Michigan Economic Development Jobs

1. Business Development Manager - Greater Muskegon Economic Development (GMED)

Location: Muskegon County / West Michigan (hybrid work available) Reports to: President & CEO Type: Full-time, Exempt

About GMED

Greater Muskegon Economic Development (GMED) drives sustainable economic growth throughout Muskegon County by supporting business attraction, retention, and expansion; coordinating workforce and site development efforts; and aligning public and private partners to create opportunities for the county and beyond. Muskegon County has tremendous momentum and the right candidate will be part of a team focused on building on this momentum. This is an excellent opportunity to catch the wave and make a positive impact on the community and grow your career with an incredible team.

At GMED, we live by our core values:

• Evolve – We adapt to changing markets, pursue continuous improvement, and seek new opportunities for growth.
• Serve – We listen first, then act to meet the unique needs of our communities and businesses.
• Deliver – We follow through on commitments and ensure results that strengthen trust and advance shared goals.
• Unite – We bring people and organizations together to align efforts, share resources, and create lasting impact.
• Integrity – We lead with transparency, accountability, and ethics in every decision and partnership.

These values guide everything we do — from supporting entrepreneurs to collaborating with local governments and global companies alike.

Position Summary

The Business Development Manager plays a key role in advancing Muskegon County’s economic vitality by supporting business attraction, retention, and expansion initiatives. The ideal candidate is motivated, energetic, and naturally collaborative — someone who enjoys connecting people, identifying opportunities, and helping projects come to life.

This role is well-suited for someone with entry to intermediate experience in business or economic development, or a professional from a related field (sales, community engagement, planning, workforce, etc.) looking to grow into an economic development career.

Key Responsibilities

• Build relationships with existing businesses, prospects, and community partners to identify opportunities for growth and expansion.
• Manage the business development pipeline - research leads, qualify opportunities, coordinate site visits, and support project execution.
• Serve as a trusted liaison for local businesses, helping navigate incentives, workforce programs, and permitting processes.
• Convene and coordinate with stakeholders - including municipalities, utilities, workforce agencies, and developers — to move projects forward.
• Lead the Beyond Boundary series, convening stakeholders at these educational workshops.
• Prepare concise briefings, presentations, and proposals for internal and external stakeholders.
• Track and report on business development activity, including leads, visits, and investment/job creation outcomes.
• Support site readiness efforts, local marketing, and project management tasks as needed.
• Represent GMED at community and industry events, championing the county’s growth and revitalization story.

Qualifications

Required:

• 3+ years of relevant experience in business development, economic development, community engagement, or related fields.
• Strong communicator and relationship builder with excellent listening skills.
• Organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects with attention to detail.
• Collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset — a natural “connector.”
• Familiarity with company database tools and tracking work.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with local government, utilities, workforce, or site development processes.
• Knowledge of business incentive programs or site selection basics.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, public administration, planning, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• EDFP or CEcD Certifications.

Competencies & Attributes:

• Embodies GMED’s core values of Evolve, Serve, Deliver, Unite, and Integrity in all work.
• Motivated self-starter with strong initiative and follow-through.
• Curious and eager to learn, with an interest in local economic development.
• Thrives in a collaborative, fast-moving team environment.
• Demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and respect for diverse stakeholders.

To apply:

Those interested should send a resume and cover letter to info@developmuskegon.org.

2. Employee Relations & Performance Manager - Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is hiring for the following corporate position.

Job Title and Level: Employee Relations & Performance Manager

City/County: Lansing/Ingham

Type of Employment: Full-Time

Pay Grade and Annual Salary: Pay Grade 5: $95,987 - $119,984

Brief Job Description:

This position serves as a strategic human resources partner responsible for advancing a consistent, fair, and high-performing workforce through leadership of performance management, employee and labor relations, and support of compensation administration. The role works closely with leadership, managers, and employees to strengthen accountability and ensure people practices align with organizational goals, policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable employment laws.

The position provides both advisory and hands-on support across the employee lifecycle, guiding leaders through performance expectations, corrective action, investigations, and workforce decisions. The role supports employment law compliance through policy and employee handbook review, interpretation, and implementation, and provides guidance on compensation-related processes consistent with established procedures. The position also advises on labor contract interpretation and manages disciplinary matters and investigations. The role balances compliance, sound judgment, and empathy to support a respectful, legally sound, and results-driven workplace culture.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages performance management program(s) for both state and corporate staff; evaluates program effectiveness, develops enhancements to performance management program and advises managers and leadership on strategies to correct performance problems.
• Serves as a primary resource for employee relations matters, including conducting investigations, managing disciplinary processes, resolving workplace issues, and providing guidance on corrective action in accordance with policy, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable laws.
• Serves as a trusted advisor and coach to leaders on performance expectations, coaching strategies, documentation standards, and performance improvement plans.
• Investigate employee complaints, including discriminatory harassment complaints; conduct fact-finding, and recommend actions for disputes, misconduct, or policy violations; ensures recommended actions are focused on organizational defensibility.
• Partners with HR leadership to direct and execute employee discipline and discharge activities; collaborates with internal and external counsel to ensure compliance with legal, policy, and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as agency labor relations specialist responsible for labor relations activities including, but not limited to, the interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements; representing MEDC at labor management meetings, serves as lead negotiator for MEDC secondary bargaining agreements.
• Represents the MEDC’s interest in grievances, arbitrations, unfair labor practice charges, and civil rights hearings.
• Drafts, reviews, and updates HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook content to ensure clarity, consistency, and legal compliance; recommends revisions in response to regulatory changes or organizational needs.
• Serve as MEDC’s Drug & Alcohol Testing Coordinator (DATC), ensuring all policies and procedures are followed; responsible for reasonable suspicion and follow up testing.
• Monitors and coordinates unemployment insurance activities, including tracking claims, responding to agency requests, preparing required documentation, and partnering with internal stakeholders to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant claim management.
• Supports compensation administration activities by providing guidance on pay placement and performance-related pay decisions in alignment with established compensation philosophy and policies.
• Partners with Learning & Organizational Development team to support talent development initiatives, including providing back-up support for talent planning; Collaborates with all People Services functional areas to ensure performance outcomes inform development plans, succession planning, and pay-related decisions.
• Maintains accurate and thorough documentation related to employee relations and performance matters; identifies trends or risks and provides recommendations to HR leadership to improve practices and reduce organizational exposure.
• Handles sensitive and confidential employee information with a high degree of discretion and professionalism, ensuring HR systems and records remain accurate and compliant with applicable laws and requirements.
• Serves as an expert in and keeps abreast of a wide variety of complex Human Resource laws, Civil Service
• Rules/Regulations, policies and procedures, and best practices with regard to organizational policy administration.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Click here to view the full position description

This position is based at MEDC Headquarters in Lansing and may work a hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 days of in-office work required.

Business Unit: People Services

Supervisor: Director, People Services

Minimum Education Required:

This position requires a bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in Business, Administration, Human Resources, Organizational Development, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certification in SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR is preferred.

Minimum Experience Required:

5 years of related experience.

Progressive experience in human resources with a strong focus on performance management and manager coaching. Demonstrated experience developing or revising performance management processes or frameworks. Strong knowledge of employment law considerations related to performance, discipline, and documentation.

Experience in a public sector, quasi-public, or highly regulated environment is preferred.

How to Apply:

To apply, please click on the link below and follow the NEOGOV instructions.

Employee Relations & Performance Manager

Deadline for Response: Feb. 18, 2026

3. Director, People Services - Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is hiring for the following corporate position.

Job Title and Level: Director, People Services

City/County: Lansing/Ingham

Type of Employment: Full-Time

Pay Grade and Annual Salary: Pay Grade 6: $115,065 - $143,832

Brief Job Description:

The Director of People Services leads all People Service operational functions for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). This role is responsible for developing, evaluating and implementing MEDC’s human resources policies, procedures, and initiatives. This position oversees People Service functions including, but not limited to, payroll, benefit administration, disability and leave of absence case management, performance management, compensation and classification, and labor and employee and relations activities. Directs and monitors the effectiveness of People Service programs, processes, and efficiencies, with a focus on continuous improvement and enhancing the customer experience.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Directs, manages, and evaluates the work of the People Services staff.
• Strategically aligns unit objectives to ensure both MEDC Operations & Performance goals and the overall MEDC visions/objectives are met.
• In coordination with VP, People Services, develops, implements, and directs all corporate compensation programs; Develops and manages annual salary review process and corporate pay adjustments.
• Develops, recommends, communicates, and interprets MEDC Corporate, Civil Service, Human Resource policy and procedures.
• Directs all payroll processing and audit processes to ensure accurate and compliant payroll administration; oversees internal control audit processes and required compliance and oversees year-end processes and compliance activities.
• Oversees benefit and retirement plan administration, ensuring compliance to state and federal laws; coordinates with benefit specialist and VP to recommend strategic changes to benefit plans, including evaluating benefit costs and implementing cost savings measures, as needed.
• Oversees the recruitment and selection of qualified job applicants for all MEDC positions.
• Provides direction and oversight to team members serving as MEDC’s, statewide contact/coordinator for Drug and Alcohol-related services, HRMN Security, Business Objects/data reporting and ADA-related activities.
• Directs and oversees Leave of Absence, FMLA, Disability, Workers' Compensation, and Paid Time Off programs to ensure compliance with policies and regulations while supporting employee needs.
• Responsible for the interpretation, application, and administration of collective bargaining agreements; serves as lead negotiator for MEDC secondary bargaining agreements.
• Conducts internal investigations, hearings and/or interviews, as needed; ensures recommended actions are focused on organizational defensibility.
• Reviews employee performance, attendance and/or conduct to direct corrective, disciplinary or termination action.
• Directs and/or executes employee discipline and discharge activities; collaborates with internal and external counsel to ensure compliance with legal, policy, and regulatory requirements.
• Navigates and builds relationships with State of Michigan Human Resources officials and is knowledgeable of the state’s Human Resource system and processes to integrate MEDC effectively with the state.
• Serves as an expert in and keeps abreast of a wide variety of complex Human Resource laws, Civil Service Rules/Regulations, policies and procedures, and best practices with regard to organizational policy administration.

Click here to view the full position description.

This position is based at MEDC Headquarters in Lansing and may work a hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 days of in-office work required.

Business Unit: People Services

Supervisor: Markie Justice, VP, People Services

Minimum Education Required:  

This position requires a bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university in Human Resources, Business or related field.

Professional Human Resources certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) is preferred.

Minimum Experience Required:  

Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible human resources experience, with at least 2 years in a role responsible for coordinating or directing multi-functional focus areas such as benefits administration, compensation, recruiting, HRIS/payroll, compliance, and employee transactions.

Preferred experience includes:

• Proven experience in developing and implementing HR policies, procedures, and systems that enhance operational consistency, compliance, and employee experience.
• Experience in both private and public sector human resources.

How to Apply: 

To apply, please click on the link below and follow the NEOGOV instructions.

Director, People Services

Deadline for Response: Feb. 17, 2026

4. Chief Executive Officer - Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP)

The Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP) - Marquette County, Michigan’s local economic development organization - is searching for its next Chief Executive Officer as the organization continues strong momentum on a comprehensive, community-based economic development strategy.

LSCP is a unique organization in Michigan: a combined economic development organization and chamber/business network with nearly 400 investing members, an engaged Board, and a strong team delivering meaningful impact across Marquette County and the Upper Peninsula. LSCP’s current Chief Executive Officer has built a strong foundation for the organization’s future and is voluntarily stepping away due to evolving family needs. They will remain in place until a successor is selected and onboarded, providing continuity and stability, including a planned transition period.

LSCP advances economic vitality through a community-based model and operates within a highly collaborative ecosystem of economic development partners, local governments, and regional organizations. Key initiatives include housing strategy and Housing Now, childcare coalition work and Childcare SPARK, air service and airport-related economic competitiveness efforts, and leadership of the Central U.P. Small Business Support Hub. LSCP also maintains the region’s most robust Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) program and provides support services to adjacent economic development partners through contract-based professional services.

This is a highly visible leadership role for a people-centered strategist and coalition-builder - someone who can connect partners, align priorities, and deliver measurable outcomes for businesses and communities.

Learn more and review the full candidate package at www.marquette.org/ceosearch. Applications are requested by February 13, 2026 by emailing a cover letter and resume to ceosearch@marquette.org. Target starting salary is $90,000 - $100,000 with additional incentive and performance pay available.

5. Planner - City of Dearborn

Location: Dearborn Administrative Center - Dearborn, MI 48126

Salary Range: Minimum: $59,178.00 Salary/year

Position Type: Full Time

**Position will typically hire at minimum pay and follow a step progression to maximum**

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK:

This position is responsible for performing planning tasks associated with the City master plan. Responsibilities may include assisting in establishing plan components; analyzing data; and assisting in conducting field surveys.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists in establishing land utilization, highway plan, residential, commercial and industrial development, public facilities, and related components of the City master plan.
• Researches, compiles, and analyzes land use, retail development, and related information; prepares maps, graphics, statistics, written presentations, and other materials to outline research and study findings.
• Assists in conducting field surveys to collect land development information.
• Assists in the development of zoning plans.
• Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance, including attendance at required meetings.

This job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

Qualifications

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Bachelor’s degree in Planning or related field and 2 years of related experience; or, Associate’s degree and 3 years of related experience; or, all required certification(s) and 3 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job, such as those listed above.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATION:

Valid State of Michigan Driver’s License

PARTS AND WEIGHTS OF THE EXAMINATION:

Oral: 100%

POST-EMPLOYMENT OFFER REQUIREMENTS:

Satisfactory completion of a background check and a drug screen that tests for illegal drugs as defined by the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act, but not those legalized under Michigan law.

TO APPLY:

Click here for more information and an application.

6. Senior Economic Development Assistant - City of Dearborn

Location: Dearborn Administrative Center - Dearborn, MI 48126

Salary Range: Minimum: $56,361 per year

Position Type: Full Time

**Position will typically hire at minimum pay and follow a step progression to maximum**

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This position is responsible for assisting in the research, development, and implementation of community development programs. Responsibilities may include identifying potential funding sources; leading projects; preparing reports; and analyzing data.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Job Functions (Functions essential to attaining job objectives):

• Researches, recommends, and implements various programs and policies related to rehabilitation and improvement of properties; assists in developing various economic development programs.
• Identifies funding sources and prepares grants for development projects.
• Leads development projects, including: assigning staff roles; monitoring project progress; and performing related tasks.
• Collects and analyzes economic, community, and related data to assist in community development efforts.
• Prepares reports outlining program efforts and progress.
• Coordinates plans and programs with related departments to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
• Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance, including attendance at required meetings.
• Coordinates and participates in ceremonial and promotional activities.

This job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

Qualifications

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• Associate’s degree in a related field and one year of related experience; or, High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) and 3 years of related experience; or, all required certification(s); or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job, such as those listed above.
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration or related field preferred; TIF experience beneficial.
  

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:

Valid State of Michigan Driver’s License

POST EMPLOYMENT OFFER REQUIREMENTS:

Must satisfactorily complete medical examination and criminal history check prior to start date.

TO APPLY:

Click here for more information and an application.

7. Planning and Zoning Manager - City of Dearborn

Location: Dearborn Administrative Center - Dearborn, MI 48126

Salary Range: $95,081.00 Salary/year

Position Type: Full Time

**Positions typically hire at minimum and follow step progression to maximum**

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK:

This position is responsible for the comprehensive administration and supervision of planning and zoning activities within the city. This position acts as an advisor to the Planning Commission, supervises planning and zoning staff, develops planning policy, recommends ordinance amendments, oversees and manages the development and execution of the City’s Master Plan, Transportation Studies, and Housing Studies. It is expected that the position will present to the City Council as needed regarding planning and zoning recommendations during Mayor Briefings, Committee of the Whole, and City Council Meetings.

TYPICAL CLASS ESSENTIAL DUTIES: 

• Supervises staff, including prioritizing and assigning work, coordinating staff training, and supporting personnel procedures.
• Provides recommendations to all levels of City leadership on all matters related to city planning and zoning.
• Prepares amendments and recommends changes to the Zoning Ordinance to the Planning Commission, City Council, and Mayor.
• Responsible for the development and execution of planning policy documents such as the Master Plan.
• Manages the City’s site plan review process, including reviewing developments for compliance with Zoning Ordinance regulations.
• Administrative lead and staff support for the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.
• Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance, including attendance at required meetings.

This job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

Qualifications

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Bachelor’s degree in Regional and Urban Planning, Urban Studies, City Planning, Urban Design or directly related field and 5 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid State of Michigan Driver’s License
• American Institute of Community Planners Certification

PARTS AND WEIGHTS OF THE EXAMINATION:

Oral 100%

DURATION OF LIST:

This list will be in effect for a period of six months.

POST-EMPLOYMENT OFFER REQUIREMENTS:

Satisfactory completion of medical examination and criminal background check prior to start date.

TO APPLY:

Click here for more information and an application.

8. Planner II or III, Economic & Community Vitality - Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG)