1

Economic Development Director Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Economic Development Director information

See Nebraska salary details

$46.2K

$118.2K

$192.6K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Nebraska is $118,165.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,300.00 and $146,400.00 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 Nebraska? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Nebraska are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Nebraska look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Nebraska are:
What cities in Nebraska are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities in Nebraska with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Nebraska as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,165 per year, or $56.8 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

***This Job is located in Flandreau, SD***

JOB SUMMARY: The Corporate Counsel, under the interim direction of the Tribal Attorney General, will be tasked with the responsibility of advising on and advocating for economic development ventures and projects of the Tribe and its tribal businesses, including but not limited to Royal River Casino & Hotel, Native Nations Cannabis, and 605 Lending. The Corporate Counsel will work closely with business partners, consultants, vendors, elected officials, and outside legal counsel to fulfill the position’s obligations. The Corporate Counsel will also assist on other matters assigned related to his/her representation of the Tribe. This position will require knowledge of cannabis law, tribal lending, gaming, land acquisitions, and business development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • The attorney shall perform legal services as requested by the Tribe as its Corporate Counsel. The duties required of the Corporate Counsel shall be subject to the interim supervision and direction of the Attorney General before eventually being transitioned to the supervision and direction of the Tribe’s Executive Committee.

  • The Corporate Counsel will be primarily responsible for the commercial representation of the Tribe’s economic development and tribal business needs. Said legal services may include but are not limited to attendance at Board of Directors meetings and others relevant to the position, assisting with tribal business formations, mergers, and acquisitions, advising relevant parties, including the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, of applicable legal, policy, and business matters, assertion of any valid claims through appropriate legal proceedings, preparation and review of legal documents, assistance in commercial negotiations, preparation and execution of any settlement agreements, representation before appropriate agencies, tribunals, and legislative bodies, and other legal matters as may be specified by the Executive Committee.

  • Facilitate and engage in strategic planning with the Tribe’s Executive Committee and business managers to ensure their economic goals and objectives are being met or how to better reach them.

  • Advise on issues related to the Tribe’s involvement with its businesses and the governance thereof.

  • Assist in ensuring the Tribe and its tribal businesses are compliant with applicable laws and regulations.

  • Assist in mitigating the Tribe’s and its business’ overall legal risk.

  • Conduct due diligence reviews on potential and actual business transactions (and associated parties therewith) and will assist with drafting and negotiating the terms of a business transaction.

  • Manage and assist with lawsuits and other legal disputes involving the Tribe, its tribal businesses, and/or personnel in their official capacity.

  • Assist in planning, coordinating, and facilitating collaborative engagement with other Tribes and tribal businesses as requested and assigned.

  • Train, assist, and advise relevant tribal business personnel, including managers, human resources, and compliance staff, to ensure compliance with relevant tribal and federal laws and regulations.

  • Serve as the main legal point of contact on the Tribe’s economic development and tribal business expansion projects.

  • Recommend to the FSST Attorney General and Executive Committee, any revisions and amendments to the Tribe’s Codes and other codes as needed to advance the business interests of the Tribe.

  • Advising or presenting to tribal government departments, programs, committees, commissions, and other regulatory bodies as assigned.

  • Drafting legal memos, pleadings, and other correspondence as required by the Tribe and/or as assigned.

  • Identify, research, review, and advise on legal issues impacting the Tribe, its departments, programs, and businesses relevant to the position.

  • Regularly present updates to the Attorney General, Executive Committee, tribal business’ Board of Directors, managers, and relevant staff.
    This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of duties. A skilled Corporate Counsel will identify other duties that need to be completed, and other duties may be assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFCATIONS:

  • Must be a licensed attorney in good standing with the State Bar of South Dakota, or any other state bar, and can be admitted in South Dakota within three (3) months of employment.
  • Must have at least four (4) years of experience as a practicing attorney, with experience in Indian Law, Tribal Business/Economic Development, Cannabis Law, Gaming, Tribal Lending, and/or a combination thereof.
  • Must have a juris doctorate from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
  • No felony or misdemeanor convictions involving a crime of moral turpitude.
  • Must be able to efficiently utilize Microsoft Office and Westlaw.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license.

#hc248038