Economic Development Research Jobs Near Me

The Columbus Partnership is a nonprofit organization of CEOs from Columbus’ leading businesses and institutions. Through our membership and other ally organizations across Central Ohio, the Partnership upholds a shared vision to make Columbus the most prosperous region in the country.

The Columbus Partnership also includes One Columbus, one of the nation’s top economic development teams that serves the 11-county Columbus Region; and Smart Columbus, a civic innovation lab that advances what is new and next at the intersection of technology and community good.

Can you imagine Columbus as the most prosperous region in the United States, where more and more people are able to improve their economic and social well-being? We do, every day.

The Role

In this role, the focus is on strengthening relationships with existing employers across the Columbus Region and helping companies identify opportunities for growth, investment and long-term success. The Existing Industry Manager serves as a key connector between businesses, economic development partners and internal teams, helping ensure companies have access to the resources and support needed to thrive.

The position supports high-impact business retention and expansion efforts by coordinating company engagement activities, facilitating communication among local and state partners, tracking business intelligence and identifying opportunities that may lead to future investment or expansion projects. Responsibilities include managing follow-up activities, supporting incentive and grant program administration, preparing proposals and reports, and maintaining accurate records and project activity within Salesforce.

This opportunity is well suited for someone who enjoys building relationships, solving problems and working at the intersection of business, economic development and regional collaboration. The role involves engagement with employers, community partners, investors and stakeholders throughout the 11-county region while gaining experience in business retention, expansion strategy and regional economic competitiveness.

Report to: Director, Existing Industry

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the execution of business retention and expansion strategies designed to strengthen existing employers and promote long-term economic growth throughout the region.
• Coordinate and prepare for company engagement activities by gathering relevant business intelligence, research and market information to support productive discussions and informed decision-making.
• Collaborate with local, regional and state partners to plan, coordinate and follow up on company visits, meetings and strategic engagement opportunities.
• Identify business opportunities, challenges and emerging risks and communicate actionable recommendations to internal teams and partner organizations.
• Connect companies with resources, programs, incentives and subject matter experts that support business growth, workforce needs and operational success.
• Prepare professional correspondence, market information, proposals and other materials that support company engagement and business development activities.
• Analyze information gathered through business retention and expansion efforts to identify trends, opportunities and insights that inform strategy, reporting and stakeholder communications.
• Support the evaluation, administration and ongoing management of business assistance and grant programs, ensuring alignment with established program requirements and objectives.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of company engagement activities, relationship management efforts and project updates within designated CRM systems.
• Track meeting outcomes, follow-up activities and action items to ensure responsiveness, accountability and consistent stakeholder engagement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with employers, economic development partners, investors, local governments, chambers and community stakeholders throughout the region.
• Represent the organization professionally in interactions with businesses, partners and stakeholders while serving as a trusted resource and connector within the regional economic development ecosystem.
• Collaborate across internal teams to support business retention, expansion and investment opportunities and advance organizational priorities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a background in planning, development, real estate, business or related field.
• 5 – 10 years’ experience in economic development or related field.
• Valid driver’s license and clean motor vehicle report required.

Keys Skills and Experience

• Economic development experience preferred.
• Excellent research and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ohio CED or CEcD preferred.
• MBA or MPA preferred.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced team environment.
• A self-starter with the ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Professionalism and discretion in handling highly confidential matters is a requirement of this position.
• The ability to communicate effectively both internally and externally is essential.
• Proficient in the use of all Microsoft Office programs, Adobe Acrobat and Salesforce.

Workplace Environment

• Travel around the Columbus Region will be required.
• The Columbus Partnership is an in-person work environment based in Downtown Columbus.
• Work hours are generally 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. or 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., but in this role you must be available at all times consistent with client expectations and project deadlines.
• Must be available to work occasional off-hours; events and meetings will involve some early mornings, evenings and weekends for client meetings, client entertainment, or to otherwise meet client expectations and project deadlines.
• May be required to work more than 8 hours during a workday as deadlines demand.

We Offer

• A front-row leadership seat impacting our community’s future.
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off, parental leave and holidays.
• A 401(k) plan with an exceptional employer contribution.
• Professional development support.
• A modern downtown office with free parking.
• A high-impact, mission-driven team that’s doing big things for the Columbus Region.