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Economic Development Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HireLogic Search Group

FL

About the job Economic Development Director Location: Miami-Dade County The Role We are seeking a high-caliber Economic Development Director to join a progressive leadership team in Miami-Dade. This ...

Moncks Corner Police Department

The Economic Development Director serves as the Town's primary economic development professional and leads efforts to attract private investment, facilitate redevelopment projects, recruit and retain ...

City of Bowie

Economic Development Director

Bowie, MD · On-site

$125K - $155K/yr

The City of Bowie is seeking an experienced professional, with a demonstrable record of success, to become it's next Economic Development Director. This individual will have a proven ability to ...

Gfoat

Economic Development Director

Burkburnett, TX · On-site

Under the administrative direction of the City Manager and in accordance with the Burkburnett Development Corporation Bylaws, the Director of Economic Development plans, organizes, administers, and ...

Kappaalphapsi1911

Senior Economic Development Director About WEDC The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) works with businesses, communities, and partners statewide to foster innovation, support job ...

Carboncountypa

Economic Development Director

Lehighton, PA · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Economic Development Specialist We are seeking a highly motivated Economic Development Specialist to join our team at the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Organization (CCEDC) and the Carbon ...

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$48.5K

$123.9K

$202K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director 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 is an economic development director?

An economic development director is a city government employee who helps spur the city economy. Your two biggest responsibilities are to persuade new businesses to move into your town and to encourage existing businesses to expand. You attend fundraising events for civic and business groups and interact with donors to make connections with potentially valuable economic partners. Your duties include developing strategic programs for economic and financial growth, analyzing market trends, writing city tax policy proposals, and advising the city manager and the city council.

What does an economic development director do?

An Economic Development Director is responsible for creating and implementing strategies to promote economic growth within a community or region. They work to attract new businesses, support existing ones, and encourage job creation by collaborating with local government officials, business leaders, and community organizations. Their duties often include managing economic incentive programs, overseeing redevelopment projects, and conducting market research to identify opportunities for development. Ultimately, their goal is to improve the local economy and enhance the quality of life for residents.

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

To thrive as an Economic Development Director, you need expertise in economic analysis, project management, and public policy, typically supported by a degree in economics, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with economic modeling software, GIS tools, and grant management systems is often required, along with certifications such as Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). Strong leadership, strategic communication, and relationship-building abilities help foster collaboration among public, private, and community stakeholders. These skills are crucial for identifying growth opportunities, securing funding, and driving sustainable economic progress in a community or region.

What are the main challenges economic development directors face when balancing community needs and business interests?

Economic Development Directors often need to align the interests of local businesses, government stakeholders, and community members, which can be challenging due to differing priorities. For example, attracting new businesses might conflict with preserving community character or addressing affordable housing. Success in this role frequently involves transparent communication, creative problem-solving, and building consensus through public engagement and strategic partnerships. Navigating these complexities requires adaptability and a strong understanding of both economic trends and local needs.

What is the difference between Economic Development Director vs Economic Development Specialist?

AspectEconomic Development DirectorEconomic Development Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Economics, Business, or Public Administration; experience in economic planningSimilar credentials, often with less managerial experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership role in government agencies or economic development organizationsSupport role, assisting with projects and research
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, regional agencies, economic development firmsLocal government departments, economic development offices
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in economic developmentLearning about supporting roles in economic growth projects

The main difference between an Economic Development Director and an Economic Development Specialist lies in their level of responsibility and leadership. The Director oversees strategic planning and manages teams, while the Specialist focuses on supporting projects and research. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work within government or economic organizations, but the Director holds a higher managerial position.

More about Economic Development Director jobs

What cities are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs?

Cities with the most Economic Development Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs are:

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What states have the most Economic Development Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Economic Development Director jobs include:

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

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

Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,934 per year, or $59.6 per hour.

Regional Economic Development Director

Madison, WI • Remote

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Finance and Insurance • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Wisconsin Economic Development Corporationexternal

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Regional Economic Development Director
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
Location: Remote (Wisconsin-based)
Reports To: Senior Economic Development Director

About WEDC

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) works with businesses, communities, and partners statewide to foster innovation, support job creation, and strengthen Wisconsin's competitive position. Driven by a mission to make Wisconsin the best place to live, work, and build a business, WEDC is a purpose-driven organization that values integrity, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions, and invests in its people so they can help invest in Wisconsin's future.

WEDC is a Wisconsin-based organization with a remote-work-first environment. Remote work is expected to be performed in the state of Wisconsin.

Role Overview & Key Responsibilities

The Regional Economic Development Director serves as the primary WEDC representative for communities and businesses within an assigned region of Wisconsin. This role helps drive economic growth by connecting organizations with resources, providing strategic guidance, managing development projects, and building strong partnerships with local, regional, and statewide stakeholders.

The assigned territory includes Eau Claire, Chippewa, Dunn, Barron, Polk, St. Croix, and Pierce counties.

In this role, you will:

  • Serve as a trusted advisor to businesses, communities, and economic development partners within the assigned region
  • Identify and support business and community development opportunities through strategic consultation and resource deployment
  • Manage a portfolio of regional accounts and build strong relationships with local stakeholders and partner organizations
  • Review projects and provide recommendations related to economic and community development investments
  • Assist businesses and communities with financing strategies, program implementation, and access to available resources
  • Monitor project performance and support ongoing compliance and reporting activities
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to advance regional economic development goals
  • Represent WEDC at meetings, conferences, public events, and speaking engagements throughout the region

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