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Economic Development Project Manager Jobs in Des Plaines, IL

Meta

Economic Development Manager

Chicago, IL

$154K/yr

Economic Development Manager Responsibilities: * Prepare and present monthly, quarterly and annual ... Financial analysis and project management experience Preferred Qualifications: * Demonstrated ...

WFMT

Development Project Manager (WFMT)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$52K - $61K/yr

With passion for WFMT's purpose, the Development Project Manager will bring their enthusiasm, organizational skills, and creativity to the role and collaborative team, raising revenue through WFMT ...

WTTW

Development Project Manager (WFMT)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$52K - $61K/yr

With passion for WFMT's purpose, the Development Project Manager will bring their enthusiasm, organizational skills, and creativity to the role and collaborative team, raising revenue through WFMT ...

Antero Group

Senior Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

Antero Group is seeking a talented and highly motivated Senior Project Manager to support our ... We are a team of engineers, planners, designers, and economic development experts that envision a ...

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All JobsEconomic Development Project JobsEconomic Development Project Manager JobsEconomic Development Project Manager Jobs in Des Plaines, IL

Economic Development Project Manager information

See Des Plaines, IL salary details

$41.9K

$92.1K

$138.4K

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development project manager in Des Plaines, IL is $92,128.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $105,700.00 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 job categories do people searching Economic Development Project Manager jobs in Des Plaines, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development Project Manager jobs in Des Plaines, IL are:

What cities near Des Plaines, IL are hiring for Economic Development Project Manager jobs?

Cities near Des Plaines, IL with the most Economic Development Project Manager job openings:

Economic Development Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Project Manager job openings in Des Plaines, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,128 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Economic Development Manager

Meta

Chicago, IL

$154K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 246 rated software companies

Job description

Meta designs, builds, leases and operates the most innovative and efficient data centers in the world. Locating, developing and managing this data center infrastructure is synonymous with ensuring high uptime, capacity availability, flexibility and capital and operational cost efficiency. Meta is seeking an experienced, organized and proactive Asset Manager to join the Data Center Economic Development team.This position will play a key role in Meta’s data center site selection activities by completing tax and economic incentive diligence and managing compliance efforts for new and expanding regions.
Economic Development Manager Responsibilities:
  • Prepare and present monthly, quarterly and annual reports to management related to property and portfolio performance in regards to budget, internal and external benchmarks, and established goals.
  • Interface with internal organizations including data center design, construction, legal, payroll, finance, accounting and tax.
  • Gather and analyze investment and employment related data to drive decisions for future site selection efforts and complete compliance obligations for existing regions.
  • Maintain and optimize data center incentive compliance program for global portfolio of data center assets.
  • Complete diligence relating to economic development programs as well as state and local tax laws for new and existing data center regions.
  • Build and maintain cost models that compare taxes and economic incentives in new and existing data center regions.
  • Partner with economic development managers to prepare internal and external summary materials needed for ongoing site selection efforts.
  • Work cross-functionally to understand the project parameters needed to support data center economic development discussions.
  • Ability to travel domestically (up to 25% a month) as project needs require.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a directly related field, or equivalent practical experience
  • 6+ years of experience in state and local taxes and economic incentives
  • Financial analysis and project management experience

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • Experience coordinating internal staff and consultants
  • Proven precise communication skills

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$154,000/year to $200,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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