Economic Development Manager

Economic Development Manager

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 project manager who knows that growth doesn’t just happen… it’s built.

What You’ll Do

• ·      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).
• Management of retail, commercial, office and industrial projects as assigned
• Build strong relationships with local businesses to identify needs, challenges, and opportunities. Conduct regular outreach and site visits. Coordinate resources, programs, and incentives to support business growth.
• ·      Represent Michigan City at trade shows, meetings, and events, serving as a professional ambassador for our community.
• Assists with additional citywide economic development duties as requested, including incentive packages, grant development & grant work, community & stakeholder meetings, and written memos and presentations to various groups including but not limited to City Council and/or related committees and advisory boards

What We’re Looking For

• ·      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 coexist).
• ·      Self-motivation, curiosity, and a genuine interest in helping communities grow.
• ·      Bonus points if you’ve worked in business attraction, retention, incentives, or 
• site selection (but we value potential just as much as experience.)

Why Michigan City IN?

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 experiencing 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 withing 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.

The Perks

·      Competitive salary, commensurate with experience

·      Benefits package including health insurance and retirement options

·      Opportunities for professional development and industry networking

·      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 April 1^st 2026

Apply by submitting your resume and cover letter to lfranco@edcmc.com.

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

·     401(k) Match

·      Dental Insurance

·      Health Spending Account

·      Health Insurance

·      Life Insurance

·      Paid Time Off

·      Vision Insurance

. Auto/phone allowance

·      Monday to Friday – some evenings and weekends required