ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Economic Development Director Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Director JobsEconomic Development Director Jobs in Indiana

Economic Development Director information

See Indiana salary details

$46.2K

$117.9K

$192.2K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Indiana is $117,931.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,200.00 and $146,100.00 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 Indiana? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Indiana? For Economic Development Director jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,931 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Assistant Director for Economic Development

The City of Elkhart

Elkhart, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

City Of Elkhart (Indiana) rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

343rd of 841 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

CITY OF ELKHART – JOB DESCRIPTION
DEPARTMENT
Office of Development Services
POSITION
Assistant Director for Economic Development
DIVISION
Economic Development
STATUS
Full-time
CATEGORY
Salaried
FLSA
Exempt
REPORTS TO
Director of Development Services
DATE
2026
JOB SUMMARY
Promotes the retention and expansion of existing businesses and the development of new business through financing programs, land/building availability assistance, tax incentives and technical assistance through local partnerships. Administers and develops economic development policies and programs for the City of Elkhart; performs other work as may be requested by the Director and/or the Mayor.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develop and cultivate relationships with other Economic Development organizations, regional businesses, governments and media on a local, regional and statewide basis to broaden the economic development opportunities.
  • Researches and understands all applicable economic development incentive programs that attract business investment and encourage business expansion.
  • Work with state and local economic development organizations to attract new businesses.
  • Develop proposals for the appropriate use of public incentives based on individual projects.
  • Prepares financial analyses on all economic incentive proposals, assesses the economic feasibility of projects, and makes recommendations to the Director on public sector funding participation
  • Prepares and solicits Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from private and/or public entities for economic development projects
  • Advises and works with the City Common Council and top management to develop strategies and initiate projects for economic development.
  • Researches target parcels and associated opportunities for grant funding for special urban redevelopment projects that include, but are not limited to, brownfields redevelopment, open space acquisition and redevelopment, and special “overlay” districts.
  • Identify critical skills needed in the local workforce to support business growth.
  • Work with workforce development organizations to create programs and strategies to develop critical skills within the local workforce.
  • Create redevelopment strategies for selected brownfield sites.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Prepares and maintains a database containing the various local, State and Federal economic development incentives.
  • Coordinates and implements the objectives of the Urban Enterprise
Association.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Minimum of 4-year college degree in Economics, Urban Planning, Political Science, Public Administration or Business Administration.
  • Master’s Degree strongly desired.
  • Minimum of 4 years comparable experience with a Master’s Degree counting as an equivalent of 2 years’ experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Knowledge of public sector financing including: tax incremental financing, tax abatement and industrial development bonds.
  • Strong writing skills as required for preparing grants, project reports and general correspondence.
  • Financial management skills including spreadsheet preparation and knowledge of general accounting procedures.
  • Knowledge of real estate development including creating and evaluating project pro formas, property acquisition, zoning, site planning and subdivision process.
POST OFFER TESTING REQUIREMENTS
  • The City of Elkhart is a Drug Free Workplace. Therefore, successfully passing a post offer drug screen is required (random drug testing may be conducted after employment).
  • Background checks producing acceptable BMV and criminal history reports required.
POLICY STATEMENT
  • The incumbent is required to possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities, and the physical, mental, and visual skills described in this job description to perform the principal duties, responsibilities and essential job functions.
  • This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent. Principal duties and responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job and other duties and responsibilities include those that are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of this job.
  • This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employee holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by the Mayor. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.
EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I have read and understand all of the above. I have reviewed the duties and responsibilities for which I am responsible, as well as the minimum requirements of this position, with my supervisor. I understand that this document does not create an employment contract, and the above declarations are not intended to be an “all-inclusive” list of the duties and responsibilities of the job described. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job.
EMPLOYEE FULL NAME
DATE
EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE
DATE

What City Of Elkhart (Indiana) employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply