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Economic Development Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pleasanthilliowa

$91K - $125K/yr

To be considered, candidates must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in business, public administration, finance, economic development, planning, or related curriculum with two or more years of ...

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Economic Development Specialist information

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$33.5K

$67.8K

$110.5K

How much do economic development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development specialist in the United States is $67,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an economic development specialist do?

An economic development specialist analyzes and improves the standard of living or business conditions in a geographic area. They may work for a business or a city, county, or state government. Job duties involve devising and implementing strategies for economic growth and financial stability, building relationships with potential clients or partners, and analyzing information. Qualifications for a career as an economic development specialist are a bachelor’s degree in business or management, several years of work experience, and strong mathematical reasoning skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an economic development specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Economic Development Specialist, you need a solid background in economics, urban planning, or public administration, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with data analysis tools, GIS systems, and economic impact modeling software is typically required. Strong communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills help you build partnerships and drive development initiatives. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing effective strategies that foster economic growth and community well-being.

How does an economic development specialist typically collaborate with local government and community organizations?

Economic Development Specialists regularly work alongside local government officials, community leaders, and business organizations to identify opportunities for economic growth and address local challenges. This collaboration often includes attending public meetings, participating in strategic planning sessions, and coordinating grant proposals or incentive programs. By fostering these relationships, specialists ensure that development initiatives align with community needs and regulatory requirements, while also generating support for new projects.

What is the difference between Economic Development Specialist vs Urban Planner?

AspectEconomic Development SpecialistUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in economics, urban planning, or related field; certifications like CEcD are commonBachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, geography, or related field; certifications like AICP are common
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, economic development organizations, consulting firmsMunicipalities, government agencies, private consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageFocuses on economic growth, business attraction, and job creationFocuses on land use, zoning, community development, and urban design

While both roles aim to improve communities, an Economic Development Specialist concentrates on economic growth and business development, whereas an Urban Planner focuses on land use and urban design. They often collaborate but serve different primary functions within community development projects.

Is economic development a good career path?

Economic development specialists work to improve local economies by analyzing data, developing policies, and collaborating with stakeholders. The role offers opportunities in government, non-profits, and private sectors, often requiring strong analytical, communication, and project management skills. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in community growth and economic policy.

What degree do you need to work in economic development?

Economic development specialists typically hold a bachelor's degree in fields such as economics, public administration, urban planning, or related areas. A master's degree or relevant certifications can enhance job prospects and advancement opportunities. Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills are also important in this field.
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What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Specialist jobs?

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Economic Development Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Specialist 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 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,805 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Economic Development Specialist

Leonardtown, MD • On-site

St. Mary's County, MD
See more jobs at St. Mary's County, MDexternal

$82K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Salary : $82,638.40 - $91,291.20 Annually
Location : Leonardtown, MD
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202200325
Department: Economic Development
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Summary
This is a professional economic development position assisting with the attraction of new businesses to the County, the retention and expansion of existing County businesses, and the creation of new businesses. The position will manage multiple marketing and communication projects and department messaging initiatives, and help the Director and Deputy Director carry out the mission of the department.
The hiring salary for this position is $82,638 - $91,291 annually.
Essential Functions
  1. Carries out department outreach, marketing, and communication initiatives
    • Communicate the department's initiatives and accomplishments through various means;
    • Develop digital and printed marketing materials based on data, strategic plans, and other initiatives and documents
    • Represent the organization at various economic development functions;
  2. Develops, implements, plans, schedules, monitors, and supervises large and complex department-specific marketing and communication projects;
  3. Liaisons with local, regional, and state organizations related to the program;
  4. Performs targeted industry communication for business attraction and retention
    • Oversee updates to the printed and digital versions of the Technology Resource Book;
    • Investigate and identify growth opportunities for business relocation and existing business expansion;
    • Research and support recruitment efforts for qualified companies;
    • Work with external organizations charged with regional marketing, business recruitment, business retention, and business expansion efforts;
    • Work with key retail districts to identify messaging strategies that would increase their vitality;
    • Foster entrepreneurship and small business growth communication;
  5. Performs data analysis
    • Collect and organize industry specific market data and analyze economic trends;
    • Provide strategic advice and information on economic development activity, trends and issues;
    • Coordinate department participation on economic assumptions and forecasts;
  6. Fosters a business and development friendly environment
    • Help identify processes and regulations that hinder business establishment and work towards streamlining and simplifying;
    • Help coordinate economic development initiatives with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders;
    • Participate in established internal teams to coordinate large-scale development projects;
    • Review proposals for development opportunities and assist with multi-party negotiations for significant economic development projects;
  7. Management and County Governance
    • Assess performance as compared with comprehensive economic development strategic plan;
    • Draft memos and reports for submittal in BoardDocs and other professional written correspondence;
    • Assist Director and Deputy Director with meeting preparation and follow-up;
    • Attend meetings on behalf of Director and Deputy Director and accompany them to meetings;
    • Coordinate and oversee contracts with outside agencies associated with economic development.
  8. Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  1. Ability to gain thorough knowledge of St. Mary's County Government policies and procedures;
  2. Ability to act as a representative of St. Mary's County Government to the public;
  3. Expert knowledge of department practices and procedures and of the practices, procedures, and concepts of the assigned programs;
  4. Knowledge of relevant Federal, State, and Local regulations relative to the operations of specific projects and programs;
  5. Ability to effectively communicate with other staff members;
  6. Ability to effectively monitor staff performance;
  7. Ability to develop, implement, prioritize, and coordinate program-related activities;
  8. Ability to use available resources to research information;
  9. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records;
  10. Ability to operate relevant computer systems, including hardware and software.

Education and Experience
  1. Bachelor's degree;
  2. Five years or more of related experience;
  3. Or equivalent technical training, education, and/or experience.

Additional Requirements:
  1. Must successfully pass background investigation with favorable results;
  2. Must pass a pre-employment drug test.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:
Work requires light physical effort in the handling of light materials or boxes and tools or equipment in non-strenuous work positions up to 30 pounds and/or continual standing or walking of 60%/+ of the time.
Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meetings and training rooms.
Full salary range for this position is $82,638 - $142,355 annually. The full salary range does not reflect the anticipated hiring salary for this position. The anticipated hiring range is $82,638 - $91,291 annually annually, based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plan, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, identity theft protection, sick-leave transfer, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Regular Part-time employees who work an average of 20 or more hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at the following link:

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