Economic Development Officer

City of Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$165,084.47–$198,180.64 Per Year
SKILLS
Aerospace and Defense, Airport Management, Alliance/Partner Management, Business Administration, Business Support, Candidate Pipeline, Cellular Telephone, Compensation and Benefits, Data Analysis, Economic Development, Economics, Ecosystems, Entrepreneurship, Healthcare, High School Diploma, Internet Security, Leadership, Licensing, Manufacturing, Military, Negotiation Skills, People Management, Project/Program Coordination, Public Administration, Regulations, Sales, Sales Qualification, Secondary School, Strategic Planning, Team Player, Tuition Fees
LOCATION
Colorado Springs, CO
POSTED
1 day ago

Economic Development Officer

Salary

$165,084.47 - $198,180.64 Annually

Location

Economic Development Division - City of Colorado Springs, CO

Job Type

At-Will Manager

Job Number

18313

Division

Economic Development

Department

Economic Development

Opening Date

07/02/2026

Closing Date

7/16/2026 5:00 PM Mountain

FLSA

Exempt

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

Description / Position Overview

Economic Development Officer

The City of Colorado Springs is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as our next Economic Development Officer, an at-will position reporting directly to the Chief of Staff. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the City by fostering business investment, supporting industry growth, and strengthening partnerships that create lasting economic prosperity.

As the Citys chief economic development strategist, you will work at the intersection of public service and private industry, advancing initiatives that support business retention and expansion, attract new investment, develop our workforce, and position Colorado Springs as a premier destination for innovation.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative relationship builder with experience navigating complex economic development initiatives, cultivating partnerships, and turning strategic opportunities into measurable results. You understand how strong communities and thriving businesses go hand in hand and are passionate about creating an environment where both can succeed.

This position is subject to budget required furloughs to be implemented in the 2026 calendar year.

About the City of Colorado Springs

Nestled at the base of majestic Pikes Peak - Americas Mountain, Colorado Springs is home to more than 506,000 residents and spans 195 square miles of breathtaking landscapes. With more than 240 days of sunshine each year, the City offers an exceptional quality of life while serving as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity.

Colorado Springs is home to five military installations, a nationally recognized aerospace and defense industry, a growing cybersecurity ecosystem, world-class healthcare organizations, advanced manufacturing, and Olympic City USA. These strengths, combined with a highly educated workforce and collaborative regional partnerships, continue to make Colorado Springs one of the countrys most desirable places to live, work, and invest.

Learn more about the Citys Strategic Plan and the Economic Development Office.

The Position

The Economic Development Officer provides strategic leadership for the Citys economic development efforts, helping create an environment where businesses can start, grow, and thrive. Working collaboratively with business leaders, regional partners, elected officials, and City departments, you will advance initiatives that strengthen the local economy while supporting the Citys long-term strategic priorities.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading citywide economic development strategies that promote business retention, expansion, redevelopment, and investment.
  • Building strong relationships with regional economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, educational institutions, and state and federal partners.
  • Partnering with the Colorado Springs Airport to coordinate development efforts within Peak Innovation Park, supporting business attraction and investment in targeted industry sectors.
  • Supporting the continued growth of Colorado Springs nationally recognized defense and aerospace industries through strategic engagement with military installations and the Department of Defense community.
  • Promoting workforce development initiatives that strengthen the regional talent pipeline and address workforce needs.
  • Negotiating and administering economic development agreements while presenting recommendations to City Council.
  • Coordinating complex development projects by bringing together City departments and external partners to facilitate successful outcomes.
  • Evaluating economic opportunities through data analysis, financial review, and community impact assessments.
  • Serving as a trusted advisor on economic development policy, strategic initiatives, and community partnerships.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related area of study, such as public administration, business administration, or economics.
  • Five or more years of full-time, professional experience in economic development or a closely related field.
  • Three or more years of administrator, leadership, and/or supervisory experience

One year of relevant work experience may be substituted for one year of required education (OR) one year of relevant academic coursework beyond the minimum requirement may be substituted for one year of required professional experience.

Additional Information

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Colorado Springs is committed to a welcoming culture that values our employees unique individual qualities and fosters a welcoming environment where people want to be

The City of Colorado Springs offers additional compensation depending on the position, area of assignment, and specific job assignments, including shift differential, pay differential, acting or lead, special assignment, hazard pay, longevity, cell phone allowance, uniform allowance, relocation, awards, standby, call out, compensatory time off, tuition, overtime, extra duty, incentive, holiday premium, proficiency, and vacation sell back.

NOTE: This job announcement is not intended to include a complete listing of all responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the position.

The City does not sponsor applicants for work visas of any kind (including but not limited to F-1, H-1B or TN visas). Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Apply to Join Our Team

  • Please visit the City of Colorado Springs Careers page and review our opportunities. Click on Apply button to complete an online application for any position of interest. All job applicants will need to create a new login and online application (unless you already have a Government Jobs user ID and password).

  • Completing your application in full, including the entire work experience section, will assist Human Resources in the applicant screening process. Your application may not be considered if all of the information requested for each employer you list is not provided.

  • Applicants may redact information from their resumes, certifications, transcripts, or any other additional application materials that identify the applicant's age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

  • We encourage candidates with out-of-state credentials to inquire about expedited processing of Colorado licensing with the Colorado Occupational Credential Portability Program. More information can be found at the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies Licensing Portability page

  • Our Government Jobs application system does not allow you to edit your application after it has been submitted for a position. If you want to make changes, you may submit another application prior to the position's closing date and time listed in the job posting. HR will review the last application you submit for a position.

The Citys job classifications, including physical demands and descriptions, can be found on the Colorado Springs Class Specifications page

You can view the status of your application on the City of Colorado Springs Careers page.

To be notified of future career opportunities sign up for job alerts on the Job Alerts page.

Working for the City of Colorado Springs is Rewarding!

Please visit the City of Colorado Springs Total Rewards Site for additional benefits information.

The City of Colorado Springs is a place where people want to come to work each day. We have a culture of excellence, and we strive to provide our employees with the very best overall career experience and Total Rewards. We are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits program to meet the needs of our employees and their families.

01

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

  • Less than high school
  • High School diploma or GED
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree or above

02

What is the area of study for your degree? If you do not possess a degree, please respond "n/a"

03

How many years of experience do you possess in economic development or a closely related field?

  • Less than one year
  • One or more years
  • Two or more years
  • Three or more years
  • Four or more years
  • Five or more years
  • Six or more years
  • Seven or more years
  • Eight or more years
  • Nine or more years
  • Ten or more years

04

How many years of administrator, supervisory, and/or leadership experience do you possess?

  • Less than three
  • More than three

Required Question

Employer City of Colorado Springs

Address 30 South Nevada Avenue, Suite 301

Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80903

Phone (719) 385-5125

Website http://www.coloradosprings.gov

About the Company

C

City of Colorado Springs