Economic development officer
Economic development officers promote the economy of a neighbourhood, district or region by increasing the number of jobs, identifying new markets and opportunities for growth and trying to attract new employers.
Did you know?
Economic development takes into account a wide range of improvements to peoples’ lives, including non-economic issues such as the amount of leisure time people have, access to education and health and concepts such as social justice.
Facts and Figures
- Starting salary:
£18,000 - £21,000
- Senior level salary:
The most senior officers can earn £60,000 or more
- Education:
You'll need a degree in a related subject. Economics, town planning, business studies, geography and estate management are all useful for a career in economic development.
- Skills:
Economic development officers must be numerate and have excellent verbal and written communication skills to enable them to influence and persuade a range of different groups, from councillors and employers to the unemployed. Managing projects to tight deadlines, conducting opinion and economic surveys, bidding for funding, organising careers fairs and measuring performance are all day-to-day challenges.
- Likely employer type:
Local authorities, regional development agencies, Enterprise initiatives such as Business Link and Voluntary sector regeneration organisations
Helpful links
- The Institution of Economic DevelopmentA membership organisation for economic development practitioners which encourages best practice
- LG CareersDetails of local government careers
- More details about the role from ConnexionsBuilding conferences, seminars, workshops and publications about site management
