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Economic Development Director Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

JobRx, Inc.

Director, Process Development

Riverview, MI · On-site

$150 - $190/hr

... economic use of the resources. * Develops process research & development project plans in ... Working with Analytical Development, direct the development of "in-process methods" to monitor ...

New

TechTown Detroit

Major Gift Officer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$250K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

TechTown Detroit

Major Gift Officer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$250K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

FIRST MERCHANTS

Director, Debt Capital Markets

Monroe, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Contribute to the development of marketing/collateral material for Debt Capital Markets. * Utilize ... Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, economics, finance, marketing ...

TechTown Detroit

Major Gift Officer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$250K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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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Showing results 21-40

All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Director JobsEconomic Development Director Jobs in Michigan

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 Aug 17, 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 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.

More about Economic Development Director jobs

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 job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Michigan are:

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

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

Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,020 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Advocacy & Development Fellow

Michigan Black Business Alliance

Detroit, MI • On-site

$18/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

About MBBA
The Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA) is the leading voice for Black entrepreneurship in Michigan. Our mission is to help close the racial wealth gap by advocating for policies, creating programs, and building partnerships that lead to thriving, profitable Black-owned businesses. Through bold leadership, cultural connection, and intentional systems-building, we connect Black businesses to capital, resources, and opportunity.

Position Summary
The Advocacy & Development Fellow supports MBBA’s external affairs work across policy research and advocacy, fundraising and grant development, and external partnerships. This is a hands-on role for a college student, graduate student, law student, or recent graduate who wants substantive experience in public policy, nonprofit development, stakeholder engagement, and economic development while working directly with the Director of External Affairs. This is a 10-month position from August 2026 - May 2027. 

Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct research on policy issues affecting Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, including local / state legislation, ordinances, regulations, and economic-development issues.
  • Assist with drafting policy memos, briefing documents, ordinance summaries, legislative talking points, one-page briefs, and plain-language policy materials for non-expert audiences.
  • Maintain and update MBBA’s policy tracker by monitoring relevant bills, ordinances, and policy developments at the city and state levels.
  • Support policy efforts by developing surveys, preparing policy communications, and assisting with events such as legislative meetings, community forums, and advocacy convenings.
  • Conduct prospect research to identify foundation, corporate, and government funding opportunities aligned with MBBA’s mission and priorities.
  • Assist with first drafts of grant applications, letters of inquiry, funding proposals, and grant-reporting narratives; help gather data and supporting documentation for submissions.
  • Maintain grants and development tracking tools, including prospect lists, funding deadlines, reporting requirements, and relevant relationship notes.
  • Support MBBA’s external relationship management with elected officials, corporate partners, CDFIs, community organizations, and other stakeholders by preparing meeting materials, tracking follow-up items, and researching prospective partners.
  • Assist with drafting partnership proposals, collaboration materials, stakeholder communications, and other external-facing documents as assigned.

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH
You’ll report to the Director of External Affairs and collaborate with team members across MBBA’s programs, membership, operations, finance, and administrative functions. The role will also provide exposure to elected officials, funders, corporate partners, community organizations, and other external stakeholders as appropriate.

Qualifications
  • Currently pursuing or recently completed an undergraduate or graduate degree in political science, public policy, public administration, law, nonprofit management, communications, economic development, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Strong research, writing, and communication skills, with the ability to synthesize information and write clearly for multiple audiences.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and comfort managing multiple projects and deadlines at once.
  • Demonstrated interest in policy, advocacy, fundraising, economic development, nonprofit work, or community-based organizations.
  • Comfortable with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office; experience with spreadsheets, project-management tools, grant research, or policy tracking is a plus.
  • Self-directed, curious, and comfortable conducting research independently while asking questions when additional context or direction is needed.
  • Sound judgment and professionalism when working with organizational information and external stakeholders.
  • Familiarity with Detroit or Michigan’s policy landscape, city government, or community and economic-development ecosystem is a plus.
  • Genuine interest in Black entrepreneurship, economic development, and MBBA’s mission.
  • Detroit-based and able to work in-person throughout the fellowship.

MBBA is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. We encourage you to learn more about the MBBA's mission and programs at https://blackbizalliance.com

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