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Economic Development Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Data Center Site Selection Manager

Seattle, WA

$202K/yr

Negotiate letters of intent, land or building purchases, economic development incentives, water and sewer supply, and other site-specific agreements, and support power negotiations * Partner with ...

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Economic Development information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$35.3K

$117.2K

$176.4K

How much do economic development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development in Seattle, WA is $117,240.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,700.00 and $141,700.00 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 Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development jobs in Seattle, WA? For Economic Development jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Economic Development jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Economic Development job openings:
Economic Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,240 per year, or $56.4 per hour.
Economic Development Manager

Economic Development Manager

Puget Sound Energy

Bothell, WA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Puget Sound Energy is looking to grow our community with top talented individuals like you!  With our rapidly growing, award winning energy efficiency programs, our pathway to an exciting and innovative future is now.

PSE's Customer Engagement team is looking for qualified candidates to fill an open Economic Development Manager position!


Specific details regarding the work arrangements for this position will be discussed in further detail during the interview process.

Job Description

The Economic Development Manager (EDM) coordinates and manages processes related to feasibility assessments for new large load requests, while exploring non-wires solutions (e.g., Distributed Energy Resources and Demand Response) and other initiatives to support customer and community energy needs. This role oversees the feasibility inquiry process and partners with internal and external stakeholders to gather requirements, develop solutions, and align strategy. Work efforts may originate from various sources and can evolve into infrastructure projects and system upgrades. 

The EDM supports customers across a broad range of needs, including capacity planning, load growth, and overall system feasibility. This role leads cross-functional coordination on behalf of customers, collaborating with account managers and key internal partners such as Engineering, Real Estate, Environmental, Permitting, System Planning, Products and Services, Government Affairs, Community Engagement, and Energy Resources. Responsibilities also include facilitating communication across teams, representing PSE and the Economic Development team in customer engagements and external forums, and supporting internal efforts related to tracking, forecasting, and executing infrastructure growth and capacity planning. 

Upholds the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE's operating and/or field procedures related to work responsibilities. Promotes and supports a culture of total safety. 

Demonstrates commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically and consistent with our core values and Code of Conduct. Ensure duties are performed in accordance with all regulatory compliance obligations.

Job Responsibilities
  • Coordinates activities and processes in support of Economic Development:
      • Assembles and leads multi-disciplinary project teams.
      • Identifies the scope of an assigned inquiry and decides logical action to meet inquiry requirements and deadlines.
  • Provides ongoing customer support and coordination:
      • Facilitates communication between service providers and internal customers/departments, which may include technical support.
      • Responds to customer concerns and works with appropriate parties for resolution.
      • Coordinates and manages feasibility request processes for customers.
      • Understands the general costs, rate structure, feasibility, and estimates pertaining to the schedule and budget development, for projects and inquires.
  • Partners across PSE to facilitate process and technical solution:
      • Feasibility inquiries may involve new construction, upgrades and modifications of the electric distribution and transmission system; substations; gas pipelines, district regulators and other gas facilities.
      • Feasibility inquiries may also include the addition of new generation facilities and modifications, upgrades to existing facilities, and an exploration of new or different technologies to find a solution to customer energy needs.
      • Work in partnership with internal departments, service providers, and external entities to coordinate feasibility inquiries and obtain appropriate resources.
      • Facilitates technical assistance to internal and external customers. Applies general rules, standards and guidelines to specific technical problems. Understand and communicate technical information effectively - written and oral communication - with internal and external audiences including the ability to translate technical information to a variety of audiences, and customer questions and concerns to PSE technical teams.
  • Responsible for oversight of feasibility processes and providing ongoing internal and external customer support:
      • Supports activities related to feasibility inquiries.
      • Reports on feasibility inquiries' progress as directed.
      • Ability to organize and track information.
      • Gathers, consolidates and analyzes facts in relation to feasibility requirements.
  • Provides support and response during storms and emergencies.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Economics, Business Administration, Project Management, Engineering or related discipline and/or related work experience.
  • At least 5 years relevant work experience coordinating tasks while partnering with customers to support energy needs and/or other relevant customer needs.
  • Experience coordinating and/or leading projects directly related to supporting customer energy capacity and feasibility and/or other relevant customer needs.
  • Demonstrated strong written and verbal communications skills and ability to work as part of a team.
  • Knowledge and experience in scheduling, estimating, accounting and finance principles.
  • Strong customer focus with the ability to partner with customers to resolve issues, understand needs and strategize solutions.
  • Ability to work with a variety of teams in a collaborative way.
Desired Qualifications
  • 7 years' experience managing feasibility infrastructure projects and customer inquiries.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills and techniques to bring about agreement between divergent points of view.
  • Ability to write clear, concise and direct narrative and reports.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving and conceptual skills for single of multiple technical areas.
  • Negotiating and critical thinking skills.
  • Knowledge of utility methods, techniques and procedures involved in budgeting, procurement and contract administration.
  • Advanced Project Management Training and Project Management or Construction Management Certification from an accredited institution (PMI or College).
  • General knowledge of techniques used to involve community members in development of projects affecting their community.
Additional Information

At PSE, we value our employees and provide them with opportunities to excel. We offer a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package. To learn more about why PSE is a great place to work, see our Employee Value Proposition, which highlights our commitment to employee growth, work-life balance, and meaningful career opportunities in the energy sector.

The pay range for this position is $82,000.00 - $136,300.00, and this position is eligible for annual goals based incentive bonuses. 

PSE offers a suite of benefits to our employees. Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic life, and short- and long-term disability insurance.  There are additional voluntary options of supplemental life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent daycare, and an Employee assistance program (EAP).  For long term savings, PSE offers a 401(k) investment option and a cash balance retirement plan.  Employees will also receive Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays throughout the calendar year. Detailed benefit overviews can be found on our Career page - Why Work For Us (pse.com). 

Families and businesses depend on PSE to provide the energy they need to pursue their dreams. Our steadfast commitment to serving Washington communities with safe, dependable and efficient energy started in 1873. Today we're building the Northwest's energy future through efforts like our award winning energy efficiency programs and our leadership in renewable energy. 

Puget Sound Energy is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status or presence of a disability that with or without reasonable accommodation does not prevent performance of the essential functions of the job, or any other category prohibited by local, state or federal law.

Should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources Staffing department at jobs@pse.com or 425-462-3017.

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