Economic Development Specialist

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way.  

Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong.  Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.   

Economic Development Specialist

Position Overview

The Economic Development Specialist manages comprehensive project support services for client Regional Managers. Facilitates strategic site and facility location services for prospective companies and business expansion opportunities for existing companies within a designated geographic territory. This role requires strong project coordination skills and deep knowledge of economic development processes.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Coordination

• Manage and coordinate client internal project reviews and approval processes

• Monitor progress and provide strategic guidance on track construction projects at industrial locations

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners

• Ensure project deliverables meet established timelines and quality standards

Business Development & Client Relations

• Initiate and coordinate on-site development meetings with prospective companies

• Conduct comprehensive market research and competitive analysis

• Compile and analyze data to support business development initiatives

• Develop presentations and proposals for client prospects

Administrative & Reporting

• Utilize and monitor client internal project management tools and systems

• Generate detailed progress reports and performance metrics

• Maintain accurate project documentation and client records

• Support special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned

Required Qualifications

Education

• Minimum: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

• Preferred: Business Administration, Real Estate, Finance, or related field

Experience

• 5+ years of progressive experience in economic development and/or commercial real estate

• Direct experience in railroad operations or logistics preferred

• Demonstrated track record of successful project management

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)

• Experience with project management software and tools, Salesforce CRM experience strongly preferred

Professional Competencies

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills across all organizational levels

• Strong organizational abilities with keen attention to detail

• Proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple competing business needs

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities

Specialized Knowledge

• Understanding of geographic boundaries, zoning regulations, comparative market analyses, and land use planning

• Knowledge of engineering challenges and environmental compliance issues

• Familiarity with surveys, platting, and development processes

• Experience with leasing and contract fundamentals including indemnification, environmental provisions, and insurance requirements

Licensing & Certifications

• Valid Real Estate license for assigned state(s) required. Must obtain within first six months of employment if needed.

• Additional relevant certifications preferred

Working Conditions

• Primary work location at client sites or project locations

• Extensive daily interaction with clients, contractors, and stakeholders (in-person and remote)

• Travel requirement: Up to 25% within assigned geographic region

• Flexible schedule to accommodate client needs and project demands

Success Metrics

• Successful completion of assigned development projects within established timelines

• Client satisfaction and retention rates

• Quality of market research and business intelligence provided

• Effectiveness of stakeholder relationship management

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This position presents a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in driving regional economic development. As a key contributor, you will be instrumental in fostering client revenue growth while spearheading meaningful community development initiatives.

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Location:

On-site –Kansas City, KS

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all the requirements.  We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!

Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:

JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits include:

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care
• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary 
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.

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Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading global provider of real estate and investment management services. We take our responsibility to protect the personal information provided to us seriously. Generally the personal information we collect from you are for the purposes of processing in connection with JLL’s recruitment process. We endeavour to keep your personal information secure with appropriate level of security and keep for as long as we need it for legitimate business or legal reasons. We will then delete it safely and securely.

For more information about how JLL processes your personal data, please view our Candidate Privacy Statement.

For additional details please see our career site pages for each country.

For candidates in the United States, please see a full copy of our Equal Employment Opportunity policy here.

Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.  If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process – you may email us at [email protected]. This email is only to request an accommodation. Please direct any other general recruiting inquiries to our Contact Us page > I want to work for JLL.

Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until candidate identified.