?
 
  • Lead implementation and coordination of strategic initiatives, including broadband, digital opportunity, resilience, infrastructure, and other Board or departmental priorities.
  • Analyze regional data, identify emerging needs and opportunities, and develop strategies that improve services, expand economic opportunity, and strengthen regional competitiveness.
  • Identify, evaluate, and pursue federal, state, philanthropic, and private funding opportunities that align with organizational and regional priorities.
  • Lead development of competitive grant applications, including project narratives, budgets, work plans, supporting documentation, and coordination with internal and external partners.
  • Provide strategic oversight of awarded grants by coordinating compliance activities, reporting requirements, performance tracking, and collaboration with Finance and project teams.
  • Coordinate implementation of the Texas Regional Broadband Plan (TRBP) and related telecommunications initiatives by working collaboratively with local governments, state agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector partners.
  • Support implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) by advancing priority projects, initiatives, and collaborative regional efforts.
  • Lead consulting engagements, economic development planning projects, and special initiatives for local governments, public agencies, and regional partners.
  • Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with local governments, economic development organizations, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, businesses, utilities, and state and federal agencies.
  • Identify opportunities for regional collaboration, joint initiatives, and multi-jurisdictional funding strategies that leverage public and private resources.
  • Develop, coordinate, and facilitate regional meetings, workshops, conferences, advisory committees, peer exchanges, and other stakeholder engagement activities that strengthen partnerships and advance H-GAC priorities.
  • Represent H-GAC at local, regional, state, and national meetings, conferences, advisory committees, public events, and collaborative initiatives.
  • Prepare professional reports, planning documents, grant applications, presentations, briefing materials, and recommendations for leadership, partner organizations, elected officials, boards, and other stakeholders.
  • Monitor emerging legislation, funding opportunities, policy trends, and industry best practices related to economic development, broadband, strategic initiatives, and regional planning.

KeyQualifications
  • Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, regional planning, public administration, project management, grant development, consulting, broadband, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Experience researching, developing, and managing competitive grant applications and funding strategies.
  • Experience leading planning studies, consulting engagements, strategic initiatives, or community development projects.
  • Strong research, analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex issues and develop practical solutions.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports, presentations, grant proposals, and briefing materials for diverse audiences.
  • Strong facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and organizational priorities.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; experience with GIS, data visualization, project management software, or grant management systems is desirable.

Do you have…  
 
  • Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Economics, Business Administration, Public Policy, Community Development, or a related field.
  • Five (5) years of experience working with local government, nonprofit organizations, regional planning, economic development, project management, grant administration, consulting, or related responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Economics, Business Administration, Public Policy, Community Development, or a related field.
  • Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, planning, consulting, grant strategy, strategic initiatives, or regional collaboration.
  • Experience managing federally funded programs and pursuing funding from agencies such as the Economic Development Administration (EDA), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), or other federal and state funding programs.
  • Experience supporting broadband, digital opportunity, resilience, infrastructure, or community development initiatives.
  • Professional certification such as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Certified Economic Developer (CED), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Grant Professional (CGP), or similar credential.
  • Experience working with councils of governments, regional planning organizations, economic development organizations, or other public-sector entities.
  • In-depth understanding of local, state, and federal economic development policies and regulations.
  • Established connections with key industry stakeholders, government agencies, and community organizations.

Salary Range- $62,000.00-$72,000.00
 

All employees of H-GAC are required to reside within the agency’s region of service to support our commitment to excellence in service of our region.

H-GAC is an equal opportunity/ADA employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or protected veteran status.

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