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Economic Development Jobs in Chelsea, MA (NOW HIRING)

STV

Director of Real Estate Economics

Boston, MA · On-site

$179K - $205K/yr

Lead complex real estate and economic development projects, including market analysis, highest and best use analysis, fiscal impact modeling, comparative scenario modeling, land use alternatives ...

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All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Jobs in Chelsea, MA

Economic Development information

See Chelsea, MA salary details

$33.7K

$111.9K

$168.4K

How much do economic development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development in Chelsea, MA is $111,944.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,600.00 and $135,300.00 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 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 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 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 cities near Chelsea, MA are hiring for Economic Development jobs?

Cities near Chelsea, MA with the most Economic Development job openings:

Economic Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development job openings in Chelsea, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,944 per year, or $53.8 per hour.

Economic Development Staff Planner

Medford, MA • On-site

City of Medford
See more jobs at City of Medfordexternal

$1.5K - $1.7K/wk

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

POSITION: Economic Development Staff Planner
DEPARTMENT: Planning Development and Sustainability
Removed until filled
HOURS OF WORK:
Full-time (35 hours/weekly) Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM; Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
SALARY: Weekly: $1,500.28 - $1,753.35 (Non-Union / CAF-12)

BASIC FUNCTION:
The position collaborates closely with the Director of Economic Development on city led initiatives designed to support the economic development and resilience of the small business community in Medford. Assists with the creation of economic development programs. Promotes and markets the City as a place to do business and implements strategies to attract and recruit businesses.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
  • Serves as a principal point of contact for small businesses needing assistance with city processes, programs, or regulations.
  • Manages communications promoting resources to support business, such as business guides, financial programs, and technical support.
  • Develops and maintains small business programming designed to support resiliency, such as a retail incubator, vacant storefront grant program, outdoor dining, and educational programming.
  • Evaluates economic, statistical, and demographic data to analyze the best means to attract, retain, or expand businesses within the City.
  • Coordinates activities and/or resolutions of problems/complaints through federal, state, or local government agencies. (e.g., utilities, local transportation boards, local development boards, etc.)
  • Supports the department with business and development attraction efforts.
  • Gathers and analyzes information regarding existing businesses within the community for the purpose of economic planning studies and program development.
  • Supports grant programs through processing risk assessments, monitoring recipients, reporting economic impact, and maintaining data files.
  • Contributes to land-use planning initiatives and projects related to housing, sustainability, and transportation.
  • Works closely with the City's grants managers for planning and programming to support community revitalization and local economy.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Any equivalent combination of the below-listed education, training, certification, and experience is qualifying.
  • Bachelor's degree in Economics, Planning, Business, Public Administration, or a closely related field with a minimum of 2 years of planning-related experience.
Beneficial:
  • A master’s degree in Urban Planning or other closely related field
  • Work experience in a combination of municipal and private sectors.
  • Prior experience with programs of workforce development, redevelopment, and downtown initiatives; small business and entrepreneurial support program development; and business retention and expansion principles are a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
  • Knowledge of the Medford business community and the unique challenges facing small business ownership. Knowledge of the principles and practices of economic development, redevelopment and reuse, business retention and recruitment programs, marketing and advertising, real estate, development/redevelopment financing alternatives, and annexation procedures. General knowledge of zoning, comprehensive planning, and site development.
  • Skilled in applying economic development practices and principles to attract, recruit, retain, and expand businesses. Excellent interpersonal skills for facilitating relationships within the community.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access. Familiarity with ArcGIS is a plus.
  • Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well-defined planning problems. Strong ability to work independently and troubleshooting issues arise. Ability to work confidentially with discretion regarding economic development projects. Perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks, and work under intensive deadlines. Ability to work in a team environment and establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with city officials and employees, the public, and representatives of other agencies toward the accomplishment of assigned projects. Ability to develop, write, and implement strategic plans and provide necessary documentation to support economic development program requirements, independently design, plan, and conduct research and analysis on basic to complex research projects, and gather, analyze, and evaluate a variety of data
 
For the posting, please visit the City of Medford's website – www.medfordma.org
 
The City of Medford is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/504 Employer Residents of the City of Medford, Women, People of Color, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities are encouraged to apply.