Economic Development Manager

Mid-America Economic Development Council; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An economic development organization in Lake Charles is seeking an Economic Development Manager to enhance business recruitment and retention efforts in Southwest Louisiana. This role entails managing projects, conducting market research, coordinating supportive programs, and building strong relationships with local stakeholders. Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and possess 3–5 years of relevant experience, along with excellent communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office. An opportunity to engage in community initiatives and economic development awaits.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in economic development, business development, or related role.
• Experience in a chamber or nonprofit organization preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing strategies to attract target industry businesses.
• Respond to Requests for Information from site selectors and state agencies.
• Coordinate site visits and support the Business Retention & Expansion program.
• Conduct market, industry, and workforce research.

Skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Written and verbal communication

Microsoft Office Suite proficiency

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Business, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or related field

Master’s preferred

Tools

CRM platforms

Economic development software

Job description

ReCon is seeking candidates for a direct-hire opportunity for a client in Lake Charles, LA.

Position Overview

The Economic Development Manager supports the mission to attract new investment, retain and expand existing businesses, and foster a thriving economic environment for the five-parish region. Reporting to the Vice President of Economic Development, this position is part of a collaborative team responsible for executing business recruitment, retention, and expansion initiatives. The role includes managing projects, conducting research, coordinating with stakeholders, and providing concierge-level support to businesses considering or expanding their presence in Southwest Louisiana.

Responsibilities

Business Recruitment & Expansion

• Assist the VP in implementing strategies to attract target industry businesses to Southwest Louisiana.
• Respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) from site selectors and state agencies, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
• Coordinate site visits, including logistics, presentations, and follow-up with prospective companies and consultants.
• Support the Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) program through company visits, data collection, and tracking in CRM systems.
• Identify opportunities to assist existing companies with workforce, infrastructure, or operational needs.

Incentives & Project Support

• Assist in administering local and state incentive programs, including tracking compliance and reporting requirements.
• Prepare project proposals, presentations, and supporting documentation for internal and external stakeholders.

Research & Analysis

• Conduct market, industry, and workforce research to support recruitment and retention initiatives.
• Maintain accurate and current data in the Alliance’s site and building database, CRM systems, and economic dashboards.

Collaboration & Relationship Management

• Build strong relationships with local businesses, economic development partners, state agencies, utility providers, and educational institutions.
• Coordinate with internal teams on marketing, communications, and workforce initiatives to support project success.
• Represent the Alliance at meetings, events, and conferences as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Business, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 3–5 years in economic development, business development, or a related role, preferably within a chamber or nonprofit organization.
• Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities under deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience with presentations and client-facing interactions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with CRM platforms and economic development software is a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while taking initiative on assigned projects.
• Discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive information.
• Ability to attend early morning, evening, or weekend meetings and events as needed.
• Ability to travel regionally for site visits and meetings.