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Economic Development Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

City of Milwaukee

ASSOCIATE PLANNER

Milwaukee, WI · Hybrid

Planning Project Support Support Comprehensive Plan updates and amendment efforts, focusing on land use planning, zoning, economic development, and housing initiatives. Complete tasks that may ...

Gehc

Associate, Business Development

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$96K - $145K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, or a technical field ... corporate development, or related field; * Demonstrated quantitative analytical skills and ...

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All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

Economic Development information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$30.5K

$101.5K

$152.7K

How much do economic development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development in Milwaukee, WI is $101,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,300.00 and $122,700.00 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 Milwaukee, WI? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development jobs in Milwaukee, WI? For Economic Development jobs in Milwaukee, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development jobs in Milwaukee, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:
What cities near Milwaukee, WI are hiring for Economic Development jobs? Cities near Milwaukee, WI with the most Economic Development job openings:
Economic Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,500 per year, or $48.8 per hour.
Executive Director, Regional Employment

Executive Director, Regional Employment

Carthage College

Kenosha, WI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Carthage College rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

547th of 612 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Executive Director will lead the implementation of a regional strategy designed to attract, retain, and connect young adults in a variety of life circumstances to economic opportunity in the Kenosha/Racine region. The position will transform a strategic vision into an operational system that integrates workforce development, community building, and talent attraction.
Working closely with regional partners, including employers, economic development organizations, municipalities, educational institutions, and community organizations, the Executive Director will start to impact the initiative by building and managing:
  • Workforce Systems: Create a regional employment and career navigation system connecting young adults to increase social mobility across various levels of education and life experiences
  • Data Systems: Collect comprehensive data in a developed ecosystem for both individuals who would benefit from the established system, as well as the existing opportunities in Southeastern Wisconsin, in a sophisticated and longitudinal way.
  • Communication Systems: Identify a marketing and communications strategy to articulate the initiative and connect with the key stakeholders, including young adults and organizations.

This role requires a leader capable of launching complex regional initiatives, building cross-sector partnerships, managing data-driven programs, and establishing Kenosha/Racine as a destination for young workers.
Responsibilities:
Workforce System Development:
  • Build and oversee a regional labor market intelligence system mapping entry-level jobs, wages, career pathways, and skill requirements intended to make connections with the youth of the region.
  • Develop a career navigation infrastructure that provides individualized guidance to young adults typically in the age range of 16-25.
  • Coordinate employer partnerships that support work-based learning programs.

Community Development:
  • Connect young adults across the region through professional and social networks, in concert with community partners, that can develop programming that fosters social connection and retention among early-career workers.

Talent Attraction and Regional Marketing:
  • In collaboration with Marketing and Communication, design and implement a targeted recruitment campaign attracting young adults.
  • Develop data-driven outreach strategies, including digital marketing, geographic targeting, and influencer partnerships
  • Build and maintain a prospect database of potential recruits and manage a multi-stage recruitment funnel that includes a deep relationship with local high schools and community colleges.

Partnership Development:
  • Build strategic partnerships with:
    • Regional employers
    • Economic development agencies
    • Tourism and cultural organizations
    • Educational institutions
    • Municipal governments
  • Align partners around shared goals for workforce growth and talent attraction.

Data, Evaluation, and Impact Measurement:
  • Establish performance metrics focused on outcomes such as:
    • Placement in jobs that create social mobility
    • Retention of young adults in the region to influence population deficits
  • Use data to refine programs and allocate resources to the most effective initiatives.

Resource Development and Financial Management:
  • In concert with others, assist in securing funding through public grants, philanthropy, employer contributions, and institutional partnerships.
  • Develop sustainable financial models for long-term program operation.

Qualifications:
Required:
  • 10+ years of leadership experience in workforce development, economic development, regional planning, or higher education innovation
  • Demonstrated success in launching complex multi-stakeholder initiatives
  • Experience building cross-sector partnerships
  • Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills
  • Exceptional program management and development abilities
  • Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Preferred:
  • Experience in talent attraction, regional workforce systems, or community economic development
  • Background working with higher education institutions
  • Experience building digital platforms or workforce data systems
  • Knowledge of Midwest economic and demographic trends

Key Competencies:
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
  • Systems thinking
  • Coalition building
  • Entrepreneurial leadership
  • Strategic marketing and communications
  • Workforce ecosystem design
  • Community engagement
  • Results-oriented program management

Apply Online
About Carthage
Located on the shore of Lake Michigan in the thriving Chicago-Milwaukee corridor, Carthage College blends the best liberal arts traditions with desirable degree programs, transformative learning opportunities, and personal attention from dedicated faculty and staff. Our beautiful campus, an 80-acre arboretum with stunning lake views, is home to 2,600 undergraduate students and 200 graduate students. Founded in 1847, Carthage is consistently named a Best Midwestern College by The Princeton Review and a Most Innovative School by U.S. News & World Report. All Carthage employees play a vital part in the success of our students, as we work together to create an environment where all can achieve their true potential. Grow with Carthage.
Carthage College is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse community. We welcome applications from a broad spectrum of people, including members of ethnic minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.
This position requires a background screening

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