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Economic Development Director Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

State of Indiana

Director, Budgeting

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$80K - $93K/yr

About the Indiana Economic Development Corporation : Bring your biggest and boldest ideas to life ... The Director of Budgeting is responsible for the IEDC's fiscal planning and budget operations ...

State of Indiana

Director, Budgeting

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$80K - $93K/yr

About the Indiana Economic Development Corporation : Bring your biggest and boldest ideas to life ... The Director of Budgeting is responsible for the IEDC's fiscal planning and budget operations ...

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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 Jul 13, 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 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $117,931 per year, or $56.7 per hour.
Fulton Economic Development Corporation Executive Director

Fulton Economic Development Corporation Executive Director

Wabash Valley Power

Rochester, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Company Description

About Us

Fulton County is centrally located between Chicago and Indianapolis. The region boasts a dedicated workforce, a vibrant agriculture industry and strong manufacturing base. Known for a friendly environment, outdoor recreational opportunities and rich history, Fulton County is ready to grow.

FEDCO works closely with city/county government, schools, and local businesses to create an environment that supports success. 

Job Description

The Executive Director will have the primary responsibility, on behalf of the Board, to develop and implement programs and initiatives designed to retain existing industries and encourage their expansion and promote new enterprises to locate in the area. The Executive Director is authorized to make the requisite expenditure and take whatever actions are necessary to carry out the board-authorized work plan within the budget approved for such activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

The following is a general outline of duties to be performed by the Executive Director. The Executive Director will:

  1. Be responsible for daily operations of Fulton Economic Development Corporation to include responsibility for staff operations (i.e. staff training, recruitment and compensation). The Executive Director will make staffing recommendations to the Board.
  2. Provide leadership, information, and give direction to the Board.
  3. Maintain a close working relationship with the governing bodies of the City and County to ensure continued CEDIT funding for the Fulton Economic Development Corporation. 
  4. Work with City and County officials to find creative and impactful ways to assist existing and future businesses.
  5. Maintain an outreach program that will include contact and interaction with participating agencies, industrial brokers, utilities, Chambers of Commerce, industrial departments of railroads, engineering and consulting firms, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Area Plan Commission, Regional Planning Council, Fulton County Tourism Commission, institutions of higher learning and state, national and other industrial development personnel and organizations.
  6. Maintain continual contact with existing businesses within Fulton County to identify needs, concerns, and barriers to growth.
  7. Maintain an assistance program to existing local business which may include technical advice, help in locating financial assistance, grant writing, incentive assistance, and other types of assistance as needed.
  8. Establish and maintain a community inventory including database, but not limited to: available development sites, labor market trends and capabilities, transportation linkages, long-term and short-term financing, utilities, educational opportunities, and other community information required to create an updated data bank.
  9. Maintain continual contact with selected industries and businesses, that might be interested in relocating or starting operations in Fulton County.
  10. Provide all necessary information and any assistance possible to firms seeking an area site for their operations.
  11. Respond to prospect inquiries and maintain continued contact with prospects through communications and/or personal contact as appropriate.
  12. Develop and maintain an effective public relations program.
  13. Create and maintain a cohesive, team-oriented office environment.
  14. Stay thoroughly familiar with federal, state and local legislation affecting economic development.
  15. Prepare an annual work plan and budget for recommendation to the Board for approval.
  16. Be familiar with requirements of available grants. Prepare grant applications on behalf of the Board and assist employers in the submission of grant proposals and incentive applications.
Qualifications

 Essential Skills and Abilities

  1. Strong people skills.
  2. Those skills required to meet the above-listed duties.
  3. Experience in developing and adhering to annual budgets.
  4. Excellent communication skills.
  5. Work well in high pressure situations.
  6. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  7. Strong organizational skills.
    Additional Information

    Requirements and Physical Demands

    1. Minimum 40 hours per week.
    2. May require attendance at meetings and functions outside of normal business hours.
    3. Travel as required.

    All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

    Apply