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Economic Development Director Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

NEON

Director of Development

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Who We Are The Northside Economic Opportunity Network's (NEON) mission is to build wealth for low ... The Director of Development is expected to be devoted to the best-in-class fundraising, development ...

Brainerd Lakes Economic Development Corporation

Be Seen First

Human Resources Director

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

The Human Resources Director provides daily direction and oversight to operational aspects of Human ... Company Description Brainerd Lakes Economic Development Corporation is helping to hire this ...

Posted today

Brainerd Lakes Economic Development Corporation

Be Seen First

Human Resources Director

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

The Human Resources Director provides daily direction and oversight to operational aspects of Human ... Company Description Brainerd Lakes Economic Development Corporation is helping to hire this ...

Posted today

New Ulm

Maintenance Technician (Part-Time)

New Ulm, MN

$17.72 - $20.95/hr

General Description Under the general direction of the Economic Development Director, the Maintenance Technician is responsible for custodial and ground maintenance of residential properties owned or ...

Gofractional

Interim IEM Executive Director

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$137.76 - $344.40/hr

... economic development organizations. * Represent IEM with external stakeholders and serve as a ... The Interim Executive Director will lead the development of: * A 3-5 year strategic positioning and ...

New

Gofractional

Interim IEM Executive Director

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$137.76 - $344.40/hr

... economic development organizations. * Represent IEM with external stakeholders and serve as a ... The Interim Executive Director will lead the development of: * A 3-5 year strategic positioning and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Director JobsEconomic Development Director Jobs in Minnesota

Economic Development Director information

See Minnesota salary details

$47.5K

$121.4K

$197.8K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Minnesota is $121,382.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,700.00 and $150,300.00 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 Minnesota? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Minnesota? For Economic Development Director jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,382 per year, or $58.4 per hour.

Community Development Director - Brooklyn Center

Minnesota City Jobs

Brooklyn Center, MN

$135K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

State Of Minnesota rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 170 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 50 rated states

Job description

Job Posting Reporting to the City Manager, the Community Development Director provides leadership and oversight for the Community Development Department (Planning, Economic Development, Housing and Community Standards, and Building). The Director develops strategic and tactical recommendations for the City Council, Economic Development Authority (EDA), Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), Planning Commission, and Housing Commission. The Director works on issues, initiatives, and programs related to economic development and redevelopment, land use, zoning, building permits and inspections, code enforcement, and housing related matters.

Recommendations must reflect the diverse needs of our community and advance equitable outcomes. The Director implements policy decisions and administers approved programs city-wide. This role also cultivates strong, trusting relationships with City staff, residents, neighborhoods, businesses, community organizations, partner agencies, and other community stakeholders to advance the City's community development goals.

Learn more and apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/brooklyncenter.

What State Of Minnesota employees say

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About State of Minnesota

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Minnesota State Demographic Center (SDC), part of the Minnesota Department of Administration, is the main provider of demographic data and analysis for the state of Minnesota. The SDC assists policymakers, state and local governments, businesses, nonprofits, the media, and all Minnesotans locate and understand the demographic data they need to make smart decisions.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1967

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