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Economic Development Director Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Hoosier Energy

Project Manager

Bloomington, IN · On-site

May be assigned projects within the economic development and emerging technology areas as directed * Provides project management services to coordinate planning, design engineering, procurement ...

YMCA

Program Director

Crown Point, IN · On-site

$21/hr

The Program Director is responsible for but not limited to: managing program operation, development ... Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of ...

Hoosier Energy

Project Manager

Bloomington, IN · On-site

May be assigned projects within the economic development and emerging technology areas as directed * Provides project management services to coordinate planning, design engineering, procurement ...

YMCA

Executive Director

Crown Point, IN · On-site

... development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the direction of the COO, The ... Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of ...

YMCA

Executive Director

Crown Point, IN · On-site

... development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the direction of the COO, The ... Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of ...

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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 Jul 14, 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.
Coordinator for Business Partnerships

Coordinator for Business Partnerships

EmployIndy

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$43K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
EmployIndy guides the local workforce ecosystem and makes strategic investments to remove barriers to quality employment for Marion County residents. The vision for EmployIndy is clear: for all Marion County residents to have access to services and training necessary to secure a livable wage and grow in a career that meets employer demand for talent.
The Business Partnerships Coordinator provides administrative and operational support to the Partnerships & Talent Connections team, assisting with employer partnership efforts through data entry, database maintenance, scheduling, and coordination of day-to-day activities. This role supports project management by tracking timelines, organizing documentation, and maintaining accurate records related to employer engagement and program outcomes, ensuring efficient execution of team initiatives; it is based at EmployIndy and reports to the Senior Director of Business Partnerships.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Administrative support for Partnerships and Talent Connections team. Including managing of calendars and program schedules - 30%
  • CRM Management and Data Entry - 15%
  • Managing special projects as assigned for Business Partnerships Team to include employer events and reporting - 15%
  • Management of Indiana Career Connect Requests - 10%
  • Data Management & Documentation - 10%
  • Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., career services, training, communications) to ensure successful delivery of services and alignment of employer needs with available solutions.- 15%
  • Community Engagement & Storytelling: Represent EmployIndy at community events, business forums, and workforce-related initiatives to elevate organizational visibility. Capture and share success stories from employer partnerships with the communications team to support broader outreach and impact storytelling. -5%

Equal Opportunity Employer: EmployIndy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.
Grant-Funded Employment: Employment at EmployIndy is contingent upon continued grant funding. As a nonprofit organization primarily funded by federal, state, and local government grants, as well as philanthropic partners, positions may be eliminated or employment may be terminated in the event of funding reductions, loss, or cancellation. Employment remains at-will, meaning that either the employee or the organization may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause, subject to applicable laws.
Requirements
  • High School Diploma required; some college level experience preferred
  • 1-2 years of experience program/project management experience
  • Progressive work history with increasing levels of accomplishment required
  • Familiarity with workforce development, economic development, or related industries is a plus.

Salary Description
Starting at $43,900

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