Economic Development Manager

Overview

Do you enjoy connecting dots between people, places, and possibilities? Are you equally comfortable talking with CEOs, small business owners, site selectors, and community leaders—sometimes all before lunch?

Michigan City EDC is looking for an Economic Development Professional who knows that growth doesn’t just happen… it’s built.

• Attract new businesses by telling our story with clarity, confidence, and a little Hoosier pride.
• Support and retain existing employers—because keeping great companies here is just as important as recruiting new ones.
• Build relationships with business leaders, brokers, site selectors, utilities, developers, and partners across the region.
• Analyze data and opportunities—from workforce and real estate to incentives and infrastructure—to help new and existing companies make informed decisions.
• Coordinate projects from first inquiry to a ribbon cutting (and beyond).
• Represent Michigan City at trade shows, meetings, and events, serving as a professional ambassador for our community.

• Experience in economic development, community development, business development, real estate, public administration, or a related field.
• Strong communication skills – can you explain complex ideas clearly and tell a compelling story?
• A relationship-builder who enjoys collaboration and can earn trust quickly.
• Analytical thinking with attention to detail (spreadsheets and strategy can exist).
• Bonus points if you’ve worked in business attraction, retention, incentives, or site selection (but we value potential just as much as experience).

The City of Michigan City is part of the rapidly growing high-tech corridor in the greater Chicago metropolitan area and sits within LaPorte County. The city is a thriving and strategically positioned community just 50 miles southeast of downtown Chicago and a short 5-mile drive from the Michigan state line. It is growing a strong residential base, excellent workforce pipeline, and expanding commercial, multi-family and industrial sectors positioning the city as a premier destination for tourism, economic development and investment.

Michigan City is very bullish on development, with over $1.3 billion in private investment over the past 4 years. We have 2,000 residential units under construction or in the pipeline, the newest national park in the country with over 4.6 million annual visitors, 15 new independent restaurants in our downtown, and 4,000 high wage jobs projected (Amazon Web Services & Samsun EV plant) with 15 minutes via commuter rail.

Our new $100 million mixed-use multi-family train station will serve to attract residents for work and weekend travel to downtown Chicago within 60 minutes via commuter rail. Michigan City Uptown Arts District is also a 10-minute walk from Lake Michigan beaches, which attract 1.8 million visitors annually. City of Michigan City is on the runway and preparing for take-off!

Why Michigan City Economic Development Corporation?

At Michigan City Economic Development Corporation, we don’t just talk about economic development—we do it. From revitalization projects to business recruitment, expansion, retention and long-term community investment, our work shapes the future of Michigan City IN.

You’ll join a small, mission-driven team that values professionalism, creativity, and results.

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
• Benefits package including health insurance and retirement options
• A front-row seat to shaping City of Michigan City’s economic future

If you’re ready to help businesses thrive, communities grow, and turn ideas into impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Click on this link for more information on the position. Rolling Interviews begin on March 1, 2026.

Apply by submitting your resume and cover letter to

We offer competitive benefits including funding for professional development, a full suite of healthcare benefits, generous paid time off, flexible work hours and more.

Benefits:

• Monday to Friday – some evenings and weekends