310 Economic Development jobs in the United States

Orono, ME United States

The Town of Orono, home to the University of Maine, seeks a Planning and Economic Development Manager. This role offers a visionary leader the chance to guide the strategic growth and economic prosperity of the 11,000-resident community. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, along with integrity, a collaborative spirit, self-motivation, and excellent communication abilities for reports, presentations, and public engagement.

Qualified candidates should possess a Bachelor's Degree in public administration, economic business development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of credentials and experience. A Master's degree is preferred, along with a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience in municipal government or a similar organization. A strong focus on planning, economic, and community development is essential.

This is a full time 40 hour a week (4 day work week (Mon-Thurs)) salaried position with ability to work occasional evening and/or weekend hours as required . The Town of Orono offers a competitive salary and benefit package including health insurance, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, and participation in the Maine Public Employees Retirement System.

The starting salary for a qualified candidate is $73,205 annually.

The review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The Town of Orono is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider.

To apply, please visit the link below.

Experience Level

Mid II (4-8 years)

AICP Level

-

Specialty

Economic Development and Revitalization

Salary Range

$73,250

Mitch Stone

Orono, ME

United States

• Conduct rigorous quantitative and qualitative research on economic development issues, including workforce development, small business growth, and regional competitiveness.
• Analyze economic data using statistical software (e.g., Stata, R, Python) and develop insightful findings.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of existing economic development policies and programs.
• Develop data-driven policy recommendations and present them to diverse audiences, including government officials, industry leaders, and community groups.
• Author high-quality reports, policy briefs, white papers, and presentations.
• Engage in stakeholder outreach and facilitate discussions on policy development and implementation.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments related to economic policy.
• Collaborate with internal research teams and external partners on joint projects.
• Contribute to proposal development for new research initiatives and funding opportunities.
• Stay abreast of best practices and emerging trends in economic development research and policy.

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Economics, Public Policy, Urban Planning, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience in policy analysis, economic research, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative research methods and statistical analysis software.
• Strong understanding of economic development theories, strategies, and policy levers.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Experience working within or closely with government agencies or non-profit organizations is a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in data visualization tools is desirable.

In this role, the Principal Development Specialist will play a key part in fostering positive relationships between the County and the public, as well as with various stakeholders, including Chambers, Cities, State and Federal partners, small business organizations, educational institutions, and other local and regional economic development organizations. RIVCO ED collaborates to foster a business-friendly atmosphere to cultivate thriving communities and economic vitality, elevating quality of life, promoting private sector investment and propelling regional economic growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the County of Riverside. The successful candidate will help promote the County's objectives by developing messaging, identifying target audiences, and creating strategies to effectively engage journalists, bloggers, investors, and the public in support of Riverside County's economic goals.

In addition to these responsibilities, the Principal Development Specialist will oversee various programs and budgets, represent the County on local boards, groups, and committees and serve as the Center Director of the Coachella Valley Small Business Development Center (CVSBDC) and oversee this program hosted by RIVCO ED. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in economic development, including business retention and attraction strategies, small business development, facilitating site selection, the permitting process, and navigating entitlements, budgeting, management of 3 RIVCO ED staff members and 7 CVSBDC consultants. This role also requires the ability to market the County to potential developers, retailers, and other investors, advancing Riverside County's economic development goals.

Key Qualifications:

• Comprehensive understanding of legal requirements regarding revolving loan funds (RFL).
• Confidence in communication and presentation, with strong writing skills for marketing campaigns for small businesses.
• Excellent organizational, program management, and time management abilities.
• Experience within grant administration and application processes.
• Proven experience in economic development, including working with the Board of Supervisors (BOS), business retention, attraction, and facilitating development processes and small business development.
• Strong knowledge U.S Economic Development Administration (USEDA) or California Economic Development (CalED) grants.

• Bilingual in Spanish
• Applicants must have three years of full-time working experience within grant management for economic development programs within a public sector or government agency.

jfc: • Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate, directly or through subordinate supervisors, the administrative and operational activities of a major program function, department unit, or department projects in geographical regions.

• Participate in the development and review of department policies and goals, particularly as they affect the incumbent's assigned division/unit.

• Analyze, interpret and explain laws, statutes, ordinances, and procedures to subordinate staff and large committees of officials and public; lead, participate and/or represent the department in state and/ or County-wide activities and programs.

• Review and evaluate existing programs for overall effectiveness and efficiency in meeting division/unit goals and initiating action for operational improvements as necessary; direct administrative, organizational and governmental financial systems and programs.

• Assist in the preparation of the department budget by compiling and analyzing data on staffing, support resources and program needs within the assigned division/unit.

• Assume responsibility for a variety of personnel activities including performance evaluations, training, selection, and disciplinary actions.

• Develop and maintain operational procedures for use by staff; establish and maintain working relationships with federal, state and local agencies, County departments, community groups, and private-sector businesses and developers.

• Negotiate, administer and monitor contracts and agreements; write Requests for Proposals and Quotes, reports and correspondence.

• Provide technical advice to businesses and developers, County departments and staff. OPTION I

Experience: Two years as a Supervising Development Specialist with the County of Riverside.

OPTION II

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree, which included 30 semester or 45 quarter units of coursework preferably in business or public administration, behavioral science, social science, political science, public policy, urban studies, education, marketing, economics, environmental sciences, geography, or a job-related field similar to that utilized within the County of Riverside Office of Economic Development, Department of Housing & Workforce Solutions, or Facilities Management Department. (Additional professional, technical, or senior clerical experience in a job-related field similar to that utilized within the County of Riverside Office of Economic Development, Department of Housing & Workforce Solutions, or Facilities Management Department may substitute for the required education on the basis of one year of qualifying full-time experience equaling 30 semester or 45 quarter units of the required education.)

Experience: Six years of professional experience, including two years of supervisory experience, in a job-related field similar to that utilized within the County of Riverside Office of Economic Development, Department of Housing & Workforce Solutions, or Facilities Management Department. (A master's degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration, behavioral science, social science, political science, public policy, urban studies, marketing, education, economics, environmental sciences, geography, or a job-related field similar to that utilized within the County of Riverside Office of Economic Development, Department of Housing & Workforce Solutions, or Facilities Management Department may substitute for one year of the required non-supervisory experience.)

EXAMPLES OF BUSINESS & COMMUNITY SERVICES/HOUSING, HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION & WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS, FACILITIES MANAGEMENT FIELDS: Economic development; housing and community development; commercial development; real estate; facilities management; community services (e.g., parks, community centers or lighting, water and utilities programs); workforce development (e.g., employment programs or job training programs); eligibility or social programs; finance; contract monitoring/management; environmental or sustainability programs; foreign trade; public relations; marketing; fundraising; film; aviation; human resources; museums; libraries.

ALL OPTIONS

Knowledge of: Principles, methods and techniques of supervision; principles of public administration and personnel management; techniques of administrative and budgetary analysis; federal regulations for the Community Development Block Grant Program, housing and/or job training programs.

Ability to: Plan, organize, coordinate, and evaluate the work of a division; train staff members; schedule, assign and evaluate the work of others; assess program design and implementation; analyze issues and data, generate and evaluate alternatives and develop effective courses of action; understand, interpret and apply provisions of various governmental regulations, policies and contracts; prepare and present reports and recommendations; establish and maintain effective working and public relationships; represent the County effectively and negotiate with representatives of other agencies and firms.This recruitment is open to all applicants.

Additional Requirement - Testing

Individuals that indicate that they are bilingual in Spanish will be required to take and pass an unproctored Spanish bilingual assessment.

All candidates will be REQUIRED to take an online test as part of the application process for this position. It is important that the instructions provided in the email are followed exactly.

License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required. Incumbents will required to drive to various facilities and businesses for event coordination, evaluations, management, and outreach.

Questions?

For specific questions regarding this position, contact Christopher Recinos at .

Under The President

Administrative Hearings

Auditor

Bureau of Administration

Bureau of Economic Development

Bureau of Finance

Bureau of Human Resources

Bureau of Technology

Facilities

Office of the President Job Summary

Plan and deliver on organization objectives through program development, management of day-to day program operations, and technical execution of County programs. Provide guidance for others in related programs and delegate work, as needed. Leverage work underway by the bureau/department, County agencies, and other organizations to support the needs of programs and key stakeholders. Implement programs from conception to conclusion.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and ability to handle data management and visualization platforms.

• Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats and ability to effectively manage multiple assignments and projects with overlapping deadlines.

• Ability to analyze data and communicate summaries of program progress to the appropriate audience, including community members, organizations, government leaders, elected officials, and funding agents.

• Ability to participate in weekend or evening events, as needed, and ability to travel to work assignments throughout the County.

• Ability to provide insight and advice to team members on program initiatives.

• Ability to assist in organization objectives through program development.

• Ability to work independently and collaborate with team members, mid-level leadership, and potentially senior leaders on programs.

• Ability to collaborate and assist in the achievement of specific program goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree or higher and
• Four (4) years of program management in community/economic development, urban planning, public administration, or directly related experience is required or
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Valid driver's license and proof of automobile insurance is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in one of the following: Business Administration, Public Administration; Social Services; Urban Planning; or Public Policy
• One (1) year of full-time experience designing, launching and/or managing a program or programs that aim to foster and support job creation, business growth, and investment for a specific geography or sector.
• Four (4) years of full-time experience in attracting, retaining, and growing small businesses.
• Experience with one (1) of the following: building equitable local ecosystems for the small business community in Cook County; helping businesses access capital; or working with local non-profits, community groups, or governments on issues related to economic and community development.

This position is considered a safety-sensitive position. Candidates who are selected to fill safety-sensitive positions must pass a required drug test as part of the pre-employment background check process.

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link:

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE

When applying for employment with Cook County Government, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days, or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:

• MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION.
• IDENTIFY THEMSELVES AS A VETERAN ON THEIR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION BY ANSWERING YES TO THE QUESTION "Are you a military veteran?"
• ATTACH A COPY OF THEIR DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (NOTICE OF SEPARATION) AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING. IF YOU HAVE MULTIPLE DD 214S, 215S, OR NGB 22S, PLEASE SUBMIT THE ONE WITH THE LATEST DATE. COAST GUARD MUST SUBMIT A CERTIFIED COPY OF THE MILITARY SEPARATION FROM EITHER THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (BEFORE 911) OR THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (AFTER 911).

The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs can assist you with obtaining a certified DD214 and having it recorded for you at no charge. Please contact

VETERAN MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

Candidates who are contacted will be required to produce original required documents (e.g., current driver's license, diploma, school transcript, certifications, etc.) listed on the Notice of Job Opportunity within five (5) days of being extended an offer, in writing, by the Bureau Chief of BHR (or designee). Candidates will be notified of how to submit the required document.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be perrformed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's n ormal line of work.

*Degrees awarded outside of the United States except for those awarded in one of the United States' territories and Canada, must be credentialed by either the World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

Falsification of any information in the application process will result in disqualification, dismissal after hire, and/or placement on the County's Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. For current County employees, such falsification may result in discipline, up to and including termination, and placement on the County's Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. See Cook County Code of Ordinances, Article II, Sections 44-54 Unlawful Practices Relating to Employees and Employment - Penalty , 44-56 Political Discrimination ; Cook County Employment Plan, Section V.N. Pre-Interview License and Certification Verification ; Supplemental Policy No. 2014-2.13 Ineligible for Rehire List ; and Cook County Personnel Rules 3.3(b) (7) (d)

The County has a hybrid work environment which allows employees telecommuting and flexible scheduling options.

*This position requires successful completion of post-offer tests, which may include a background check, drug screen and medical examination.

NOTE: As an internal candidate, should you be offered the position, salary allocations shall abide by the Cook County Personnel Rules.

*Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

EEO Statement

Cook County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") employer. Cook County prohibits illegal discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, source of income, housing status, military service or discharge status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected category established by law, statute or ordinance as further defined in Chapter 44. Human Resources, Article II. Personnel Polices, Section 44-53 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances and Chapter 42. Human Relations, Article II. Human Rights, Section 42-35 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances.

Social Media Disclaimer

The County's hiring process is governed by the Cook County Employment Plan which prohibits employment actions from being influenced by any Political Reasons or Factors for Non-Exempt Positions. The advertisement of this position by any individual does not constitute an offer or promise of employment, promotion, or any other employment action and shall not influence the County's hiring decision. Cook County officials and employees who become aware of or receive a complaint that involves an allegation of Political Reasons or Factors being considered in the hiring process of Non-Exempt positions are obligated to refer the complaint to the Cook County - Office of the Inspector General. If the Cook County Inspector General sustains allegations of Political Reasons or Factors being considered, Cook County will disqualify the Applicant or Candidate from consideration for employment and disciplinary action will be imposed on any involved Cook County employees, if applicable.

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at or call for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant's wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant's wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID: 50624

Closing Date: 10/21/2025

Agency: Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTR

Skill Option: General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $10,322-$10,597 a month.

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

County: Sangamon

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: None

Merit Comp Code: Exempt under Section 4d of the Personnel Code, Gernatorial (Management Bill)

***A RESUME IS REQUIRED FOR THIS JOB POSTING***

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you're helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you're part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you're looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is seeking a dynamic Assistant Deputy Director for Rural and Regional Economic Development to help drive growth and opportunity across rural communities in Illinois. This role will lead strategic initiatives to support business attraction, retention and expansion, workforce development, and infrastructure investment in small towns and agricultural regions. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, policy insight, and a passion for advancing equitable economic opportunities. Join us in shaping the future of Illinois' rural economy

Essential Functions

• Plans, develops, implements and controls strategic long-term planning for the assigned regions within the Office of Regional Economic Development.
• Develops, implements, administers, and enforces related operating procedures and programs for the rural economic development service and coordination between internal agency programs and multi-state agency programs on both a statewide and regional level.
• Develops liaisons and partnerships between public, private and non-for-profit sectors, at the Federal, State and local levels, providing staff support and assistance to communities and businesses located in rural communities.
• Serves as full-line supervisor.
• Conducts financial forecasting for impending program allocations to determine feasibility of funding new program economic development projects.
• Performs special project assignments for the Deputy Director.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned whihc are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requres knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college with courses in business, marketing and economic development.
• Requires prior experience equivalent to four years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the management of public administration programs in economic development with a particular focus on economic development in rural Illinois.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois' world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois' reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm.

Work Location: 1011 S Second Street, Springfield, IL.

Agency Contact:

Posting Group: Leadership & Management

Revolving Door:

Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result,the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one yearimmediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-Stateemployment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor("OEIG") or may be subject to a fine.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your "junk mail", "spam", or "other" folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• -
• -

Nearest Major Market: Springfield