ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Economic Development Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Capital Access Corporation-Kentucky

Be Seen First

Business Development Officer

Louisville, KY · On-site

... economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and business professionals. The ideal ... candidate has experience in commercial lending or business banking, understands the financing needs ...

Varsity Tutors

College Economics Tutor

Louisville, KY · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes analytical rigor and connects economic theory to real-world policy debates, development challenges, and business strategy. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Varsity Tutors

College Economics Tutor

Lexington, KY · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes analytical rigor and connects economic theory to real-world policy debates, development challenges, and business strategy. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Jobs in Kentucky

Economic Development information

See Kentucky salary details

$26.9K

$89.5K

$134.6K

How much do economic development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development in Kentucky is $89,476.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,800.00 and $108,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is economic development?

Economic development refers to the process by which the economic well-being and quality of life of a region, community, or country are improved. This typically involves efforts to create jobs, attract investment, support businesses, enhance infrastructure, and promote sustainable growth. Professionals in economic development work with government agencies, private sector partners, and community organizations to create strategies that foster economic opportunities and address local challenges. Their goal is to build resilient economies that benefit all residents.

What is the difference between Economic Development vs Urban Planner?

AspectEconomic DevelopmentUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in economics, public policy, or related field; often certifications in economic developmentBachelor's or master's in urban planning, geography, or related field; licensure may be required
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, economic development organizations, consulting firmsMunicipalities, government agencies, private planning firms
Industry UsageFocuses on economic growth, business attraction, and community developmentFocuses on land use, zoning, and urban design

While both roles aim to improve communities, economic development professionals focus on boosting local economies and attracting businesses, whereas urban planners concentrate on land use, zoning, and urban design to shape city landscapes.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in economic development roles, and how can they be addressed?

Economic Development professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders, navigating complex regulatory environments, and securing funding for projects. Success in this field requires strong communication and negotiation skills to build consensus among government officials, business leaders, and community members. Proactively staying updated on policy changes, leveraging data-driven approaches, and building strong partnerships can help address these challenges and drive impactful outcomes.

What is a career in economic development?

A career in economic development involves working to improve the economic well-being of communities by attracting new businesses, supporting existing industries, and creating jobs. Professionals in this field often analyze economic data, develop strategic plans, and collaborate with government agencies and stakeholders to promote growth and sustainability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an economic development professional?

To thrive as an Economic Development professional, you need a background in economics, public administration, or urban planning, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools, GIS software, project management platforms, and knowledge of relevant regulations or certifications like CEcD are essential. Strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are vital for successfully attracting investment, fostering sustainable growth, and collaborating with stakeholders to drive community prosperity.

What are the different types of economic development jobs?

Economic development jobs include roles such as economic development director, business development specialist, urban planner, and project manager. These positions often involve tasks like attracting investment, planning community projects, and analyzing economic data, requiring skills in research, communication, and policy analysis.
What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development jobs in Kentucky? For Economic Development jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Economic Development jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Economic Development job openings:
Economic Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,476 per year, or $43 per hour.

Economic Development Student Worker

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 10 days ago

University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

306th of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Job Title
Economic Development Student Worker
Requisition Number
DU14891
Department Name
37500:Economic Development
Work Location
Lexington, KY
Salary Range
$15.00
Type of Position
Student
Position Time Status
Part-Time
Required Education
Full-time University of Kentucky Student in good standing.
Required Related Experience
None
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
May require sitting or standing for long periods of time.
Shift
Flexible, up to 15 hours per week, to be agreed upon with supervisor.
Job Summary
The Office of Economic Development and Real Estate at the University of Kentucky is seeking a student intern to support program storytelling, digital content development, and event coordination. This position will assist with capturing and sharing the impact of UK's economic development and real estate initiatives through written stories, photography, video, and digital content. The intern will also provide support for the Economic Development Collaborative's quarterly convening by assisting with planning, logistics, on-site execution, and post-event reporting. Working closely with university and community partners, the intern will help document program outcomes, develop engaging content, and contribute to initiatives that highlight the office's work and impact.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
  • Pursuing a degree in journalism, public relations, business, design, English, integrated strategic communication, or a related field.
  • Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to communicate complex topics to a broad audience.
  • Experience creating digital content, including photography, graphics, and short-form video using Canva or Adobe Creative Cloud.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
  • Interest in event planning and providing logistical support for meetings, conferences, and community engagement activities.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace for organizing information and basic reporting.
  • Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and comfortable collaborating with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No
Preferred Education/Experience
Pursuing a degree in journalism, public relations, business, design, English, integrated strategic communication, or a related field
Deadline to Apply
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

What University Of Kentucky employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

University of Kentucky logo

About University of Kentucky

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865

View All University of Kentucky Jobs

Apply