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Full Time Economic Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Lacey, WA

Economic Development Strategist

Lacey, WA · On-site +1

$8.5K - $10K/mo

... Full Time Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid Job Number: 2026-00029 Department: Community and ... Economic Development Program Management: * Plans and develops economic development comprehensive ...

Person County, NC

Economic Development Director

Roxboro, NC · On-site

$99K - $154K/yr

Depends on Qualifications Location : 304 South Morgan Street, Roxboro, NC Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 2026-00054 Department: Economic Development Opening Date: 06/22/2026 Closing Date: 7/12/2026 ...

City of Plano

Economic Development Coordinator

Plano, TX · On-site

$26.47 - $33.09/hr

The City of Plano is seeking an Economic Development Coordinator to play a key role in supporting ... Full-Time Benefits As a valued Team Plano member, you will receive numerous benefits:

City of Downey, CA

Economic Development Manager

Downey, CA · On-site

$93K - $115K/yr

Regular, Full-Time Job Number: 25-075 Department: City Manager Opening Date: 06/29/2026 ABOUT THE ... Stays abreast of new trends, innovations, legislation, and best practices in economic development ...

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How much do full time economic development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time economic development in the United States is $103,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $124,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What professions make $500,000 a year?

In economic development and related fields, high-paying roles such as senior economic development directors, chief economic officers, or consultants with extensive experience and specialized skills can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced degrees, strong industry networks, and leadership responsibilities, typically found in large organizations or government agencies. Compensation varies based on location, organization size, and individual expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Economic Development professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in Full Time Economic Development, you need strong analytical skills, a background in economics or public administration, and experience with community engagement. Familiarity with GIS software, economic modeling tools, and grant management systems is often required, along with certifications such as CEcD (Certified Economic Developer). Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities help you collaborate with stakeholders and promote community growth. These skills are vital for attracting investment, driving sustainable development, and achieving economic goals within a region.

What is a career in economic development?

A career in economic development involves working to improve the economic well-being of a community or region 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 types of projects might I typically work on as a full-time economic development professional?

As a full-time economic development professional, you’ll often be involved in projects such as attracting new businesses to the community, supporting the expansion of existing local businesses, and coordinating with stakeholders to improve infrastructure and workforce development. Your work may also include conducting market research, applying for grants, and organizing public-private partnerships to stimulate economic growth. Collaboration with government officials, business leaders, and community organizations is a key part of the role, making your work both dynamic and impactful.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

In economic development roles, reaching a $1,000,000 annual salary is uncommon and typically limited to high-level executive positions such as Chief Economic Officer or CEO in large organizations, or successful entrepreneurs in related fields. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong leadership skills. Most economic development professionals earn significantly less, with top executives earning high six-figure or low seven-figure salaries in large corporations.

What is the difference between Full Time Economic Development vs Economic Development Coordinator?

AspectFull Time Economic DevelopmentEconomic Development Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in economics, urban planning, or related fieldBachelor's degree often required; relevant certifications a plus
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, community meetings, project planningOffice and fieldwork, community engagement
Employer & Industry UsageLocal government, economic development agenciesMunicipalities, economic development offices
Common Search & ComparisonBroader strategic role, project managementSupport role, program implementation

Full Time Economic Development roles typically involve strategic planning, project management, and policy development within local governments or agencies. Economic Development Coordinators focus on supporting initiatives, community outreach, and program execution. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but Full Time Economic Development positions usually carry more responsibility and strategic oversight.

What does a Full Time Economic Development professional do?

A Full Time Economic Development professional works to improve the economic well-being and quality of life in a community by attracting and retaining businesses, creating jobs, and supporting local investment. They often collaborate with government agencies, business leaders, and community organizations to plan and implement strategies that foster economic growth. Their duties may include market research, grant writing, business outreach, and policy development to encourage sustainable development and enhance the local economy.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Full Time Economic Development roles typically require specialized knowledge and often a degree, but entry-level positions in sales, customer service, or administrative support can sometimes reach $3,000 monthly with experience. Skilled trades like plumbing or electrical work, or roles in real estate, may also achieve this income level without formal degrees, especially with certifications and overtime. Success depends on experience, location, and individual performance.
What cities are hiring for Full Time Economic Development jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Economic Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs are:
What states have the most Full Time Economic Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Economic Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Economic Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Economic Development jobs are:
Full Time Economic Development jobs near you

Economic Development Strategist

City of Lacey, WA

Lacey, WA • On-site, Remote

$8.5K - $10K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Salary: $8,529.80 - $10,918.86 Monthly
Location : 420 College Street SE, Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-00029
Department: Community and Economic Development
Division: Planning
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
Closing Date: 7/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
BASIC PURPOSE
Reporting to the Current Planning and Economic Development Manager, under general direction, the Economic Development Strategist performs high level program management and technical work that develops and implements economic development strategies aimed at business investment and attraction, business retention and expansion, commercial real estate, retail, and tourism development. This position is also responsible for duties which include, but are not limited to, identifying and implementing economic development initiatives; workforce and neighborhood development; recruitment of corporate and small businesses; planning and organizing economic development activities; project management of major development initiatives; and preparing and presenting information to various groups, external organization, internal management, and elected officials.
Please note:The Hiring Manager reserves the right to make changes to this posting at any time.
First round interviews are tentatively scheduled for August 17, 2026.
Second round interview are tentatively scheduled for August 25, 2026.
*This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next six (6) months.*
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
These duties include but are not limited to the following:
Economic Development Program Management:
  • Plans and develops economic development comprehensive strategies and supports and advises the Community and Economic Development management team in identifying, preparing, and implementing chosen economic development initiatives and strategies that benefits the citizens of Lacey and achieve the City's vision and goals enumerated in the Comprehensive Plan.
  • Ensures that the City remains current with best practices in economic development in support of the Department's mission.
  • Develops, recommends and maintains the City's Economic Development Strategy and Economic Development Work Plan.
  • Works with City staff to balance the needs of economic development, permitting processes, and City standards.
  • Provides support to the Department management related to economic development activities.
  • Develops and maintains a database of vacant and/or undeveloped commercial and industrial building space and properties and provides "case management" support to resolve development issues for properties in distress.
  • Analyzes population, land use and other data relevant to the City's economic development and redevelopment plans; prepare data and analysis, reports and recommendations.
  • Produces a quarterly report to inform the management;
  • Develops and monitors the economic development portion of the budget for the Department and assists with development and management of the Department budget.
  • Research, analyze, and promote economic and market trends.
  • Evaluate industrial and commercial development potential of properties.
  • Develop position papers and memoranda;
  • Develop marketing materials and website content in support of the City's economic development efforts.
  • May lead professional staff and provide technical guidance for support activities associated with economic development.
Project Management and Community Outreach:
  • Plans, organizes, and performs marketing activities to enhance economic development in the City of Lacey. Actively develops business contacts and effectively markets the City.
  • Collects, maintains, and produces reports of key demographic and economic data to be used for retention, expansion, recruitment, and promotion functions, including developing and maintaining resources that promote retail and industrial opportunities.
  • Prepares and presents information and recommendations to business community groups, advisory groups, and the City Council.
  • Develops and maintains working relationships and ongoing dialogue with the business community, advisory groups, Economic Development Council, chamber of commerce, other governmental agencies, and citizens for the purpose of identifying needs of the business community.
  • Investigates and secures development opportunities through State resources.
  • Develops a network with the brokerage community.
  • Provides management of enterprise activities in support of the City's economic development mission for such endeavors as the Makers' Space, public market, food truck court, or business incubator.
  • Assists with preparation, administration, and reporting of federal and state grants or programs supporting economic development..
  • Coordinates consultant services, contracts, and program agreements.
  • Tracks grant compliance requirements and project performance.
Other Duties as Assigned:
  • Performs other duties and projects in support of the department.

QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Eight (8) years of combined education and work experience that provides the applicant with comprehensive knowledge and skills in commercial/industrial real estate or brokerage; economic development or related field.
OR
An Associates degree in economics, marketing, community development, business or public administration, or related field AND six (6) years of experience in commercial/industrial real estate or brokerage; economic development or related field.
OR
A Bachelor's degree in economics, marketing, community development, business or public administration, or related field AND four (4) years of experience in commercial/industrial real estate or brokerage; economic development or related field.
*May have a combination of experience, education and training that would substitute for the above requirements.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Certification as a Certified Economic Developer and formal economic development training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OR LICENSE(S):
  • Must pass a thorough City background investigation and successfully complete reference checks.
  • Must maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation.
  • Must be attentive to job safety considerations and follows all required safety policies, procedures and techniques.
  • Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license at time of hire OR must obtain within 30 days from date of hire, and must have a driving record acceptable to the City and the City's insurance carrier; OR must be able to provide own transportation to and from job, meetings, and related job sites.
  • Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
  • Fundamentals of business and economic development, economic development theory, marketing, land use law, real estate law.
  • Commercial real estate market and current lending practices.
  • Economic and data analysis techniques related to market, feasibility, and impact studies.
  • The different roles of local, regional, and state economic development agencies, as well as, applicable local, state and federal regulations and codes related to economic development.
  • Public finance and economic development tools and sources of economic development grant/loan funding in Washington State.
  • Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of economic development programs, policies and operational needs.
  • Available incentives for economic development and business recruitment.
  • Business perspective in selecting a new location or expanding an existing facility.
  • Current best practices in the economic development field.
  • Modern office practices, digital workflows, and computer systems, including productivity platforms, data analysis tools, and the effective and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies
Skill in:
  • Project management.
  • Interpreting and applying complex and interrelated laws and regulations.
  • Grant writing, management and administration.
  • Developing and meeting schedules, timelines, work programs, and cost estimates.
  • Effectively representing the City in situations which are potentially adversarial or stressful and present information to the public.
Ability to:
  • Conduct economic development related studies on own or through the use of consultants.
  • Effectively communicate with City Council, Planning Commission, and the business community.
  • Cultivate and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with, advisory bodies, the business community, department directors, employees, community partners, government agencies, the media, and the general public.
  • Communicate effectively verbally and in writing to a diverse audience
  • Prepare and analyze technical and administrative reports, statements, and correspondence.
  • Analyze complex issues and impacts, identify clear and concise recommendations and alternative solutions, the consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
  • Read, interpret, apply, and explain federal, state, and local policies, codes, procedures, laws, and regulations.
  • Seek creative solutions using strong interpersonal skills.
  • Prepare high-quality, publishable reports, presentations, and documents, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance efficiency and clarity.
  • Ability to effectively utilize emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) tools, to enhance research, analysis, communication, and service delivery.
  • Project and maintain a positive and professional image with those contacted in the course of business.
  • Maintain regular and dependable attendance; be available to work after business hours and attend evening meetings as necessary.
  • Stay current in best practices in the economic development field.
  • Discern when to keep subordinates, peers, partners, and supervisors informed of activities, changing situations, and developing problems.
  • Take ownership of problems and take responsibility for actions.

The City of Lacey understands the importance of benefits and offers a competitive and full benefits package for all regular full-time employees.
Generally, represented employees may receive some, or all, of the benefits listed below, based on their union contracts. Those employees should consult their union agreements for specific information about their benefits, which can be found on the City web page
Medical Insurance Benefits:
  • Medical - Choice of Regence BlueShield (PPO) or Kaiser Permanente (HMO) plans offered through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Trust.
The employer pays 100% of employee's monthly premiums and 90% of qualified dependent/domestic partner's premiums.
  • Vision - VSP with low co-pays
  • Dental - Choice of Willamette or Delta Dental plans and orthodontia coverage.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Program that provides resources to employees, their immediate family (including dependent children) and anyone living in the employee's household. The EAP can provide help with matters such as stress/anxiety, parenting, grief, workplace issues, legal services, financial services, and more.
Life Insurance & Long Term Disability & Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Employer paid life insurance plan
  • Employer paid long term disability plan
  • Employer paid accidental death and dismemberment plan
Leave Benefits:
  • Vacation (which increases with years of service)
    • 96 Hours Vacation on Accrual Basis for Non-Represented Non-Supervisory Employees, LPOG Represented Employees
    • 128 Hours Vacation on Accrual Basis After Second Year of Employment for LPMA Represented Employees & LPSMA Represented Employees
    • 135 Hours Vacation on Accrual Basis for Non-Represented Supervisor or Management Employees
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Floating Holidays
    • 2 Floating Holidays for Non-Represented Employees & LPSMA Represented Employees
    • 1 Floating Holiday for LPOG & LPMA Represented Employees
  • 8 Hours Sick Leave on Accrual Basis Per Month
  • Jury Duty/Military Leave
  • Bereavement Leave

*All benefits and accruals outlined in collective bargaining agreements can be found here:
Investment and Retirement Programs:
  • State retirement pension plan - Includes employer paid contributions to the State of Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)
  • 457 Deferred Compensation (voluntary)- two options MissionSquare and DRS
  • Social Security benefit (for Public Employee Retirement Systems (PERS) covered staff) - Our Employee Benefits include employer paid contributions to Social Security and Employees pay the employee portion of Social Security tax.
  • HRA/VEBA plan- A designated monthly amount (a City and/or employee contribution) is paid into a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) VEBA account. An HRA is a type of health plan savings account for your family's medical care expenses and premiums, which can be accessed during employment with the City or saved and used at separat

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