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.

Tasks could include bidding for funding, establishing training programmes, promoting the area to potential employers, attracting tourists or working on regeneration projects.

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:

    Salaries can start at around £22,000. Experienced officers could earn up to £35,000.

  • Senior level salary:

    Senior officers can earn up to £60,000.

  • Education:

    Although most people enter this profession with a degree, it is possible to work your way up if you have appropriate experience and skills. A BTEC, HNC/HND, degree or postgraduate qualification in economics, town planning, business studies, geography, estate management, planning and surveying 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. Many jobs are on fixed-term contracts, and promotion prospects depend on the size of the employer.

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