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.

Browse All Roles

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.

Market Intelligence Report

Economic Development Program Manager is part of the Program Management category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

See the market intelligence report

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

Create a one-page portfolio of two programs with goals, budget, partners, and outcomes

Strengthen grant writing by submitting at least one application per quarter

Set up a repeatable reporting cadence with clear metrics and a monthly update

Join a local economic development association and attend one networking event per month

Conduct informational interviews with an economic development director and a workforce board leader

Develop a stakeholder map for your region and schedule recurring partner check-ins

Practice public presentations by delivering quarterly program updates to leadership or the community