We Are Hiring: Economic Development Manager

About the job

Greater Seattle Partners is seeking an Economic Development Manager to support inclusive economic development across the Greater Seattle region. If you’re looking for a common place, this isn’t it. If you are driven by new ideas like we are, come join us! This invitation is the core of our award-winning Uncommon Thinkers Welcome® regional branding campaign, and the vision that inspires us at Greater Seattle Partners (GSP) every day.

GSP is a public-private partnership that leads regional economic development through global business attraction, site selection, investment, and trade opportunities in the Greater Seattle region. GSP collaborates with community and economic development partners to ensure that every person in the Puget Sound region has the opportunity to prosper. We strive to attract and retain quality family/living wage jobs across all communities of the region. Throughout the world, we tell the story of our talent, pioneering spirit, unique communities, and quality of life.

Our work is centered on three pillars:

• JOBS: Engage the World to attract global investment and advance trade.
• TALENT: Grow Our Talent to strengthen our regional competitiveness.
• COMMUNITY: Elevate Regional Economic Collaboration to ensure regionwide economic development performance.

The Economic Development Manager plays a critical role in our mission to engage the world and bring jobs and investment to our region by managing regional economic collaboration processes and supporting our signature programs.

Do you have a passion for creating economic opportunity for all? Do you love cultivating leads and nurturing relationships? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where creativity and curiosity are valued?

CORE ACTIVITIES: This role reports directly to the CEDO and is responsible for the following:

Business Attraction Opportunities:

• Distribute leads to appropriate partners and and identify and qualify leads in key sectors (aerospace, cleantech, AI, biotech, manufacturing, and maritime).
• Ensure thorough site identification and community engagement to present the best opportunities for job and investment attraction.
• Coordinate the recruitment process, keeping all stakeholders informed and closing the feedback loop.
• Manage monthly reporting on leads and collaborate on a “hotlist” of high-potential opportunities.

Site Certification Program:

• Serve as execution lead in this signature GSP program, which provides real-time feedback on site readiness to market our region’s assets effectively.
• Work with public sector partners and the Research Director to identify and promote marketable real estate sites.
• Develop relationships with site selectors and community partners to expand this signature program.

Proactive Business Recruitment Initiatives:

• Conduct asset inventory through outreach and community site visits, engaging in initiatives like “Tacoma Day” and “Everett Day.”
• Identify centers of excellence where talent and real estate support key sector projects.
• Collaborate with research and marketing to target specific geographies, sectors, and companies, and execute a coordinated recruiting strategy.

SUCCESS FACTORS: Given our mission, guiding principles, and key deliverables for this role, the ideal candidate will possess the following attributes and experiences:

• Excellent communicator: Superb written, verbal, and electronic/digital communication skills and follow-through.
• Skilled Project Manager: Capable of effectively managing projects and relationships to deliver best-in-class experiences on behalf of GSP and for the good of the region.
• Adaptable: Able to meet changing stakeholder needs as well as a continually evolving economic and business environment.
• Collaborative: Strong ability to engage with various stakeholders and partners to drive regional success.
• Proactive: Demonstrate initiative in identifying opportunities and driving recruitment strategies.
• Business Development: Combine curiosity and a learning mindset with a strong desire to identify, attract, and engage potential business opportunities and partners.

TECHNICAL APTITUDE: To excel in this role, candidates will benefit from experience in the following tools, datasets, and platforms:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in public or private sector.
• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite and Salesforce.com.
• Strong analytical skills to identify marketable assets and opportunities.
• Ability to develop and execute coordinated development and recruitment strategies.
• Business development, sales or recruiting experience is a plus.
• Experience in economic development and international business is desired.

BENEFITS: Greater Seattle Partners (GSP) provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including but not restricted to:

• Employee Medical/dental/vision coverage.
• Paid Time Off.
• Life Insurance.
• Long-term disability as provided by State of WA.
• Regional Transit Pass.
• Employer-matched 401(k) Contribution.
• Paid Family/Medical Leave as provided by state of WA.
• EAP membership.
• Business travel emergency insurance through MedJet.
• Generous paid holiday schedule.

Greater Seattle Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

COMPENSATION: Annual salary range: $90,000-$110,000, with year-end bonus eligibility.

TO APPLY: Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, GSP will honor your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. Our organization strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

To apply, qualified candidates should respond by sending a cover letter and resume to [email protected].

Deadline for submissions: 06/15/2025