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Director Of Economic Development Jobs in Georgia

Reporting to the Director of Economic Development, the Analyst evaluates economic conditions, development opportunities, fiscal impacts, and market trends to support investment decisions and ...

Position Information Job Type Non-Faculty Position Title Director of Development Position Number E99987 Department Institutional Advancement Location Morehouse College - Atlanta, GA Position Summary ...

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Director Of Economic Development information

See Georgia salary details

$41K

$104.6K

$170.6K

How much do director of economic development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of economic development in Georgia is $104,647.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,600.00 and $129,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of economic development do?

A Director of Economic Development is responsible for creating and implementing strategies to promote economic growth within a city, region, or organization. This role typically involves attracting new businesses, supporting existing businesses, fostering job creation, and coordinating with government agencies, community groups, and private sector partners. The director also analyzes economic trends, develops incentive programs, and oversees projects that enhance the community’s economic well-being. Their efforts are aimed at improving the local economy, increasing employment opportunities, and enhancing the overall quality of life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of economic development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Of Economic Development, you need expertise in economic analysis, strategic planning, and community development, typically supported by a degree in economics, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), economic modeling software, and grant management tools is often required, along with certifications such as CEcD (Certified Economic Developer). Exceptional leadership, stakeholder engagement, and negotiation skills help drive successful partnerships and project implementation. These skills and qualities are essential for fostering sustainable economic growth, securing funding, and aligning diverse interests for community benefit.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of economic development, and how can candidates prepare to address them?

Directors of Economic Development often encounter challenges such as balancing the interests of various stakeholders, navigating regulatory and policy constraints, and adapting to shifting economic trends. Candidates should be prepared to build strong relationships with local government, business leaders, and community organizations, while effectively managing competing priorities. Staying informed about economic data, policy updates, and best practices in economic development will help candidates anticipate challenges and proactively develop solutions. Effective communication, negotiation, and strategic planning skills are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Director Of Economic Development vs Economic Development Coordinator?

AspectDirector Of Economic DevelopmentEconomic Development Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree; often master's in economics, business, or public administrationBachelor's degree; relevant experience may suffice
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, leadership, stakeholder engagementProject support, research, community outreach
Employer & Industry UsageLocal government, economic development agencies, non-profitsMunicipal offices, economic development departments

The Director Of Economic Development typically holds a higher level of responsibility, focusing on strategic planning and leadership, while the Economic Development Coordinator supports projects and community outreach. Both roles are essential in economic growth initiatives but differ in scope and seniority.

Is economic development a good career path?

A career as a Director of Economic Development involves planning and implementing strategies to improve local economies, requiring skills in project management, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement. It offers opportunities for leadership, community impact, and professional growth, often with a competitive salary and advancement potential. Success in this field depends on relevant education, experience, and understanding of economic trends.

What are popular job titles related to Director Of Economic Development jobs in Georgia?

For Director Of Economic Development jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Georgia are hiring for Director Of Economic Development jobs?

Cities in Georgia with the most Director Of Economic Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Of Economic Development job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,647 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

Director of Economic Development

City of East Point, GA

East Point, GA • On-site

$112K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Salary: $112,958.48 - $175,085.65 Annually
Location : East Point, GA, GA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 7704
Department: Economic Development
Opening Date: 06/16/2026
This position plans, organizes, directs, and manages the day-to-day operations of the Economic Development Department and staff. This position is the lead position in the retention and recruitment of businesses for the City.
Please note: Failure to fully complete both the Work Experience and Education sections may result in your application being denied. To be considered for employment, all required sections must be completed in full. Please do not enter "See Resume" in place of providing the requested information.
Major Duties
  • Plans, direct, and supervise Economic Development employees engage in day-to-day activities which directly relate to business recruitment and retention.
  • Schedules, assigns, inspects, and evaluates work; instructs and trains in correct methods and procedures; monitors work daily; reviews and evaluates employee performance.
  • Engage developers and investors as a function of new business development and business expansion efforts.
  • Facilitates target marketing of the City to new business development and business expansion efforts through meetings and various advertising strategies.
  • Manages and negotiates the sale and disposition of City owned real estate and rights-of-way.
  • Handles a variety of land acquisition projects.
  • Provides administrative and technical support to the City's Main Street Program and East Point Business and Industrial Development Authority (EPBIDA).
  • Develop strategies to eliminate blight and stimulate development in target districts throughout the city.
  • Conducts demographic and market trend analysis of the city.
  • Facilitate meetings between developers, real estate investment trusts, engineers, and architects to promote business activity within the city.
  • Coordinates strategies and processes with the Planning and Zoning Department to help eliminate blight in the city.
  • Provides business development and financing advice to local business owners and entrepreneurs.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required with coursework in Business, Economics, Management, City Planning, or Economic Development; Master's degree preferred with ten (10) years of experience in Economic Development; five (5) years in a supervisory role, experience as a realtor, mortgage broker, or commercial lender; equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge Required by the Position
  • Knowledge of real estate principles and practices, zoning, land use, availability of vacant property and buildings in the local market.
  • Knowledge of marketing principles and strategies.
  • Knowledge of City's Zoning Ordinances, land use plans, development regulations related to land use.
  • Knowledge of economic development and business retention and recruitment.
  • Knowledge of socio-economic and demographic research techniques.
  • Knowledge of supervisory and management principles and practices.
  • Skill in dealing with both the public and with private enterprises.
  • Skill in oral and written communication .
  • Skill in dealing with large-scale financial transactions.
  • Skill in basic computer applications for word processing and spreadsheets.
  • Ability to develop and implement an economic development strategy for the City.
  • Ability to network and develop relationships with real estate and site selection professionals.
  • Ability to read and interpret development site plans and civil engineering maps.
  • Ability to write reports clearly and in a professional manner conveying technical information to the public.
  • Ability to operate City vehicle.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIROMENT
The work is typically performed with the employee sitting at a desk with intermittent standing or walking. The employee occasionally lifts light or heavy objects and uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.
The work is typically performed in an office.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described herein. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description.
  • Paid Holidays
  • Vacation Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • 457b Supplemental Retirement (Deferred Compensation Plan)
  • Long and Short-Term Disability
  • Direct Deposit
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Life Insurance
  • Pension Plan
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care - Flexible Spending Account