Economic Development Officer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In our globalized economy, the role of Economic Development Officers is more crucial than ever.

As economies evolve and industries shift, the demand for strategic minds who can stimulate, foster, and strengthen economic growth is on the rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Economic Development Officer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker seeking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager preparing a profile of the ideal candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of economic development,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Economic Development Officer job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Economic Development Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Economic Development Officers are responsible for the economic growth and development of a city, region, or organization.

They develop strategies and policies to promote economic growth, attract businesses and investments, and improve the welfare of the community.

The duties and responsibilities of an Economic Development Officer may include:

• Developing and implementing economic strategies and plans
• Conducting research and analysis of economic data
• Identifying opportunities for economic development and growth
• Attracting new businesses to the area through various incentives and programs
• Working with government agencies, businesses, and community groups to foster economic development
• Promoting the area as an attractive place for investment and business operation
• Preparing economic forecasts and reports
• Managing economic development projects from conception to implementation
• Identifying and applying for funding and grants for economic development initiatives
• Assisting businesses in locating and securing resources and services
• Providing advice and information to elected officials, business leaders, and the public on economic issues
• Keeping up-to-date with current economic trends and potential impacts on local economy

 

Economic Development Officer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a skilled Economic Development Officer to help us promote economic growth within our community.

The Economic Development Officer will be responsible for creating and implementing strategies to attract and retain businesses, develop relationships with stakeholders, and promote economic opportunities.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of economic principles, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to build strong relationships with business leaders and community members.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement economic development strategies and plans
• Attract and retain businesses to enhance economic growth
• Conduct research and analysis to understand economic conditions and trends
• Liaise with stakeholders, including local businesses, government officials, and community members
• Promote community assets and opportunities to potential investors
• Coordinate and participate in promotional events and trade shows
• Prepare and present reports on economic development initiatives
• Assist businesses in obtaining funding and other resources
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of economic development strategies

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Economic Development Officer or similar role
• Knowledge of economic development principles and strategies
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills
• Ability to conduct research and analyze data
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Economic Development Officer
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional travel for meetings and events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Economic Development.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $95,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Economic Development Officer Do?

An Economic Development Officer primarily works for local government departments, public agencies or non-profit organizations where their main goal is to improve the economic well-being of a specific area or community.

They are involved in policy creation and implementation that is designed to attract investment, enhance job growth, and improve the quality of life in a given area.

This often involves formulating strategic plans, evaluating the effectiveness of projects, and managing budgets.

Their job also includes working with local businesses and community leaders to identify opportunities for economic growth.

They may also be involved in securing funding for initiatives, which can involve writing proposals and grants.

Economic Development Officers may also conduct and analyze market research to understand trends and identify potential areas for economic development.

They also need to work closely with government officials, local business leaders, and other key stakeholders to implement economic development initiatives.

In addition, they are responsible for promoting their area to potential investors and other interested parties, which can involve creating marketing materials, holding events, and giving presentations.

Overall, the role of an Economic Development Officer is a combination of strategic planning, project management, and community engagement, with a focus on improving economic conditions in a specific area or community.

 

Economic Development Officer Qualifications and Skills

An Economic Development Officer should possess a range of specific skills and qualifications that align with the job role, including:

• Excellent knowledge of micro and macro economics, economic policies and market trends to make informed decisions for economic development.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate complex economic data, identify trends and provide economic forecasts.
• Outstanding communication skills to effectively present economic reports and proposals to stakeholders, government bodies, and the community.
• Problem-solving skills to identify economic issues and formulate strategic plans for economic growth and development.
• Project management abilities to oversee economic projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within the budget.
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with local businesses, government officials, and community members to foster economic growth.
• Strong negotiation skills to secure investments and partnerships that can contribute to economic development.
• Proficiency in using economic modeling and statistical analysis software to conduct economic research and analysis.

 

Economic Development Officer Experience Requirements

Economic Development Officers typically require a bachelor’s degree in economics, business administration, public administration, or a related field.

They generally need 2 to 3 years of experience in economic or community development, planning, or a related field.

Entry-level roles in this field may involve research, data analysis, planning and implementing development programs, or supporting senior development officers.

During this period, they can gain essential experience in budgeting, policy development, project management, and stakeholder engagement.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience often have a strong understanding of economic and community development strategies, have implemented several successful programs, and have experience working with various public and private sector partners.

Those with more than 7 years of experience might have a strong leadership background.

They have likely led teams, managed substantial budgets, and have a proven track record of influencing economic development policies and strategies at a regional or national level.

In addition to these, some roles might require specific experience in industries like tourism, manufacturing, or technology, depending on the focus of the economic development initiatives they will be responsible for.

 

Economic Development Officer Education and Training Requirements

Economic Development Officers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in economics, public administration, business administration, or a related field.

Their education often includes courses in urban planning, public policy, economics, statistics, and business management.

To understand the dynamics of economic development, they may also need courses on sociology, geography, and political science.

Many positions may require a master’s degree in economic development, urban planning, public policy, or business administration.

In addition to formal education, Economic Development Officers often need several years of related work experience.

They may also need knowledge of and experience with budgeting and strategic planning, as well as skills in project management and public speaking.

Certifications such as the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council can be beneficial.

Continuous professional development is also essential to stay updated on economic trends, new strategies in economic development, and changes in local, state, and federal policies.

These education and training requirements ensure that Economic Development Officers have the necessary knowledge and skills to develop and implement strategies that promote economic growth and sustainability in their communities.

 

Economic Development Officer Salary Expectations

An Economic Development Officer can expect to earn an average salary of $70,000 (USD) per year.

This salary can fluctuate based on factors such as level of experience, educational qualifications, location, and the specific organization or governmental entity they work for.

 

Economic Development Officer Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Economic Development Officer need?

An Economic Development Officer should have strong analytical skills to interpret economic data and trends.

They should also possess excellent communication skills to disseminate their findings to different stakeholders effectively.

Furthermore, they should have good interpersonal skills to build relationships with potential investors and community members.

 

What qualifications does an Economic Development Officer need?

A bachelor’s degree in economics, public administration, business administration, or a related field is often required.

Many organizations also prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in one of these fields.

Experience in economic development, planning, business or public administration can be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in an Economic Development Officer resume?

Check for a relevant educational background, such as a degree in economics or business administration.

Also, look for experience in a related role, such as a planner or policy analyst, as well as any specific successes in facilitating economic development projects.

Skills such as data analysis, project management, and stakeholder engagement should also be highlighted.

 

What qualities make a good Economic Development Officer?

A good Economic Development Officer should be a strategic thinker, able to understand the big picture and make decisions that benefit the economic growth of an area.

They should also be a good communicator, able to build relationships with stakeholders and effectively promote the area to potential investors.

Finally, they should have a strong understanding of economics and the factors that influence economic growth.

 

What are the daily duties of an Economic Development Officer?

An Economic Development Officer’s daily duties might include analyzing economic data, developing economic strategies and plans, meeting with business leaders and potential investors, and coordinating economic development projects.

They may also spend time researching and applying for grants to support economic development initiatives.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricacies of being an Economic Development Officer.

And you know what?

It’s not just about crunching numbers.

It’s about designing economic strategies and policies that shape the future of communities, one step at a time.

Our comprehensive Economic Development Officer job description template and practical examples have got you covered.

But why end there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every strategy you devise contributes to the larger economic landscape.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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