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Economic Development Jobs in Plano, TX (NOW HIRING)

Economic Development Project Manager

Denton, TX · On-site

$85K - $111K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Economic Development Division: Economic Development Opening Date: 08/12/2026 Closing Date: 9/13/2026 11:59 PM Central FLSA: Exempt Summary Responsible for attracting, expanding, and retaining ...

Economic Development Project Manager

Denton, TX

$85K - $111K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of municipal economic development practices, including incentive structures, public-private partnerships, legal contracts, and development agreements. Knowledge of property databases, GIS ...

Partner with the Regional Market Leader to develop and execute business and economic development strategies to drive growth and expand Haskell's presence within target markets * Leverage established ...

Lead the development of the regions community and economic development market execution plan strategies and initiatives to accomplish CRA performance goals for assigned assessment area. . Represent ...

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Showing results 1-20

Economic Development information

See Plano, TX salary details

$29.7K

$98.6K

$148.3K

How much do economic development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development in Plano, TX is $98,600.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $119,200.00 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 Plano, TX?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Plano, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Economic Development jobs in Plano, TX?

For Economic Development jobs in Plano, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Economic Development jobs in Plano, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development jobs in Plano, TX are:

What cities near Plano, TX are hiring for Economic Development jobs?

Cities near Plano, TX with the most Economic Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Economic Development job openings in Plano, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 92% Full Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,600 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Economic Development Project Manager

City of Denton, TX

Denton, TX • On-site

$85K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


City Of Denton rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

729th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary: $85,592.00 - $111,280.00 Annually
Location : Denton, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-00284
Department: Economic Development
Division: Economic Development
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 9/13/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Summary
Responsible for attracting, expanding, and retaining businesses across Denton. This position will assist companies exploring growth opportunities by helping them navigate site selection, real estate options, public incentives, workforce connections, and strategic partnerships. This position will manage projects across Denton's commercial and industrial corridors, focusing on existing businesses and target industries including technology, life sciences, aviation, advanced manufacturing and mobility, creative, and other emerging industries.
Essential Functions and Other Important Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
DUTIES
  • Advise business executive leadership teams on relocation or expansion opportunities in Denton, including site selection, incentives, relevant university programs, and state and local business resources.
  • Assist or lead supporting special projects such as retail recruitment initiatives and the advancement of tech ecosystem and startup recruitment pipelines.
  • Manage, coordinate, and draft comprehensive responses to Requests for Information (RFIs) received from site selectors, companies, and regional economic partners such as the Governor's Office of Economic Development and Dallas Regional Chamber to ensure all site data, utilities, and community metrics are submitted accurately and on time.
  • Perform detailed quantitative analyses and return-on-investment (ROI) modeling to evaluate prospective corporate projects, using economic modeling tools to determine appropriate public incentive thresholds, tax impacts, and community benefits.
  • Structure, negotiate, and draft economic incentive proposals and formal legal agreements, coordinating with the City Attorney's Office to ensure compliance with municipal policies, City Council guidelines, and Texas local government codes (e.g., Chapter 380/312 agreements).
  • Assist businesses in evaluating commercial and industrial real estate opportunities, including assessing utility access, navigating zoning and permitting requirements, and optimizing speed to market for the development site.
  • Organize and lead site tours, partner meetings, and market visits for prospective businesses, covering office, industrial, manufacturing, and research locations.
  • Develop tailored proposals, pitch decks, memorandums, presentations, and other materials that communicate Denton's value proposition and project recommendations to internal and external audiences.
  • Manage business development projects from intake through execution, including incentive applications, analyses, administrative deadlines, board and council approvals, and follow-up actions.
  • Support business talent needs by assisting with the coordination of local job fairs, staying continuously abreast of regional workforce resources, and continuing to learn and leverage university offerings and educational talent pipelines.
  • Maintain Denton's business development pipeline using CRM tools to track KPIs and maintain regular reporting metrics.
  • Primarily work on incoming prospect leads with occasional lead generation duties, conducting company, industry, and market research to identify business attraction targets and strategic growth opportunities.
  • Conduct extensive market intelligence, consumer behavior, and labor market research using advanced data analytics tools such as JobsEQ and other industry databases to generate insights, identify industry trends, and generate reports.
  • Coordinate with local, state, and international partners and trade organizations, to support business attraction and retention.
  • Represent Denton at regional industry conferences, networking events to promote the city as a premier destination for business growth and investment.
SUPERVISORY/BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES
  • None.
OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Job Requirements
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Economics, Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, or related field; and
  • Five (5) years' experience in economic development, business development, customer relations, customer service, public administration, or related field;
OR
  • Any combination of related education, experience, certifications and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The list below represents the knowledge, skill, and/or ability to perform this job successfully:
  • Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local Government laws, ordinances, and regulations.
  • Knowledge of project management principles, including the ability to review and recommend project improvements based on scope and budget.
  • Knowledge of new concepts and innovations in the field of public management and local government service delivery.
  • Knowledge of municipal economic development practices, including incentive structures, public-private partnerships, legal contracts, and development agreements.
  • Knowledge of property databases, GIS platforms, and commercial real estate listing services such as CoStar.
  • Skill in managing client-facing projects, stakeholder relationships, and business development opportunities.
  • Skill in communicating and presenting complex information clearly to City leadership, boards, community partners, and external stakeholders.
  • Skill in analyzing and interpreting data, developing strategic recommendations, managing projects, meeting tight deadlines, and coordinating competing priorities.
  • Skill in moderate problem solving; identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop, evaluate options, and implement solutions.
  • Skill at the intermediate level, working with applicable Microsoft Office 365 products, and other software systems to complete work.
  • Skill in providing exceptional service to internal and external customers.
  • Skill in interpersonal relationships, including using tact, patience, and courtesy.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with companies, property owners, brokers, public-sector partners, community stakeholders, and international partners.
  • Ability to navigate, interpret, and synthesize property information available through the Denton Central Appraisal District.
  • Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism and ethical conduct while demonstrating a positive attitude and working collaboratively in a fast-paced municipal environment.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both in oral and written forms, for the needs of the audience.
  • Ability to handle records and complex situations of a confidential nature.
  • Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure and confidentiality.
  • Ability to work independently and/or with team environment while handling multiple tasks and changing priorities with attention to detail.
  • Ability to support controversial positions, negotiation of sensitive issues and/or presentations with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to develop, understand, interpret, and apply rules, policies, and procedures operations.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
  • Must pass a drug test, criminal history background check, employment history verification, and social security number verification check.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements
SAFETY
  • Ensure equipment is in safe operating condition; perform preventive maintenance on tools and equipment, as appropriate and/or notify leadership immediately of needed repairs.
  • Follow established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting and climbing; operate tools and equipment according to established safety procedures.
  • Promptly report unsafe conditions in the work area and/or any conditions that are not immediately correctable to leadership.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Safety Sensitive (Subject to random drug testing): No.
  • Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals.
  • Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
  • Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
  • Lifting: Lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).
  • Environment: Works in an office setting; occasionally requires irregular and/or prolonged hours.
  • Travel: Travel to City of Denton buildings and professional meetings as required.
  • Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position. Must be able to work after normal business hours, holidays, and weekends, as needed. Must be able to work overtime, as needed. Ability to travel within Denton and the surrounding region and attend evening or occasional weekend meetings as needed. Occasional out-of-state travel may be required.
  • Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

CORE VALUES
  • Inclusion
  • Collaboration
  • Quality Service
  • Strategic Focus
  • Fiscal Responsibility
TOP TIER BENEFITS
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage in addition to life and disability insurance plans
  • Employee Health Clinic
  • Paid Vacation Days and Paid Holidays
  • Retirement Plan
EEO STATEMENT
The City of Denton is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the City of Denton to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any protected class, status, characteristic, or activity. All employment decisions, including decisions regarding recruitment, selection, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, advancement, discipline, discharge, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment are made without regard to any lawfully protected class, status, characteristic, or activity.
ADA/EOE/ADEA
This job description is not an employment agreement, contract agreement, or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.
E-Verify:
The City of Denton participates in the federal E-Verify program in order to verify a new employee's authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.
The City of Denton maintains competitive benefit options. Details are available here.
01
Do you believe you meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in the job description?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Which best describes your highest completed level of education?
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Associate Degree or Technical Certification
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree or higher
  • None of the above

03
How many years of paid, professional-level experience do you have in this field?
  • Less than 6 months
  • 6 months to less than 1 year
  • 1 year to less than 2 years
  • 2 years to less than 3 years
  • 3 years to less than 4 years
  • 4 years to less than 5 years
  • 5 years to less than 6 years
  • 6 years to less than 7 years
  • 7 years to less than 8 years
  • 8 years to less than 9 years
  • 9 years to less than 10 years
  • 10 years or more

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