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Economic Development Project Manager Jobs in Washington, DC

City of Bowie

Economic Development Director

Bowie, MD · On-site

$125K - $155K/yr

Professional economic development, finance, real estate, planning, or project management certifications are advantageous. SALARY: $125,000 - $155,000 Depending on Qualifications BENEFITS Along with a ...

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Economic Development Project Manager information

See Washington, DC salary details

$48.8K

$107.3K

$161.1K

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

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development project manager in Washington, DC is $107,281.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,800.00 and $123,100.00 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 Washington, DC?

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

What job categories do people searching Economic Development Project Manager jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development Project Manager jobs in Washington, DC are:

Economic Development Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Project Manager job openings in Washington, DC as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,281 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Economic Development Director

Bowie, MD • On-site

City of Bowie
Public Administration • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about City of Bowieexternal

$125K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

The City of Bowie is seeking an experienced professional, with a demonstrable record of success, to become it's next Economic Development Director. This individual will have a proven ability to organize, direct, and evaluate programs and initiatives intended to strengthen and diversify the City's economic and non-residential tax base, while promoting Bowie as an attractive and viable location for business, investment, shopping, employment, and visitor activity.
Reporting directly to the City Manager and providing leadership, management, and oversight of the City's Economic Development Team, the incumbent will be expected to serve as an effective catalyst for the retention and expansion of business in the City, while attracting new business and investment. The ideal candidate is a strong leader, preferably with some experience in a municipal or government environment, and the ability to clearly communicate often complex and voluminous information to the City Council, other key stakeholders, and the citizenry.
Other position duties and expectations will include but not be limited to:
  • Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship.
  • Promoting redevelopment and revitalization.
  • Facilitating business development and permitting.
  • Balancing economic objectives with resident expectations regarding quality of life, community character, traffic, infrastructure and development impacts.
  • Implementing the City's Economic Development Program in accordance with City Council policies, adopted plans and strategies.
  • Advising the City Manager, City Council, and other key internal stakeholders on economic development opportunities, business and commercial market conditions, development issues, economic trends, and long-term policy considerations.
  • Identifying established commercial areas or properties experiencing vacancies, disinvestment, changing market conditions, or redevelopment opportunities and recommending strategies to encourage reinvestment and economic activity.
  • Engaging residents, businesses, property owners, developers, elected officials, and other stakeholders on significant economic development and redevelopment initiatives.
  • Overseeing and coordinating small business and entrepreneurship assistance programs and partnerships, including business counseling, technical assistance, training, procurement assistance, incubation and acceleration, financing resources, and other business support services.
  • Maintaining current knowledge of available commercial properties, development and redevelopment sites, major development projects, business activity, commercial vacancy, employment trends, demographic conditions, and other factors affecting the City's economy.
  • Researching economic development best practices, emerging market trends, technologies, financing approaches, business practices, and changes in the economic development profession; recommend and implement improvements that enhance program effectiveness, customer service, accountability, and economic competitiveness
  • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with Prince George's County, the State of Maryland, Federal and regional agencies, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, business associations, educational institutions, workforce organizations, financial institutions, utilities, and other public and private partners.
  • Serving as staff liaison to the City Council-appointed Economic Development Committee and provide professional and administrative support for the Committee's advisory responsibilities.
  • Preparing, prioritizing, administering, and monitoring the Economic Development operating budget, contracts, professional services, advertising expenditures, economic development programs, and other division resources.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Economic Development, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Public Administration, Urban or Regional Planning, Real Estate, Public Policy, or a closely related field.
  • Seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in economic development, business development, redevelopment, commercial real estate, community development, finance, business retention and expansion, business recruitment, or a closely related field, including at least three (3) years of supervisory, management, or significant program leadership responsibility.
  • Experience in local government economic development; business retention and expansion; business recruitment; redevelopment; commercial real estate or site selection; economic development finance; small business development; public-private partnerships; budget administration; and contract management is preferred.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered if it demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Urban or Regional Planning, Real Estate, Public Policy or a related field.
  • Experience developing and implementing economic development strategies in mature or substantially built-out suburban communities, including redevelopment, commercial revitalization, adaptive reuse, and reinvestment.
  • Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation.
  • Professional economic development, finance, real estate, planning, or project management certifications are advantageous.

SALARY: $125,000 - $155,000 Depending on Qualifications
BENEFITS
Along with a competitive salary, this opportunity offers a robust array of employee benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; short- and long-term disability programs; and a 401(K) with employer match, and optional 457 retirement savings plan. To optimize employee work/life balance, many positions include telework/hybrid and flexible scheduling options.
How to Apply: please visit the city's website at: www.cityofbowie.org and click on the employment link. All applicants MUST submit a completed City of Bowie employment application in order to be considered for this opportunity.
Application deadline: Open until filled
A proud Equal Opportunity Employer, the City of Bowie is committed to providing a fair and inclusive work environment where all employees are valued and respected. This commitment is a vital part of the City's organizational culture and values.

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