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Economic Development Project Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Manage economic development leads/projects in the region by developing effective working relationships with state, regional, and local economic development organizations to enhance Duke Energy ...

Manage economic development leads/projects in the region by developing effective working relationships with state, regional, and local economic development organizations to enhance Duke Energy ...

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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 Jun 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 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 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 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 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.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,541 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Economic Development & Planning Manager - County Administration

Escambia County

Pensacola, FL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

**Opened Until Filled**

This position performs advanced professional, managerial, and strategic economic development work under the direction of County Administration. The Economic Development & Planning Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating major economic development initiatives, redevelopment strategies, business recruitment and retention efforts, and strategic partnerships that support the County's long-term economic growth objectives.

The position serves as the primary liaison between the County and regional economic development organizations, developers, public agencies, business leaders, and community stakeholders. Work includes oversight and coordination of high-profile development projects, strategic planning initiatives, site development activities, and economic development incentive programs.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Leads the County's strategic economic development and redevelopment initiatives to support long-term economic growth, capital investment, job creation, and tax base expansion

Advises County Administration and County leadership on economic development trends, redevelopment strategies, growth opportunities, incentive programs, and policy matters impacting economic competitiveness

Leads negotiations and strategic discussions related to development agreements, partnerships, incentive opportunities, land use considerations, and redevelopment initiatives

Develops and implements comprehensive economic development strategies designed to attract, retain, and expand targeted industries and private investment within the County

Coordinates cross-functional efforts between County departments, external agencies, utility providers, developers, and community stakeholders to facilitate complex development projects and infrastructure readiness

Identifies funding opportunities, grants, incentive programs, and partnership strategies to support economic development and redevelopment objectives

Represents the County at executive-level meetings, conferences, public forums, industry events, and economic development functions

Oversees strategic planning initiatives related to redevelopment corridors, economic growth opportunities, site readiness, and commercial/industrial development

Researches and analyzes economic indicators, market trends, demographic data, and development activity to provide strategic recommendations to County leadership

Prepares and presents reports, strategic recommendations, development updates, and policy proposals to County Administration and the Board of County Commissioners

Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with business organizations, chambers of commerce, governmental entities, developers, institutional partners, and community stakeholders

Assists with the development and implementation of long-range strategic initiatives and special projects as assigned by County Administration

Performs related work as required

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

Training and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Economic Development, Urban Planning, Finance, or a closely related field; and five years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, strategic planning, redevelopment, governmental administration, project management, or a related field, including at least five years in a leadership or senior management capacity; or a combination of education and experience equivalent to these requirements.

License and Certifications:

Valid driver's license from state of residence

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs):

economic development principles, practices, redevelopment strategies, and public-private partnerships

local government operations, strategic planning processes, and development activities

economic development incentive programs, infrastructure planning, and project financing concepts

to lead and manage complex, high-profile initiatives and development projects

to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, executives, developers, community leaders, and stakeholders

to analyze complex issues and develop strategic recommendations and solutions

to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

to prepare and present reports, recommendations, and presentations to executive leadership and governing bodies

in negotiation, strategic planning, collaboration, and project management

in Microsoft Office and standard business software applications

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

County-wide Employee Responsibilities:

All Escambia County BCC employees must serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Escambia County BCC's Employee Code of Ethics, gift, and conflict of interest policies.

All Escambia County BCC employees must establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity and expression.

Emergency Management Responsibilities:

During emergency conditions, the incumbent of this position will automatically be considered an emergency service worker. This employee is subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency situation and is expected to perform emergency service duties, as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

Positions in this class typically require grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, finger and hand dexterity, as well as repetitive motions.

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

Incumbents may be subjected to travel.

Benefits/Compensation Package:

Medical / Dental / Vision plans

Prescription coverage

Employee health clinic

Employee fitness centers

Employer-sponsored retirement plan or an investment plan

Deferred Compensation Plan

Flexible Spending Account(s)

Employee Assistance Program

Annual/Sick Leave or Paid Time Off (PTO)

Group Life Insurance