Project Manager - Economic Development

The Columbus Partnership is a nonprofit organization of CEOs from Columbus’ leading businesses and institutions. Through our membership and other ally organizations across Central Ohio, the Partnership upholds a shared vision to make Columbus the most prosperous region in the country.

The Columbus Partnership also includes One Columbus, one of the nation’s top economic development teams that serves the 11-county Columbus Region; and Smart Columbus, a civic innovation lab that advances what is new and next at the intersection of technology and community good.

Can you imagine Columbus as the most prosperous region in the United States, where more and more people are able to improve their economic and social well‑being? We do, every day.

The Project Manager - Economic Development manages competitive economic development projects that support business attraction, expansion and investment across the Columbus Region. Serving as a primary point of contact for clients, consultants and economic development partners. The project manager leads opportunities through the full project lifecycle, coordinating proposals, site selection activities, incentive packages, site visits and other project deliverables to drive successful outcomes.

Working closely with state, regional and local partners, the project manager also supports strategic real estate and site development initiatives while delivering exceptional client service, managing multiple priorities and maintaining a high level of professionalism and confidentiality. This opportunity is ideal for a strategic, relationship‑oriented professional who excels at managing complex projects, delivering exceptional client service, navigating competing priorities and collaborating with diverse partners to drive meaningful economic development outcomes.

Reports to:

VP, Corporate Investment

• Serve as a primary point of contact for competitive economic development projects across the Columbus Region.
• Strategically manage business attraction and expansion projects from initial inquiry through successful outcomes.
• Deliver industry‑leading client service throughout the project lifecycle, including managing client communications, follow‑up, key milestones, approvals and deadlines.
• Develop and deliver high‑quality client proposals, site location portfolios, incentive packages and other project materials in collaboration with state and local economic development partners.
• Plan and execute company and consultant site visits to the Columbus Region, including developing agendas, coordinating stakeholders and delivering high‑quality presentations, reports and related materials.
• Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of the Columbus Region’s competitive assets, economic advantages, available sites and resources to strategically position the Region for capital investment and job creation opportunities.
• Develop a strong understanding of Jobs Ohio programs that support traditional economic development projects and assist with the execution of strategic programs, including Site Ohio, the Small Business Grant Program, Ohio Sites Inventory Program, Vibrant Communities and Revitalization.
• Manage and support strategic real estate development initiatives that strengthen the Columbus Region’s competitiveness for client projects.
• Cultivate strong working relationships with clients, consultants and state, regional and local economic development partners.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records of contacts, leads and project activity within the CRM.
• Manage multiple projects and work streams simultaneously while adapting to competing priorities, shifting timelines and client deadlines.
• Exercise sound professional judgment and maintain strict…