ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Of Economic Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Johns Creek

Economic Development Manager

Duluth, GA · On-site

$90K - $103K/yr

The City of Johns Creek is seeking a proactive and execution-focused professional to serve as our Economic Development Manager. In this role, you will drive local economic growth by focusing on three ...

Oak Park

Economic Vitality Administrator

Oak Park, IL

$17.75 - $24.50/hr

... direct, manage and oversee assigned operations of the Economic Vitality Office, including the administration of various economic development policies, programs, services, and initiatives. The ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOf Economic Development JobsDirector Of Economic Development Jobs

Director Of Economic Development information

See salary details

$48.5K

$123.9K

$202K

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

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of economic development in the United States is $123,934.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,500.00 and $153,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

In the field of economic development, high-level executive roles such as Chief Executive Officers or Chief Economic Officers can earn salaries exceeding $1 million annually, especially in large organizations or corporations. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong leadership skills, often supplemented by performance-based bonuses and stock options.

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 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.

Which is the highest paid job in economics?

The highest paid roles in economics are often executive positions such as Chief Economist or Chief Financial Officer, especially in large corporations or financial institutions. These roles typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong analytical and leadership skills, with salaries reaching into the high six or seven figures annually.

What does an economic development director do?

An economic development director oversees efforts to attract and retain businesses, promote job creation, and improve the economic health of a community or region. They analyze economic data, develop strategic plans, collaborate with government and private sector stakeholders, and often manage projects to support economic growth and sustainability.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, roles such as senior media executives, media directors, or content strategists can earn $150,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, leadership responsibilities, and advanced skills in digital platforms or advertising. High-level positions often require strong industry knowledge, management skills, and sometimes advanced degrees or certifications.

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 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.

More about Director Of Economic Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Of Economic Development jobs? Cities with the most Director Of Economic Development job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Director Of Economic Development jobs? The top employers for Director Of Economic Development jobs are:
What states have the most Director Of Economic Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Of Economic Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Of Economic Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Of Economic Development jobs are:
Director Of Economic Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Of Economic Development job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,934 per year, or $59.6 per hour.

Economic Development Program Specialist 1 (NY HELPS)

Department of Economic Development

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$66K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description


Job Opening

APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE: July 24, 2026


JOB TITLE: Economic Development Program Specialist 1 (NY HELPS), SG-18, or LOCATION: Albany/NYC

Economic Development Program Specialist Trainee (NY HELPS), SG-NS, PEF

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Permanent JURISDICTION CLASS: Competitive

DEPARTMENT: Global NY

625 Broadway

Albany, NY 12245

-OR-

5 Grand Central East

New York, NY 10017


BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the general direction of the Director of Grants Administration, the incumbent of this position will primarily be responsible for the administration of projects, which are the subject of a Global NY grant award. Project administration duties include, but are not limited to the collection of documents to certify project completion and processing requests for disbursement of grant funds.


WORK PERFORMED:

  • Administer Global NY grant award projects
  • Work with senior staff to identify, assist, and attract businesses in agribusiness, clean technology, advanced materials and other industries, as assigned
  • Identify suitable sites or infrastructure for development
  • Organize and participate in on-site visits, in coordination with local developers
  • Assess state and local incentives for business attraction/retention
  • Prepare incentive proposals (IPs) for agency-approved projects
  • Prepare press briefings and reports
  • Study and develop industry-expertise in the assigned cluster areas for which the incumbent is charged with assisting
  • Address requests from senior management and/or the Executive Chamber
  • Prepare/Submit biweekly progress summaries

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).

For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required. However, all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.

At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

NY HELPS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, candidates must meet the open-competitive minimum qualifications for this position. The qualifications are:


• Economic Development Program Specialist Trainee 1: Candidates must have a bachelor’s or higher degree.


• Economic Development Program Specialist Trainee 2: Candidates must have a bachelor's degree and one year of experience applying business knowledge, training and experience to provide a wide range of professional and management level economic development services for the promotion of business, tourism and international trade in New York State, providing technical advice and problem-solving assistance to economic development organizations and businesses by conducting business-to-business marketing programs, and promoting, publicizing, and developing strategic plans and initiatives related to business and economic development services.

Substitution: A Juris Doctor, master's or higher degree in a related field can substitute for one year of specialized experience.

• Economic Development Program Specialist 1: Candidates must have a bachelor's and two years of experience applying business knowledge, training and experience to provide a wide range of professional and management level economic development services for the promotion of business, tourism and international trade in New York State, providing technical advice and problem-solving assistance to economic development organizations and businesses by conducting business-to-business marketing programs, and promoting, publicizing, and developing strategic plans and initiatives related to business and economic development services.


List Eligibility: Open to those reachable on the Professional Career Opportunities eligible list.


Traineeship Eligibility: Appointment may be made at a traineeship level. Economic Development Program Specialist Trainee 1 & 2, NS (equivalent to Salary Grades 14 and 16) leading to Economic Development Program Specialist 1, Salary Grade 18.

  • $53,764 (Trainee 1; NS equated to SG-14)
  • $59,994 (Trainee 2; NS equated to SG-16)
  • $66,951 (Full Performance/Journey Level SG-18)

For current NYS employees, the starting salary is based on the candidate’s salary at the time of hire.

Candidates appointed at the trainee level will be required to successfully complete their traineeship in order to advance to the journey-level title and salary.

55B/C Eligibility: This position is eligible for 55b/c appointment, and candidates with 55b/c eligibility are encouraged to apply. To be eligible for a 55b/c appointment, candidate must be currently enrolled in the Civil Service 55b/c program and must meet the minimum qualifications listed above. Information about the 55b/c program can be found here: https://www.cs.ny.gov/rp55/.

Transfer Eligibility: Candidates must have one year of permanent competitive service in a title eligible for transfer via Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law. Information regarding transfer eligibility may be available on the Civil Service Career Mobility Office website at https://careermobilityoffice.cs.ny.gov/cmo/.


(Important Note: Per Civil Service Law, an employee cannot have two, consecutive upward 70.1 or 52.6 transfers without an intervening eligible list appointment if such transfers would exceed two salary grades.)


Reinstatement Eligibility: Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis or held a title as indicated under the transfer eligible section on a permanent competitive basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Grant proposal: writing, tracking, compliance and strategy development
  • Forecasting and budgeting
  • Data analysis & research
  • Knowledge of international protocol

SALARY RANGE: $66,951 - $85,138 (plus $4,000 location pay if filled in NYC)

Note: The starting salary for candidates with no prior State service will be at the minimum hiring rate.

ADDITIONAL:

If interested in this position, please forward a cover letter and resume to the e-mail address below by July 24, 2026. Be sure to indicate the position title and location you are applying for and specify how you meet the minimum qualifications in your cover letter.

INQUIRE

NYS Department of Economic Development

Human Resources Office

625 Broadway

Albany, NY 12245

Fax: (518) 292-5852

E-Mail: DED-HR@esd.ny.gov


New York State is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require an accommodation.

6/24/2026

Reference No. 00508

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Office of Employee Relations at (518) 473-3130 or via email at response@oer.ny.gov.