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Economic Development Director Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Director of Development is responsible for managing the development and execution of ... Bachelor's degree in real estate development, business administration, economics, finance or ...

Associate Gift Officer

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

This position reports to the Director of Economic Development, Fundraising. Essential Functions (Essential functions are the primary duties/major job responsibilities that an employee must be able to ...

Major Gift Officer

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

$250K/yr

... economic development across Detroit. About the Opportunity As a Major Gift Officer you will design ... Provide reports to be used by the Fund Development Director to communicate to stakeholders at ...

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Economic Development Director information

See Michigan salary details

$42.3K

$108K

$176.1K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Michigan is $108,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $133,800.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Michigan? For Economic Development Director jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,020 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Director, Development

Ilitch

Detroit, MI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:

The Director of Development is responsible for managing the development and execution of development. This position manages the underwriting, entitlements, incentives, capital structure, design and development of both ground-up and adaptive projects consistent with the company's overall development and investment objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with senior leadership to shape and implement the overall development strategy for the District Detroit and other future opportunities.

  • Provide strategic leadership across all development disciplines, including parking, highest-and-best-use analysis, development strategy, due diligence, entitlements, capital structure, design, and construction.

  • Oversee the creation and management of development concepts, plans, and budgets to ensure all projects are delivered on schedule and within budget, directing the full development and construction lifecycle from approval through turnover to Operations.

  • Manage the acquisition and execution of new ground-up developments as well as the upgrade and rehabilitation of existing sites.

  • Utilize expertise and understanding of the development process to lead internal and external consultants throughout the pre-development, entitlement, financing, due diligence, and construction phases.

  • Manage ongoing public financing opportunities, obligations and covenants and ensure alignment with the overall development strategy.

  • Liaise with public and private community stakeholders; government officials and company leadership.

  • Participate in the preparation and presentation to committee members to ensure understanding of the project, the potential value creation, potential risks, budget and design.

  • Provide leadership in capital deployment and deal structuring, including debt, equity, joint ventures, and other strategic capital approaches.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Bachelor's degree in real estate development, business administration, economics, finance or related field.

  • 10 years minimum of commercial real estate development sector related experience

  • Knowledge of the local Downtown Detroit real estate market

  • Proven track record of developing projects through completion.

  • Thorough overall understanding of real estate strategies, planning, development, construction, transactions and project management.

  • Solid understanding of real estate finance.

  • Demonstrated understanding of the acquisition and due diligence process, including entitlements, zoning, environmental issues and incentives.

  • Highly persuasive and credible to earn trust of peers, public and private stakeholders and company ownership/leadership.

  • Strong leadership, planning, management and organizational experience.

  • Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously with minimal supervision.

  • Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement processes and plans.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including excellent presentation skills.

Working Conditions:

  • This position will work in an office environment and will visit outdoor locations and travel occasionally.

The above is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions and the essential requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all supplemental duties, responsibilities or nonessential requirements. Olympia Development has the right to change, modify, suspend, interrupt or cancel in whole or in part any job functions outlined in a job description at any time and without advance notice to the employee.

All items listed above are illustrative and not comprehensive. They are not contractual in nature and are subject to change at the discretion of Olympia Development of Michigan.

Olympia Development of Michigan is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to that individual's race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.


The Company will strive to provide reasonable accommodations to permit qualified applicants who have a need for an accommodation to participate in the hiring process (e.g., accommodations for a job interview) if so requested.

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