Economic Development Manager

Department: Economic Development

Job Title: Economic Development Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Supervisor: City Manager

Salary: $72,173/year ($34.70/hour) - $103,743/year ($49.88/hour)

Revision Date: 1/2026

The City of Craig provides a wide range of essential services designed to ensure the smooth functioning of daily life for our residents. Key services provided include public safety, infrastructure maintenance such as road repairs, waste management, and water utilities, as well as local government support through licensing, permitting, and zoning. The city also offers community engagement programs, park maintenance, and recreation opportunities.

The municipal team plays a vital role in fostering a positive work environment and addressing the needs of the community.

The Economic Development Department supports a vibrant and resilient local economy by fostering business growth, expanding job opportunities, and strengthening community partnerships. The department works to attract new businesses, supports existing enterprises, and advances strategic initiatives that enhance Craig’s long-term economic vitality. Through planning, collaboration, and innovation, the Economic Development department helps ensure a strong and sustainable future for the community.

The Economic Development Manager leads efforts to strengthen and grow the local economy by attracting new businesses, supporting existing employers, and advancing strategic development initiatives. This role builds strong partnerships with community stakeholders, identifies opportunities for investment, and develops programs that promote job creation and long-term economic vitality. Through research, outreach, and strategic planning, the Economic Development Manager plays a key role in shaping Craig’s economic future and enhancing the community’s overall prosperity.

• Takes a leadership role in organizing, administering, managing, and supporting the Craig Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC), the Craig Urban Renewal Authority (CURA), and the Craig Housing Authority (CHA) programs, budgets, and operations.
• Implements business retention, expansion, and attraction strategies in coordination with City departments and relevant partner organizations.
• Executes the EDAC’s work plan, including workforce development, entrepreneurship, innovation initiatives, partnerships, communications, and events. Updates the Moffat County Vision 2025 Transition Plan in conjunction with the EDAC’s mission, vision, and goals.
• Connects businesses to financial incentives, access to capital, and state and regional economic development programs such as the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), Colorado Office of Labor and Employment (CDLE), Colorado Office of Just Transition (OJT), and the Economic Development Administration (EDA), and Moffat Economic Development Authority (MEDA).
• Develops and manages partnerships with local organizations, including Moffat County Visitors Center, Craig Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Association, Memorial Regional Health, Moffat County School District, Moffat County Commissioners, Moffat County Local Marketing District, Northwest Colorado Development Council, Regional Transportation Authority, Steamboat Springs Transit, Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, and regional entities.
• Manages contracts, funding applications, partnership strategies, grant opportunities, and multiple contractors supporting economic development.
• Provides direct assistance to businesses related to expansion, relocation, site selection, permitting, and networking.
• Negotiates incentive agreements under the City’s limited incentive program.
• Prepares annual EDAC/ CURA budgets, revenue estimates, expenditures, reports, contracts, and meeting materials.
• Manages EDAC/ CURA programs and projects within the approved annual budget plus capital project activities, including state and federal grant funding.
• Supports redevelopment projects and public infrastructure investments.
• Represents the City in regional economic development organizations and initiatives.
• Maintains regular engagement with the Craig business community and stakeholders.
• Coordinates community marketing efforts and supports downtown and community events.
• Research policy issues, track business trends, and manage the City of Craig’s Economic Development website, social media marketing, general marketing campaigns, and