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Economic Development Director Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Human Agency

Own direct sales of services and productized solutions: source leads, qualify opportunities, close ... A dashboard tying BD activity to revenue and unit economics. Success metrics * Pipeline coverage ...

Unbound

Marketing Director

Kansas City, KS · On-site

We build relationships of mutual respect that bridge cultural, religious, and economic divides ... With a focus on innovation, team development, and continuous improvement, the Marketing Director ...

Unbound

Marketing Director

Kansas City, KS

We build relationships of mutual respect that bridge cultural, religious, and economic divides ... With a focus on innovation, team development, and continuous improvement, the Marketing Director ...

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All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Director JobsEconomic Development Director Jobs in Kansas

Economic Development Director information

See Kansas salary details

$43.3K

$110.5K

$180.2K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Kansas is $110,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,800.00 and $136,900.00 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 Kansas? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Kansas are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Kansas? For Economic Development Director jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Kansas look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Kansas are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Economic Development Director jobs near you
Economic Development & Tax System Director - FINANCE

Economic Development & Tax System Director - FINANCE

Sedgwick County

Wichita, KS • On-site

$89K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Sedgwick County rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

527th of 692 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Department:  CFO Office 

Job ID: 13016

Pay:  $89,645.00 annually  

Work Schedule: 8 to 5; Monday to Friday  

Sedgwick County offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes health coverages, paid leave, regular compensation reviews, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.  For more detailed information, please visit our benefits page at SCBenefits.

Serves as liaison and coordinator between County Finance, elected and appointed officials, and Information Technology departments responsible for elements of the ad valorem tax system and land records processes.  Oversees the economic development activities of the County and provides objective analysis regarding economic development activities' impact on ad valorem taxes for Sedgwick County and component units.

Coordinate the workflows, processes and priorities for tasks and responsibilities across departments and offices for property tax administration

  • Develop and maintain expertise on ad valorem tax process and land record management
  • Maintain effective and collaborative relationships with offices conducting work associated with the County's tax system
  • Manage competing interests for resource allocation, software fixes, and upgrades
  • Preserve and utilize technical and personnel resources in most efficient and effective manner

Oversee economic development activities of the County and supervise the Economic Development Analyst

  • Develop and maintain expertise of Federal, State, and local economic development program and incentive statutes, regulations, and rules
  • Ensure Economic Development Analyst is aware of expectations and hold them accountable
  • Work with City of Wichita staff to ensure alignment of joint economic development policy guidelines
  • Maintains effective relationships with Greater Wichita Partnership and other regional economic development partners
  • Oversee alignment of economic development incentives or funding requests with Commission priorities
  • Administer the County's established Foreign Trade Zone
  • Work with businesses in the County to facilitate discussion with proper regional partners
  • Hold entities receiving County incentives accountable to their agreement terms

Identifies, reviews, and tracks pending legislation and coordinates regional economic development initiatives and provides comment and analysis to legislature, County Commissioners, or senior county management

  • Compile, analyze and interpret information from multiple databases and time periods for management decision making, impact on County finances, and financial reporting
  • Analyze and oversee the creation, administration, and evaluation of tax increment districts and similar special districts
  • Collaborate with cities, counties and other economic development organizations to promote consistent, unified approach to regional economic development
  • Communicate with and inform regional partners concerning County economic development priorities, initiatives and programs

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university. Demonstrated experience in leading the identification and implementation of enterprise-level business process improvements. At least three (3) years experience in working with land record software systems as a primary function of the position. Experience with public speaking. Or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies. Per Sedgwick County policy, this is a driving level position that requires a valid Kansas driver's license without restrictions and current proof of automobile insurance.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in leading a major software system implementation or management of a system involving multiple diverse stakeholders. Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Finance, Accounting, Public/Business Administration, Economics or other relevant field. Economic Development certificate within a Graduate Degree program; other professional-level economic development, land record management, or appraisal certifications or licenses.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. Please find more information under the following link.  Apply for a Job | Sedgwick County, Kansas

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