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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 · On-site

$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 30, 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 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,823 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

STEM/Advanced Manufacturing Career Navigator

Fairfield County ESC

Lancaster, OH

Other

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

The Fairfield County ESC in collaboration with the Worforce Center and Fairfeld County school districts are seeking qualified applicants to expand career navigation services throughout the county with a priority of supporting students in exploring STEM related fields, specifically advanced manufacturing, in order to support increasing student engagement in STEM-based careers. The successful applicant will be hired and employed by the Fairfield County ESC but work under the direction of the economic development director and deputy director. If you have questions in regards to the position, please contact Will Kirby, Assistant Superintendent, at wkirby@fairfieldesc.org or at 740-653-3193 x5225. The position is full time and FLSA exempt. This is funded through a multi-year Rural Post-Secondary Economic Development grant awarded to Ohio University and the Fairfield County ESC.



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