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Economic Development Director Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

... direct client services or case management. Member Duties : The NeighborGood Partners Consumer ... Community Outreach , Housing , Education , Community and Economic Development . Skills : General ...

Food Service Director II

Milford, DE · On-site

$66K - $79K/yr

... economic development, finance, transportation, housing, education, culture and quality-of-life ... Summary Statement This level is responsible for planning and directing all food service activities ...

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Economic Development Director information

See Delaware salary details

$48.5K

$124K

$202.2K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Delaware is $124,040.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,600.00 and $153,600.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Delaware? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Delaware are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Delaware? For Economic Development Director jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:
CHILD DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

CHILD DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

US Department of the Air Force

Dover Air Force Base, DE • On-site

$63K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
The primary purpose of this position is to exercise supervisory and managerial authorities over a Child Development Center program by planning, organizing, coordinating, and overseeing the day-to-day operations. Provides oversight of a variety of developmental services through center-based programs of full day care, hourly care and special needs care.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Professional and Scientific Positions.
BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included or was supplemented by major study in child development, early childhood education, home economics (early childhood emphasis), elementary education, special education, or other fields appropriate to the position to be filled.
For Child Development Director and Assistant Director positions with the Department of the Air Force the education must have been in child development, early childhood education, home economics (early childhood emphasis), elementary education, special education, or other fields appropriate to the position to be filled.
OR
Combination of education and experience --
Courses equivalent to a major in child development, early childhood education, home economics (early childhood emphasis), elementary education, special education, or an equivalent field of study, plus appropriate experience or additional course work that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study in a child-related field.
For Child Development Center Director, a minimum of a bachelor's degree in childhood education, child development, social work, nursing, or other child-related field AND experience working with the age groups in the program is required. If the director does not have a BA degree in those areas, the director must have an AA degree and must be working toward the completion of a BA degree.
NOTE: You MUST submit copies of your transcripts.
AND
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE GS-11 LEVEL
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes
For Child Development Director and Assistant Director positions with the Department of the Air Force specialized experience must have been in group childcare or other work that demonstrated the ability to:
  • Manage the operation of a childcare center.
  • Select, train, and supervise childcare and preschool employees, family childcare providers, or other care-giving adults.
  • Develop and implement child development programs, including family day care programs, part-day preschool programs, and before and after school programs.
  • Work with individuals and groups to solve complex problems related to the care and education of children.
OR
EDUCATION:
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts.
OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
A combination of progressively higher-level graduate education and experience may be used to satisfy the specialized experience requirement for this position if the computed percentage of the education and experience is at least 100%. NOTE: You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts.
The following are examples of qualifying specialized experience for Air Force child development positions:
  • Experience in managing a large, complex child development program offering a wide range of services, in a variety of settings.

FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE GS-12 LEVEL
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes
For Child Development Director and Assistant Director positions with the Department of the Air Force specialized experience must have been in group childcare or other work that demonstrated the ability to:
  • Manage the operation of a childcare center.
  • Select, train, and supervise childcare and preschool employees, family childcare providers, or other care-giving adults.
  • Develop and implement child development programs, including family day care programs, part-day preschool programs, and before and after school programs.
  • Work with individuals and groups to solve complex problems related to the care and education of children.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
  • One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level.
  • One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs):
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  1. Professional knowledge of child development theory, methodology, and practices relating to physical, intellectual, social and special education needs and center management.
  2. Knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations governing childcare to include regulatory requirements, policies and practices.
  3. Knowledge of financial, budget, resource management practices and principles, and analytical and evaluative methods and techniques.
  4. Skill in educating, counseling and advising childcare providers and parents; assessing training and children's developmental needs.
  5. Skill in effectively organizing and utilizing community resources within the program framework to augment the program to meet installation objectives.
  6. Ability to analyze, plan and adjust work operations of one or more organizational segments to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.Employment Type: OTHER