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Economic Development Jobs in Indianapolis, IN (NOW HIRING)

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All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Jobs in Indianapolis, IN

Economic Development information

See Indianapolis, IN salary details

$29.6K

$98.5K

$148.2K

How much do economic development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development in Indianapolis, IN is $98,474.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,900.00 and $119,000.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Indianapolis, IN?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Indianapolis, IN are:

What are popular job titles related to Economic Development jobs in Indianapolis, IN?

For Economic Development jobs in Indianapolis, IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Economic Development jobs in Indianapolis, IN look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development jobs in Indianapolis, IN are:

What cities near Indianapolis, IN are hiring for Economic Development jobs?

Cities near Indianapolis, IN with the most Economic Development job openings:

Economic Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development job openings in Indianapolis, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,474 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Director, Attractions South

State of Indiana

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Manage and negotiate high-profile and competitive economic development projects within the South Indiana region.

  • Build and maintain relationships with economic development partners, local officials, and organizations in the region.

  • Represent the South Indiana Attractions strategy by visiting local businesses, assessing needs, and supporting business development activities.

State Of Indiana rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 189 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states

Job description

Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana Economic Development Corporation:
Bring your biggest and boldest ideas to life as an employee of the IEDC. We are a fast-paced and forward-thinking team charged with pursuing economic development opportunities for current and future Hoosiers in our state and around the world. Our culture embodies the spirit of being bold and working collaboratively to create the economy of the future.
The IEDC is organized as a public private partnership led by the Secretary of Commerce and governed by a board chaired by the Governor of Indiana.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation has been recognized as one of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Top Workplaces by Indianapolis Star.
Role Overview:
The Director, Attractions South serves as the key Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) project representative for South Indiana Attractions strategy and projects. The Director is responsible for overall management of the IEDC regional office business development activities, successful negotiation of economic development deals taking place within the region, and other critical functions outlined herein.
Salary:
The salary range for this position is $80,011 - $85,000, commensurate with education and work experience.
A Day in the Life:
  • Manages and negotiates high-profile and highly competitive projects with emphasis on attracting new capital investment resulting in new job opportunities for Hoosiers; manages and oversees negotiations for other competitive projects within the South Region.
  • Builds and maintains relationships with economic development partners within the State and in particular within the South region and other regions as needed, acting as a professional resource for education and training of economic development and local elected officials.
  • Lead state and local economic development partners in presenting unified responses to company requests for proposals and site visits.
  • Visits local businesses, local elected officials and development-related organizations to asses needs and identify opportunities for the IEDC.
  • Serves as primary South Indiana regional Attractions liaison, utilizing and regularly updating IEDC leadership on regional activities.
  • Encourages collaboration between economic development partners within the IEDC and the South region.
  • At the direction of and/or approval by IEDC leadership, provides representation on economic development related partner organizations assisting Indiana's economic development ecosystem.
  • Maintains confidentiality to protect the integrity of the client and State of Indiana.
  • Supports outside sales trips and other outside sales efforts in order to generate leads and raise Indiana brand awareness; responsible for attending conferences, out of state meetings, and events as needed.
  • Other critical Business Development functions as identified by Business Development and IEDC Leadership.

What You'll Need for Success:
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree (or higher) and equivalent experience including, but not limited to, the following fields: economic development, community development, urban planning, real estate, sales/ business development, tax/ regulatory law, or any of the core industries listed below.

Experience:
  • Eight years of post-graduate professional work experience, or other equivalent background and experience, preferably in a client-facing role.
  • Minimum five years' experience working in the field of economic development.
  • Appropriate business development/ professional experience and background, in particular with an emphasis of business deal negotiation and/or government relations.

Knowledge of:
  • Core industries to the State of Indiana such as agribusiness (preferred), manufacturing, life sciences, mobility, microelectronics, and information technology.
  • IEDC and other government-agency programs and processes; both in-state and other states.
  • IEDC business development processes and account management processes.
  • Region's community and business development- organizations, including local government officials, economic development leaders, business executives and non-profit and community development organizations.
  • Region's business climate, quality of place offerings, workforce makeup, and state economic development laws and trends.
  • Indiana government structure, including local government structure and how it engages with state government structures.
  • Local government incentive programs, administrative processes, etc.
  • Microsoft Dynamics CRM program or other similar client management system.

Ability to:
  • Engage a broad range of business professionals in order to generate desired project outcomes.
  • Identify the leverage of each side in a business deal via analysis of the overall context within which the deal is taking place.
  • Negotiate on behalf of the State of Indiana in complex business transactions, optimizing the outcome for Hoosier taxpayers.
  • Lead state and local economic development partners in presenting unified responses to company requests for proposals.
  • Develop relationships with local economic development officials, brokers, site selectors, consultants to help develop economic development projects.
  • Mentor and grow project managers in their business transaction management and business negotiation abilities as well as interaction with businesses, government agencies and local economic development offices.
  • Analyze and evaluate needs of businesses and communities to determine the appropriate level of IEDC and other state, public and private sector services to meet those needs.
  • Communicate clearly and directly both orally and in writing, including public speaking and presentations.
  • Navigate, use and understand CRM-based databases and spreadsheets.
  • Travel in-state and nationally as needed.
  • Maintain residency within the South Region, and preferably near the IEDC's primary offices, or willingness to locate within region.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 160 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
    • Up to 16 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 192 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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