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Economic Development Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

CEO

Hermiston, OR · On-site

$125 - $180/hr

Demonstrated vision to evaluate economic development initiatives, large‑load opportunities, business partnerships, and strategic investment opportunities while accurately predicting and preparing ...

Minimum 7 years in community development, redevelopment, economic development, or housing preferred (public agency, private company, or non-profit). * High School Diploma or equivalent required;

... economic development associations • Import excel spreadsheets and enter activity into Salesforce on a weekly basis. Our partners raise the bar for the delivery experience in some of the most ...

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Economic Development information

See Oregon salary details

$32.8K

$108.9K

$163.9K

How much do economic development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development in Oregon is $108,922.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,200.00 and $131,600.00 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 professions make $500,000 a year?

In economic development and related fields, high-paying roles such as senior economic consultants, chief development officers, and executive-level positions in large organizations can earn $500,000 or more annually. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong leadership skills, often involving strategic planning and stakeholder management.

What profession makes $400,000 a year?

In the field of economic development, senior roles such as Chief Economic Development Officer or high-level consultants can earn $400,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require strong analytical skills, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of regional or national economic policies.

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, requiring skills in research, communication, and project management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Economic Development professional, and why are they important?

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, project manager, and urban planner. 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 Oregon? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development jobs in Oregon? For Economic Development jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Economic Development jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Economic Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Economic Development job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $108,922 per year, or $52.4 per hour.
Assistant Professor of Economics - Tenure Track

Assistant Professor of Economics - Tenure Track

Eastern Oregon University

La Grande, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Assistant Professor of Economics - Tenure Track
Classification Title
Faculty
Full or Part Time
Full Time
FTE
1.0
Position Type
Academic Year
Posting Number
20110221FAC
Position Summary Information- Displays to Applicant
Job Description Summary
The College of Business at Eastern Oregon University (EOU) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Economics. This is a full-time, 9-month position with a primary commitment to undergraduate teaching excellence, along with an expectation of scholarly activity and service appropriate to EOU's mission as a regional, teaching-centered public university.
The Economics program at EOU takes a pluralistic approach to economic inquiry, grounding students in core mainstream frameworks while fostering the capacity to analyze complex social and economic questions from a range of multidisciplinary perspectives. The successful candidate will be an engaged teacher-scholar who brings intellectual rigor and genuine enthusiasm for working with undergraduate students in a small-college environment.
Special consideration will be given to candidates with interest, experience, and expertise in regional economic issues, including environmental or natural resource economics, economic impact analysis, and economic value analysis from both neoclassical and Institutionalist perspectives-with attention to the social and historical factors that extend beyond conventional economic impact frameworks. The Eastern Oregon Center for Economic Information, a research unit of the College of Business and the Economics department, conducts applied projects with direct regional relevance, including socioeconomic analyses for forest revision projects undertaken in partnership with county leadership, nonprofit agencies, and the U.S. Forest Service. The position offers meaningful opportunities for applied and community-engaged research.
About the College of Business
The College of Business currently offers baccalaureate degrees in Business Administration, Marketing, Agricultural Entrepreneurship, Accounting, Fire Services Administration, Emergency Medical Services Administration and Economics, along with minors in Business, Marketing, Accounting, Economics, and Certificates in Business Analytics (Undergrad). Graduate programming includes an MBA with concentrations in Accounting and Health Administration.
The College is committed to academic excellence and a learner-centered environment characterized by quality teaching and mentorship, outcomes assessment, student engagement, experiential learning, and career-ready programming. Preparing graduates that are entering a world of business increasingly defined by Artificial Intelligence and analytics, we also prepare students to become ethical leaders who think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively in a changing global environment. We also seek to advance regional economic and workforce development through responsive programming, consulting, and small business services.
Eastern Oregon University serves as an educational, cultural, and scholarly center for rural eastern Oregon, connecting the region to a wider world. Ranked among the top public university values in the nation, EOU's setting and small size enhance the personal attention students receive, while innovative partnerships expand educational possibilities. As Oregon's designated "Rural" University, the EOU COB values research and scholarship that are focused on rural economic issues. Candidates are encouraged to view EOU's Mission and Values.
Responsibilities
Teaching
The standard full-time teaching load for tenure-track faculty at EOU is 36 credits per academic year with 9 credits devoted to scholarship, service to the institution and outreach to the community. The successful candidate will teach lower- and upper-division undergraduate courses both in-person and online modalities. Course assignments may include, but are not limited to:
  • Principles of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
  • Intermediate Microeconomics and Intermediate Macroeconomics
  • Money and Financial Markets
  • Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
  • Public Finance
  • Rural Economic Development
  • Additional courses aligned with the candidate's areas of specialization

Scholarship
Faculty at EOU are expected to maintain an active scholarly agenda commensurate with the workload of a teaching-focused regional university. Research may be theoretical or applied and should demonstrate intellectual engagement with the discipline. Applied and community-engaged scholarship with regional relevance is particularly valued, and opportunities exist to collaborate with the Eastern Oregon Center for Economic Information on projects of direct importance to rural Oregon, Washington and Idaho communities.
Service and Assessment
The successful candidate will participate in program assessment, curriculum development, student career mentoring and collaborative work with colleagues, staff, and community partners. Service to the department, college, university, and profession is expected and valued as part of the tenure and promotion process.
Minimum Qualifications
  • PhD in Economics or a closely related field required by the time of appointment. ABD candidates will be considered; appointment will be at the instructor rank until the doctorate is conferred.
  • Demonstrated potential for effective teaching at the undergraduate level in both face-to-face and online modalities.
  • Evidence of scholarly activity or a clear and credible research agenda.
  • Experience with a learning management system (e.g., Canvas) or demonstrated capacity to teach effectively online.
  • Commitment to the intellectual and professional development of undergraduate students, including communication competence, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

  • Must satisfactorily complete EOU criminal and credential background check. Having a criminal history is not an automatic bar to employment.
  • In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Eastern Oregon University will not sponsor applicants for employment visas.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Expertise in one or more of the following areas: environmental or natural resource economics, regional or rural economic development, economic impact analysis, Institutional economics, or public finance.
  • Demonstrated excellence in teaching a broad range of undergraduate economics courses, including introductory principles courses.
  • Experience with or interest in applied and community-engaged research, particularly in rural or natural resource-dependent regional contexts.
  • Experience assessing and reporting student learning outcomes.
  • Online teaching professional development, credentials, or certification (e.g., Quality Matters).
  • Record of, or demonstrated potential for, peer-reviewed publication or other forms of scholarly contribution appropriate to the discipline.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicant must provide:
1) Letter of application (which should include why this position is attractive to the applicant, how it meets the applicant's professional goals, and what attracts the applicant to EOU's program);
2) Curriculum vitae with the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references;
3) Transcripts (official required for finalists);
4) One-page statement of teaching philosophy
Candidates are encouraged to review the values and principles of Eastern Oregon University.
Only complete files of qualified applicants will be reviewed.
Eastern Oregon University - Oregon's Rural University! - is a respected public, higher education institution of academic excellence. Outstanding faculty and staff thrive and together fulfill their career ambitions to serve students from all walks of life.
EOU offers a very attractive package of state public employee benefits including:
  • Paid sick time-off
  • Paid holidays
  • Individual and Family Healthcare Insurance (95%+ employer-paid medical, dental, vision)
  • Generous Oregon Public Employee Retirement System benefits, Oregon Public University Retirement Plan.
  • Employer-paid employee life insurance
  • Relocation assistance
  • Discounted tuition benefits for employees and eligible dependents

For more details, see EOU Prospective Employees
EOU is a beautiful, quaint campus nestled in a remarkably scenic, high elevation valley populated by wonderful, community-minded citizens that have balanced work-life flexibility. Take a virtual tour of Eastern Oregon University.
Eastern Oregon University is an EEO Employer and welcomes applications from women, members of historically underrepresented minority groups, US Veterans, and persons with disabilities. EOU is committed to providing equal opportunity in its recruitment, admissions, educational programs, activities and employment without illegal discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any status as protected by state or federal law.
Salary
Assistant Professor: $60,892 - $76,552
Assistant Professor rank salary is determined by weighted years of service based upon the faculty union contract.
Ph.D. (or DBA) in Business, Marketing, Management, Business Law and Ethics, and International Business receive an additional 25% offset. Ph.D. (or DBA) in Economics, Finance or Accounting receive an additional 35% offset.
Posting Detail Information
Open Date
04/23/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
First Day of Application Review
05/07/2026
Quick Link to Posting
https://eou.peopleadmin.com/postings/3465