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Economic Development Director Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

City of Stow, OH

Deputy Director of Planning & Development

OH · On-site

$35.65 - $47.15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

Assists the Director of Planning and Development in managing the planning and zoning functions of the Department and coordinates the economic development plans, programs and services. Supports the ...

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City of Green Ohio

2026 Director of Planning

Uniontown, OH · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

The Planning Department responsibilities are completed by a team of nine (9) employees reporting to this position which includes an assistant director, community development, economic development ...

City of Green

2026 Director of Planning

Uniontown, OH · On-site

DIRECTOR OF PLANNING City of Green, OH (pop. 27,299). The City of Green (Green, OH | Official ... Manage economic development functions including, Enterprise Zone program, Tax Increment Financing ...

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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 Aug 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 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 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 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 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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,823 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

Economic Development and Planning Manager

Montgomery County

Dayton, OH • On-site

$102K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Position Overview Management level in community and economic development under general management guidance of the Director of Community & Economic Development requiring extensive knowledge of economic development programs, regulations, business, public administration in order to administer and coordinate development incentive programs, county-wide and regional business retention and expansion program, manage the site and building inventory for Montgomery County and supervise Economic Development and Planning staff. Performs the material and substantial duties of the classification more than 50% of the time. Summary of Job Duties Provides overall direction of economic development division and planning commission, develops plans, policies and procedures to facilitate implementation of program initiatives and services, develops priority goals and objectives, prepares and monitors budgets, evaluates programs and provides technical assistance and interpretation of applicable federal and state guidelines, regulations and procedures, implements needed changes in plans and policies, procedures and programs as Planning Manager of Montgomery County Planning Commission and primary assistant to the Community and Economic Development Director.

Exercises administrative responsibility for budget, fiscal control, and program evaluation, provides technical advice internally and to high level corporate and government officials, promotes and plans programs, development, and implementation, acts as principal liaison person with agencies, officials and groups (e.g., maintains and promotes utilization of county-wide building and site inventory, coordinates countywide and regional business retention and expansion program ensuring that business intelligence is put into customer relationship database by staff,, establishes and maintains contact with all county jurisdictions, corporate officials and site consultants, conducts regular business site-visits), supervises Economic Development and Planning staff. Manages and administers projects and programs as assigned by department director, assists in policy formulation, provides data and disseminates information to government and/or businesses concerning programs, regulations and requirements, prepares reports and maintains records, represents director at meetings, conferences and seminars as assigned, conducts meetings, seminars and speaks to business groups. (Performs Related Duties as Required) Minimum Qualifications and Requirements Completion of undergraduate and/or graduate major program course work in business administration, economics, public administration and four (4) years related experience in government or non-profit economic development working directly with business or two and one-half (2 ) years management experience in a government or non-profit economic development organization, including substantial knowledge of development incentives; OR alternative, equivalent evidence of the Minimum Class Requirements

Supplemental Information Driving Requirement: Must maintain a current, valid United States driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Training and Development: N/A Unusual Working Conditions May require overseas travel.

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