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Economic Development Director Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

$160 - $180/hr

Key elements of the role include working with development teams and economic development organizations to capture and negotiate incentives, make exemption and direct pay permit decisions, work with ...

$187 - $268/hr

The Director, Corporate Development serves as a strategic advisor and enterprise leader responsible ... Supplement with understanding of precedent market deals. • Evaluate transaction economics ...

$180 - $270/hr

Economic development * Manufacturing business development * Industrial operations or expansion ... If you are energized by building relationships, creating opportunities, and making a direct impact ...

New

$140 - $210/hr

About the Job As Director of Business Development, you will own the commercial engine that turns ... You will move between a CFO's diligence questions, a developer's project economics, and a strategic ...

New

$140 - $180/hr

THE ROLE The Director, Business Development is responsible for leading, coaching, managing and ... economic buyer, etc.) to generate interest through outbound campaigns. Must be fluent in a ...

New

$90 - $150/hr

Attend, as needed, local community, governmental, and economic development events and meetings with ... Mentor and develop direct associates, including individual professional development plans

New

$146 - $197/hr

This executive leader is responsible for directing the planning, design, funding, and ... economic development, transportation, environmental stewardship, and community resilience.

New

$149 - $182/hr

Served by an Amtrak station providing direct service all the way to Washington DC, and in close proximity to interstates 91 and 89, maintaining the momentum of the right mix of economic development ...

New

Lead the development of comprehensive evidence strategy (e.g., economic, comparative effectiveness ... Associate Director * Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MS) in Health Outcomes, Pharmacoeconomics ...

$89 - $120/hr

... development of workforce skills across all project activities and report to the Project Director ... Economic Development, Education, or a related field.* Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in ...

Showing results 41-60

Economic Development Director information

See Kentucky salary details

$42.1K

$107.6K

$175.4K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Kentucky is $107,640.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,700.00 and $133,300.00 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 Kentucky?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,640 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Senior Manager, Credits & Incentives, Tax, NA

Vantage Data Centers LLC

On-site

$160 - $180/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

## Senior Manager, Credits & Incentives, Tax, NAApplylocations: Remote - UStime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Yesterdayjob requisition id: R24184# **About Vantage Data Centers**Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.**Tax Department**The Vantage Tax department is responsible for ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations while optimizing the company's tax position through strategic planning and meticulous execution. The team handles all aspects of tax compliance, reporting, and planning for our operations across North America.Team members are dedicated to preparing and reviewing tax filings, managing tax audits, and developing tax strategies that align with business objectives. They work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to gather necessary information, ensure accurate reporting, and provide valuable tax-related insights that support informed decision-making.The department is committed to continuous improvement through ongoing education, leveraging technology, and implementing best practices in tax processes. This commitment ensures efficiency, accuracy, and compliance in all tax-related activities. By fostering a culture of integrity, collaboration, and proactive problem-solving, the Accounting Tax team plays a crucial role in maintaining the financial health and compliance of the organization.**Position Overview****This position is based remotely in the United States.**Vantage Data Centers is seeking a Senior Manager to oversee Sales Tax Incentives in North America for a highly visible and cross-functional role. This position will lead the capturing, monitoring and reporting of these incentives for new site development, construction projects, and operational sites. The right candidate will have strong expertise with Excel, including the ability to build financial models and use analysis to make recommendations that support acquisitions and other strategic decisions. Key elements of the role include working with development teams and economic development organizations to capture and negotiate incentives, make exemption and direct pay permit decisions, work with our sales tax compliance on the review of construction pay applications, monitor performance periods and requirements, complete annual and performance reports and support audits. This position requires collaboration with the New Site Development, Construction, Operations, Legal, Procurement, Accounting, and Finance teams. Frequent communication with outsourced/co-sourced tax advisors and government authorities will be necessary to keep pace with Vantage’s expansion goals and compliance or audit requirements. The ideal candidate will be an autonomous self-starter that has worked in the realm of data centers and with managing sales tax incentives and who can get results without constant direction with a professional-growth mindset that is willing to bring forth ideas that can benefit Vantage.**Essential Job Functions****Sales Tax Incentives:*** Develop and execute the company's North American sales tax incentive strategy, including identification, evaluation, prioritization and monetization of incentive opportunities that support expansion objectives.* Partner with Market Strategy, New Site Development and Site Selection teams to model state and local tax liabilities, incentives and total project economics during due diligence for prospective data center developments across the United States and Canada that influences project location and investment decisions.* Research, analyze and monitor the evolving state and local tax, economic development and incentives landscape in jurisdictions where Vantage operates or is evaluating future expansion opportunities* Lead the negotiation, implementation and administration of sales and use tax incentives, economic development incentives and related governmental agreements to maximize project value and ensure long-term compliance* Collaborate with New Site Development, Legal, Construction, Procurement, Finance, Accounting, Operations and Executive Leadership teams to structure contracts, procurement strategies and project execution plans that optimize available incentives while maintaining compliance with statutory and negotiated requirements* Serve as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders on incentive eligibility, compliance obligations, reporting requirements and risk mitigation strategies associated with incentive agreements and development projects* Support cost segregation studies and construction tax planning initiatives by coordinating with external advisors and internal teams to ensure asset classifications appropriately support sales tax exemption positions, incentive qualification requirements, audit readiness and long-term tax savings objectives.* Support tenant participation in applicable incentive programs and coordinate collection of data required for incentive compliance, reporting and audit support.* Develop and maintain processes to monitor capital investment, construction expenditures, employment commitments, wage thresholds and other performance metrics required under incentive agreements.* Prepare, review and submit annual compliance certifications, incentive performance reports, refund claims and other required filings; support governmental reviews, audits and compliance examinations.* Lead audit defense efforts related to incentive programs by maintaining supporting documentation, coordinating responses to governmental inquiries, and managing external consultants and advisors as necessary.* Partner with indirect tax compliance teams to ensure proper implementation and operational execution of sales and use tax exemptions, direct pay permits, refund opportunities, and other incentive-related tax savings strategies.* Communicate effectively with external tax advisors, economic development organizations, governmental authorities, and industry stakeholders to ensure continued compliance and maximize incentive value.* Identify opportunities to enhance incentive governance, compliance processes, data management, and reporting capabilities to support a growing portfolio of development projects.* Collaborate with the indirect tax compliance team and provide support on critical sales and use tax matters as business needs require.**Job Requirements****Education:*** Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, or a related field, is required. Master of Taxation is highly preferred.* CPA and/or CMI/CCIP designation is a requirement for this role**Experience:*** 10+ years of experience in state and local tax, economic development incentives, credits and incentives, site selection, or related tax advisory roles, including substantial experience negotiating and administering incentive agreements.* Demonstrated experience negotiating and administering large-scale sales and use tax exemptions, economic development incentives, or capital investment incentive agreements associated with data centers, manufacturing facilities, technology infrastructure, renewable energy projects, or other capital-intensive developments.* Public accounting, incentives consulting, economic development advisory or site selection consulting experience preferred.* Broad exposure to multistate and local jurisdictions* Experience in the construction industry preferred but not required.* Familiarity with Canadian GST/HST/PST taxation is preferred.**Skills:*** Confident and collaborative communicator* Proven ability to build positive and productive relationships* Strong analytical mind, problem-solving, and modeling skills are required.* Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other financial modeling tools.* Excellent attention to detail and ability to complete work accurately and in a timely manner.* Self-starter with the agility to operate independently in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.* Demonstrates executive presence and effective communication skills.* Professional-growth mindset with a willingness to bring forth ideas that can benefit Vantage.* Travel required is expected to be up to 5% but may increase over time as the business evolves.**Physical Demands and Special Requirements**The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.**Additional Details*** Salary Range: $160,000 -$180,000 Base + Bonus (this range is based on Colorado market data and may vary in other locations)* This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long-term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits.* Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown.#LI-CD1 #LI-RemoteWe operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity EmployerVantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.We’ll be accepting applications for at least one week from the date this role is posted. If you're interested, we encourage you to apply soon—we’re excited to find the right person and will keep the role open until we do! #J-18808-Ljbffr