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Economic Development Director Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

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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 26, 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.

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 cities in Ohio are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
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.
Economic Development Specialist

Economic Development Specialist

Duke Energy

Cincinnati, OH

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Duke Energy rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 165 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 86 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Important Application Submission Information

In order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Saturday, July 25, 2026More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives.

Build an exciting, rewarding career with us - help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

Job Summary

The Economic Development Specialist supports electric and natural gas growth across Duke Energy's Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky service territory. This role provides administrative, operational, and project coordination support to the economic development team and helps advance projects that drive economic growth, job creation, and investment in the communities we serve.

Working with internal business partners and external stakeholders, including economic development organizations, site consultants, and community leaders, the Specialist coordinates project activities, manages customer and stakeholder requests, analyzes and maintains project information, and supports communication throughout the project lifecycle. Success in this role requires strong organizational and project management skills, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, and the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously.

Responsibilities
  • Assist in cultivating and maintaining positive relationships with local, regional, and state economic development organizations, site consultants, and other key stakeholders to support Duke Energy's economic development objectives.

  • Support economic development project activity coordination and site readiness programs by responding timely to project requests, organizing/attending meetings to support project progression, tracking timelines and project milestones, maintaining accurate project documentation, and collaborating with stakeholders to help move opportunities from lead generation through project completion and public announcement.

  • Collaborate with internal and external organizations departments to help gather information, coordinate tasks, and support project requirements, utilizing effective communication and relationship-building skills to contribute to stakeholder alignment and project success.

  • Provide assistance for both electric and gas project management activities on economic development initiatives, including supporting documentation, coordinating meetings, and monitoring timelines as directed by project managers.

  • Help promote Duke Energy's economic development programs by responding to community inquiries and ensuring local partners are aware of available resources to encourage sustainable growth and long-term community vitality.

  • Work closely with team members to address operational needs and contribute to the ongoing improvement and implementation of economic development policies and procedures by providing feedback and supporting process updates.

  • Support development and delivery of presentations, trainings, and informational materials to internal and external audiences on economic development programs, utility services, and factors influencing business location and expansion decisions.

Basic/Required Qualifications
  • Bachelors degree

  • (3) years minimum required related work experience

  • In lieu of Bachelors degree(s) AND 3 year(s) related work experience listed above, Associates AND 5 year(s) related work experience

Desired Qualifications
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.

  • Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple projects, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

  • Skilled in preparing reports, maintaining documentation, analyzing information, and developing recommendations to support business objectives.

  • Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to build productive relationships and provide responsive support.

  • Familiarity with economic development practices and organizations at the local, regional, and state levels in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.

  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify solutions, coordinate resources, and help advance complex projects.

  • Proven ability to work collaboratively in team environments, contribute to shared goals, and take initiative to coordinate activities and drive results.

  • Ability to facilitate discussions, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and support successful project outcomes.

Working Conditions
  • Field Mobility Classification - Work will be performed in various field locations, as needed, after the onboarding period. However, field employees are required to live within a reasonable daily commute to their assigned work location

  • The selected candidate can sit anywhere within the Ohio/Kentucky service territory aligned to a Duke Energy facility.

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Travel Requirements

15-25%Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)NoRepresented/Union PositionNoVisa Sponsored PositionNo. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.
Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.

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About Duke Energy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. Our electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Our natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Our company employs 28,000 people.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

1904