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Economic Development Director Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Dexterra

Corporate Development Director

Medina, OH

Job Purpose The Corporate Development Director leads enterprise-wide growth initiatives across ... Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination ...

Dexterra

Corporate Development Director

Medina, OH · On-site

Job Purpose The Corporate Development Director leads enterprise-wide growth initiatives across ... Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination ...

Miamioh

Director of Urban Partnership

Oxford, OH · On-site +1

$110K/yr

Job Title Director of Urban Partnership Department Thrive Worker Type Regular Pay Type Salary ... Experience in higher education, economic development, or urban community initiatives. * Experience ...

City of Akron

Deputy Director of Law

Akron, OH

... economic development and labor relations to infrastructure projects, utilities matters, local ... Director of Law, Cabinet, Council, and other senior leadership Oversight of major litigation ...

JobsOhio

Sites Development Coordinator

Columbus, OH

$42K - $56K/yr

Economic development is about creating a place where companies can thrive, and individuals can ... the Director and Sites Team: * Creates, runs, and delivers accurate and timely reports for the ...

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All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Director JobsEconomic Development Director Jobs in Ohio

Economic Development Director information

See Ohio salary details

$46.1K

$117.8K

$192K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Ohio is $117,823.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,100.00 and $145,900.00 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 Ohio? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Ohio? For Economic Development Director jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $117,823 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

Economic Development Officer

City of Oberlin, OH

Oberlin, OH • On-site

$76K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Salary : $76,060.00 - $85,000.00 Annually
Location : 85 South Main Street, Oberlin, OH
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 0
Department: Administration
Opening Date: 05/13/2026
General Statement of Duties
The Economic Development Officer supports business growth, retention, and attraction in the City of Oberlin by coordinating efforts among local and regional partners, assisting businesses with available programs and services, and improving access to development information. The Economic Development Officer will provide support in identifying grant and other funding sources for projects and assist in grant writing. This position serves as a key connector between the City, businesses, educational institutions, and economic development organizations to advance job creation and strengthen the local economy. This position works with and advises City staff on ways to improve Oberlin's business climate and utility customer base.
The Economic Development Officer shall function with a high degree of independence. They shall utilize sound professional judgment, demonstrate planning and organizational skills to establish and manage priorities and programs for their functional area. The Economic Development Officer shall be committed to the mission, vision and values of the City and demonstrate ethical conduct, community stewardship, individual initiative and responsive service. The Economic Development Officer shall demonstrate effective performance through clear, concise communication; collaboration; proper allocation and utilization of resources; sound decision-making; personal accountability; and responsibility.
Primary Job Duties
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for established businesses and businesses seeking to start, expand, or locate in Oberlin
  • Coordinate with local, regional, and state economic development organizations
  • Assist existing businesses with job creation programs, workforce initiatives, and available resources
  • Maintain regular communication with the business community to understand needs and opportunities
  • Guide new and expanding businesses through City processes, including permitting and regulatory requirements
  • Coordinate with City departments to streamline development and problem-solving
  • Provide clear, customer-focused support to reduce barriers to investment
  • Develop and maintain a database of available commercial, office, and industrial properties
  • Track development activity, business trends, and key economic indicators
  • Prepare reports and updates for the City Manager and City Council
  • Work closely with the City staff and external consultants on economic development plans and strategies
  • Support implementation of the City's Comprehensive Plan and other adopted plans
  • Identify opportunities for redevelopment, business growth, and partnerships
  • Serve as a liaison to business groups, chambers of commerce, and regional development partners
  • Represent the City at meetings, events, and collaborative initiatives
  • Help develop and promote Oberlin as a business-friendly community

Minimum Qualifications
Must possess Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Public Administration, Planning, Business, Economics, or related field with a minimum of five (5) years of diverse and progressively responsible experience in community and/or economic development; or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the skills and abilities necessary to perform the job. Must have working knowledge and familiarity with small business support programs, workforce development programs, and real estate. Must demonstrate experience in partnership building, grant writing, and business development. Must have strong research and analytical skills. Valid State of Ohio driver's license required.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Knowledge of economics, planning, recruitment, real estate, municipal operations, finance and services, including public sector procurement procedures as they relate to development
  • Knowledge of local, state, and federal grant procurement and administration processes
  • Knowledge of contemporary principles and practices for economic development administration, including leadership ability and strategic planning experience
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and standards governing the delivery of relevant planning, development and building services.
  • Knowledge of budget planning, development, and monitoring practices
  • Strong administrative skills to plan, analyze, develop, direct, and evaluate programs, administrative policies and organizational structures
  • Leadership skills necessary to accomplish organizational change in a highly traditional work environment
  • Superior interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information clearly in reports and public presentations, to facilitate meetings, and to organize people
  • Ability to strategically coordinate development activities, and to manage multiple projects concurrently
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the business and industrial community, developers, elected officials, educational institutions, local, regional and state economic development officials, advisory boards, City employees, professional peers and the public
  • Ability to perform duties and responsibilities in a manner which reflects professional judgment, appearance, and in conformance with high ethical standards and integrity
  • Ability to anticipate problems and to investigate, analyze and effectively resolve problems and conflicts
  • Ability to multi-task and perform with evolving priorities
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive issues with discretion and sound judgment

The City of Oberlin offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. Please click for more information.
01
Are you related to any current City of Oberlin employee or elected official?
  • Yes
  • No

02
If you are related to a current employee or elected official, indicate the name(s) and relationship to you:
03
Have you ever been previously employed at the City of Oberlin?
  • Yes
  • No

04
If yes, when were you previously employed by the City of Oberlin and in what position?
05
Do you currently possess a valid Driver's License?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Please indicate years experience in a similar position.
  • 1-3 Years
  • 3-5 Years
  • 5-10 Years
  • 10 Plus Years
  • None

Required Question

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