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Economic Development Director Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Director of Development

Miami, FL ยท On-site

$77 - $94/hr

Director of Development Salary Exempt Employees Full-Time Officials: Senior Miami, Miami, FL, US ... economic climate. * Other additional duties as assigned by management, to include serving as ...

New

Director of Development

Miami, FL ยท On-site

$85K/yr

The Director of Development will drive existing and new donor opportunities within the non-profit ... economic climate. * Other additional duties as assigned by management, to include serving as ...

Executive Assistant

Pensacola, FL ยท On-site

$35K - $60K/yr

Work is performed under the general direction of the Economic Development Director, but the position requires the application of considerable independent judgement and initiative in carrying out ...

... facing disabilities, economic hardship, homelessness, and other significant barriers build ... The Director of Development will plan, develop, and execute a comprehensive fundraising program for ...

Showing results 21-40

Economic Development Director information

See Florida salary details

$36.2K

$92.6K

$151K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Florida is $92,615.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,900.00 and $114,700.00 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.

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

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Florida are:

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

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

What cities in Florida are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Economic Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,615 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Director of Development

Chapman

Miami, FL โ€ข On-site

$77 - $94/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Director of Development

Salary Exempt Employees Full-Time Officials: Senior Miami, Miami, FL, US

Salary Range: $85,000.00 To $85,000.00 Annually

SUMMARY:

The Director of Development will drive existing and new donor opportunities within the non-profit space. The Director of Development will build, advance and cultivate relationships capable of granting donations and/or gifts to Chapman Partnership. This position will report to the Sr. Director of Development ensuring strategy and directions are leveraged to drive fund raising goals. The Director of Development will serve as an ambassador for Chapman Partnership in cultivating existing relationships while increase overall private funding raising support. Work closely with Sr. Director of Development to provide support, implement and facilitate the execution of the development fundraising plan. Leads efforts for annual plans, solicitation and execution of major gifts, corporate gifts, planned giving, events, grants, direct mail, on-line giving and in-kind donations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors with a focus on driving private donations.
  • Develop private fund raising proposals for new donors and to move existing donors to higher giving levels.
  • Develop and implement naming and planned giving programs.
  • Work closely with the Marketing Department on new program information to support prospects.
  • Manage a direct report, Manager of Donor Prospects along with corresponding data function - track and manage prospect(s) and other donor activities using Raiserโ€™s Edge database and associated reporting tools for tracking and goal setting.
  • Maintain in-depth knowledge of Chapman Partnershipโ€™s programs and resident services, to ensure fundraising campaigns are targeted, innovative and measurable results can be communicated.
  • Manage special fundraising projects under the guidance of the Sr. Director of Development to enhance affinity-based fundraising and increase support for Chapman Partnership.
  • Manage special events, internal or external to support campaigns, initiatives, resident services, etc.
  • Serve as a leader in the community representing Chapman Partnership for major events and special funding raising activities.
  • Financial goal expectations of $500k revenue from fundraising efforts and event sponsor generation.

*goal is subject to change based on Donor retention % and economic climate.

  • Other additional duties as assigned by management, to include serving as liaison to several departments, internal and external vendors and community partners.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • This position supervises 1 employee.
  • Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies, procedures and applicable laws.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree plus ten (10) years of experience in raising funds, awareness and cultivating experience. Masterโ€™s degree is a plus.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the non-profit sector fundraising, building awareness, fostering relationships, running programs, planning events, developing strategies, etc.
  • South Florida/Miami market experience is a plus.
  • CFRE Certification is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Strong professional presence and ability to navigate various stakeholders
  • Commitment to overall understanding of our organizationโ€™s mission, role in the community, services we offer and challenges our residents face for the development of appropriate fundraising efforts.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to recognizing and respecting the many forms of diversity within our resident and staff populations.
  • Ability to build and cultivate relationships; corporations, foundations, philanthropists, and community leaders
  • Sales development and private fundraising .
  • Experience in driving grass roots donor programs and planned giving.
  • Ability to be professional, flexible, respectful, and calm.
  • Ability to work well with others.
  • Ability to lead by example.
  • Ability to provide effective support and guidance to further develop professionals within the department.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

  • Occasional travel.
  • Occasionally required to stand.
  • Frequently required to walk.
  • Frequently required to sit.
  • Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity.
  • Occasionally required to bend, stoop, or kneel.
  • Continually required to talk or hear
  • The employee must occasionally lift and /or move more than 25 pounds.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts managementโ€™s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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