Economic Development Program Manager

Career Guide
An Economic Development Program Manager plans and runs programs that help a community grow jobs, support local businesses, attract investment, and improve quality of life. The role blends project leadership, partner coordination, public funding management, and clear communication with residents, businesses, and government leaders.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and launch economic development programs
  • Manage program budgets and spending timelines
  • Coordinate with city and regional partners
  • Support business retention and expansion efforts
  • Recruit new businesses and investment projects
  • Write and manage grant applications
  • Track program outcomes and report results
  • Engage employers, small businesses, and community groups
  • Oversee vendor selection and contract management
  • Ensure compliance with public funding requirements
  • Prepare briefings for elected officials and senior leadership
  • Develop outreach materials and public updates

Top Skills for Success

Program Management
Stakeholder Management
Public Speaking
Grant Writing
Budget Management
Contract Management
Policy Analysis
Economic Analysis
Data Reporting
Community Engagement
Partnership Development
Project Planning

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Senior Economic Development Program Manager
Economic Development Director
Workforce Development Manager
Community Development Manager
Public Policy Manager
Real Estate Development Manager
Transition Opportunities
Chief of Staff
Operations Manager
Government Affairs Manager
Nonprofit Program Director
Impact Investing Associate
Strategy Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Employer OutreachIncentive Program DesignGrant ComplianceVendor ManagementOutcome MeasurementDatabase ManagementFacilitationReal Estate Fundamentals
Development SuggestionsBuild a simple outcomes dashboard for one program, volunteer to lead one employer roundtable, and complete a grant compliance course. Ask to co-lead a vendor selection process to gain hands-on contract experience.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 60,000 to 80,000
Mid LevelUSD 80,000 to 105,000
Senior LevelUSD 105,000 to 140,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand driven by infrastructure investment, small business support programs, workforce initiatives, and renewed focus on local and regional resilience.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
City and County GovernmentsState Economic Development AgenciesRegional Planning OrganizationsChambers of CommerceBusiness Improvement DistrictsEconomic Development CorporationsWorkforce BoardsCommunity Development Financial InstitutionsUniversities and Research ParksNonprofit Community Development OrganizationsConsulting Firms Focused on Public Sector
Industry Sectors
Local GovernmentState GovernmentRegional Economic DevelopmentWorkforce DevelopmentCommunity DevelopmentHigher EducationNonprofit SectorPublic Sector ConsultingSmall Business SupportReal Estate Development

Recommended Next Steps

1
Create a one-page portfolio of two programs with goals, budget, partners, and outcomes
2
Strengthen grant writing by submitting at least one application per quarter
3
Set up a repeatable reporting cadence with clear metrics and a monthly update
4
Join a local economic development association and attend one networking event per month
5
Conduct informational interviews with an economic development director and a workforce board leader
6
Develop a stakeholder map for your region and schedule recurring partner check-ins
7
Practice public presentations by delivering quarterly program updates to leadership or the community