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Economic Development Director Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

AIDT

Finance Director

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$117K - $160K/yr

The Finance Director must understand that Montgomery Whitewater is not simply a recreational venue, but a publicly supported strategic asset focused on quality of life, economic development, tourism ...

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Economic Development Director information

See Alabama salary details

$44K

$112.3K

$183.1K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Alabama is $112,332.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,100.00 and $139,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

More about Economic Development Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Alabama are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,332 per year, or $54 per hour.
Youth Development Director

Youth Development Director

YMCA of Greater Montgomery

Wetumpka, AL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

YMCA of Greater Montgomery Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Youth Development Director at the Wetumpka YMCA oversees the development and operations of the year-round child care programs (afterschool, day camp, and childwatch) ensuring the programs meet intended goals.
OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  1. Manages the school-age child care programs, including developing and monitoring the program budget to meet fiscal objectives; compiling program statistics to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of and participation in the program; securing, scheduling, and maintaining the needed facilities; creating and scheduling the activities or events; and maintaining program records or files.
  2. Ensures programs and services meet community needs to include supervising existing program activities, establishing new program activities, and expanding the program within the community as needed. Assists in the marketing and distribution of program information.
  3. Assures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations as they relate to program areas, including ADA accommodations where appropriate; ensures that YMCA program standards are met and safety procedures followed.
  4. Reviews program plans and records to ensure consistency with evidence-based best practices.
  1. Recruits and hires diverse staff and volunteer teams across multiple dimensions of diversity. Onboards and develops them for success. Conducts First Aid, CPR, and any other necessary trainings. Ensures records of staff certifications are current and complete. Maintains staff schedules and evaluates staff performance.
  1. Models relationship-building skills in all interactions; develops and maintains collaborative relationships with staff, parents and caregivers, and community organizations (e.g., state child care licensing agency, school administration) to maximize program impact and drive overall outcomes; maintains regular, clear, and concise communication within area of responsibility.
  2. Organizes or participates in Y activities, such as committees, family events, special events, and fundraising.
  3. Performs other duties as assigned.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:
  • Collaboration
  • Program/Project Management
  • Communication & Influence
  • Developing Self & Others
  • Engaging Community

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience.
  • YMCA Team Leader certification preferred.
  • One to two years related experience (e.g., supervisor or coordinator of child care programs) preferred.
  • Minimum age of 21.
  • Within 30 days of hire, completion of Child Abuse Prevention, Working with Program Volunteers, CPR, First Aid, AED, and Bloodborne Pathogens training, Class B CDL with passenger endorsement.
  • Fulfillment of state-specific hiring standards and completion of YMCA program-specific training including aquatics training and trainer certifications.
  • Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
  • Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • The employee needs sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to safely supervise program activities.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
  • The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
  • Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to supervise program activities.
  • Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility.
  • Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.

SIGNATURE:
I have reviewed and understand this job description.
_____________________________ ____________________________ ___________________
Employee's name Employee's signature Date

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