Economic Development Officer

Economic development officers (EDOs) work to improve the economy of their local area or region. Working within their communities, usually for a local authority, they work to retain and increase the number of jobs in the area, help unemployed people back into work and attract new businesses. The work involves helping local businesses to develop the skills of their managers and workforce and managing budgets. For example, in areas where tourism is important to the economy, EDOs work with tourism officers to obtain funding to develop and market local attractions. They usually work as part of a larger team within an authority

EDOs usually work full-time hours, from Monday to Friday. They may need to work during some evenings and weekends when workloads are heavy, and for events such as job fairs or public meetings. They are usually office based, but may have to spend time travelling to and attending meetings with local business representatives and partner organisations. This may be local or throughout the UK.

Salaries range from about £24,000 a year up to £80,000 a year for very senior jobs.

An economic development officer should:

• be highly motivated, with vision and enthusiasm
• have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• have organisational skills to take on a wide range of issues and tasks at the same time
• have marketing skills, to be able to influence a broad spectrum of people
• be confident in taking charge of budgets and measuring performance against targets
• have strong networking skills and the ability to build relationships with partner organisations
• have excellent project management skills.

Local authorities employ the majority of EDOs in England, with opportunities in county, district, metropolitan district and city councils and in London boroughs. Other employers include regional development agencies, sub-regional partnerships, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private consultancy firms.

There are no set entry requirements for this work. Most employers, though, ask for a degree, a foundation degree, a BTEC, HNC/HND or a professional qualification in a relevant subject. Relevant subjects include economics, planning, business studies, marketing and estates management.

It may be possible to begin as a researcher, administrator or clerk in an economic development section and, with experience, progress to work as an EDO. For this route, some GCSEs (A*-C), or equivalent, are usually needed. The Diplomas in business administration and finance and in public services may be relevant for this work. Employees may be encouraged by their employers to work towards NVQs in areas such as business and management.

EDOs are usually trained on the job by experienced colleagues.

Progression for EDOs can be to senior or principal officer or partner.

Further details