Economic Development Manager

Leadership Southwest Louisiana; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Leadership Southwest Louisiana seeks an Economic Development Manager to attract investment, support business recruitment, retention, and expansion across five parishes. You will work under the VP of Economic Development, coordinating research, stakeholder engagement, and concierge-level support for companies considering Southwest Louisiana.

You will manage projects, maintain data in CRM systems, and collaborate with teams in marketing, workforce, and utilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred in related fields.
• Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities under deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; experience with presentations and client-facing interactions.

Responsibilities

• Support recruitment, retention, and expansion initiatives for Southwest Louisiana.
• Respond to RFIs, coordinate site visits, and manage project logistics.
• Maintain data in CRM systems and economic development dashboards.
• Build relationships with local businesses, state agencies, utilities, and educational institutions.
• Represent the Alliance at meetings, events, and conferences as needed.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

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

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

CRM platforms

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Overview

Help Shape the Future of Southwest Louisiana! Southwest Louisiana is a strategic, business-friendly region anchored by Lake Charles, offering strong economic opportunity, robust infrastructure, and an attractive cost of living. Located along the I-10 corridor, the region provides efficient access to Houston, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans, supported by interstate, rail, port, and regional air connectivity. With billions of dollars in planned and active investment across energy, petrochemical, LNG, and infrastructure sectors, Southwest Louisiana continues to see sustained project activity that drives long-term growth and ongoing demand for professional services.

Position Overview

Help Shape the Future of Southwest Louisiana! Southwest Louisiana is a strategic, business-friendly region anchored by Lake Charles, offering strong economic opportunity, robust infrastructure, and an attractive cost of living. Located along the I-10 corridor, the region provides efficient access to Houston, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans, supported by interstate, rail, port, and regional air connectivity. With billions of dollars in planned and active investment across energy, petrochemical, LNG, and infrastructure sectors, Southwest Louisiana continues to see sustained project activity that drives long-term growth and ongoing demand for professional services.

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.

Key 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.

Business Retention & Outreach

• 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.