ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Economic Development Director Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Cuyahoga DD

Director, Community Development

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

... director to develop and execute Community Development departmental structure, policy, and program ... economic or political affiliation. Compassion, trust, and mutual respect are at the core of our ...

New

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 ...

City of Akron, OH

Deputy Director of Law

Akron, OH · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Deputy Director Law 2026 Department: Law Department Opening Date: 07/01/2026 Definition This is an ... Economic development projects, development agreements, and public-private partnerships * Active ...

Sodexo

Director, Product Development (Food)

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You'll lead the development of cutting-edge recipes and offerings, manage a diverse product ... We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic ...

New

Sodexo

Director, Product Development (Food)

Cleveland, OH

$115K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You'll lead the development of cutting-edge recipes and offerings, manage a diverse product ... We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic ...

New

Ohio Department of Taxation

Loan Officer

Columbus, OH · On-site

... Direct Loan, Collateral Enhancement, Ohio Micro Loan, Women's Business Enterprise Loan, and CDFI ... Economic development/business development experience helpful. * Excellent written, verbal and ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

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 20, 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.

Staff Attorney- Housing and Community Economic Development

Advocates for Basic Legal Equality

Dayton, OH • On-site

$68K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Position Available:
STAFF ATTORNEY
Housing and Community Economic Development
Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) is a regional non-profit law firm. Our mission is to pursue justice and equity, facilitate access to opportunities for people with low incomes through passionate legal representation, and provide steadfast advocacy for systemic reform. ABLE is affiliated with Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO), also a regional non-profit law firm that provides legal assistance.
Job Summary:
The HCED Practice Group takes a community lawyering approach to litigation and policy advocacy by providing legal support to neighborhood residents seeking to build healthy, economically vibrant communities and advocating for - and with - tenants and tenant organizations to enforce and enact housing laws. The Staff Attorney will work with attorneys, paralegals, community organizers, and social workers to provide direct legal assistance to communities targeted to address challenges of low-income residents and empower them to bring about positive change. ABLE's service area covers 32 counties in western Ohio. We aim to uplift client voices in our advocacy, utilizing community and movement lawyering, litigation, policy advocacy, individual legal services, and community organizing.
This position will implement legal strategies designed to improve neighborhoods, increase opportunities for healthy housing and economic viability, and expand and protect tenants' rights across ABLE's service area. If you want to use your legal skills to challenge the policies and practices that perpetuate poverty and racial injustice and join a team of similarly motivated staff, then we encourage you to apply.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned):
  • Engage client communities and address identified legal needs to alleviate poverty and address systemic racism in targeted neighborhoods
  • Collaborate and advocate with impacted community members to further issues identified by community leaders, using community lawyering approach.
  • Provide high-quality legal assistance to eligible clients through advice, counsel, negotiation, litigation, administrative representation, and community education.
  • Maintain a good working knowledge of procedures for federal, state, and local courts and administrative agencies.
  • Develop a strong understanding of substantive laws relevant to assigned practice groups.
  • Handle a reasonable volume of cases and advocacy projects commensurate with skill and experience.
  • Actively participate in practice group initiatives to implement Strategic Advocacy Initiatives.
  • Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with courts, bar associations, community partners, and other stakeholders.
  • Assist in resolving complaints and grievances from applicants and clients.
  • Complete required administrative tasks, including time records and case reports.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned

SCOPE & IMPACT:
The Staff Attorney plays a critical role in advancing ABLE's mission by providing legal representation to vulnerable communities, advocating for systemic change, and promoting equal justice and opportunity.
The successful candidate must have the following skills and experience:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
  • Licensed to practice law in Ohio or eligible for admission by motion, temporary certification, or passage of the next bar examination.
  • Strong commitment to ABLE's mission, Strategic Advocacy Initiatives, and poverty law.
  • Excellent legal, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment, initiative, and professionalism.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
  • Experience in interagency cooperation, collaboration, and community engagement.
  • Familiarity with movement lawyering and community lawyering models.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • May supervise paralegals or legal assistants as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • Work is performed in a normal office environment.
  • Requires frequent sitting, keyboarding, and face-to-face or phone communication.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable.
  • May require walking several blocks or overnight travel.
  • New staff are required to work in the office full-time during their first 90 days of employment. Following this onboarding period, a hybrid work schedule is available with a minimum of two in-office days per week.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND WORK LOCATION:
ABLE is committed to providing an equitable work environment, including a commitment to pay equity. The annual salary range for this position starts at $68,000.00. ABLE offers comprehensive fringe benefits, including health insurance, annual leave, sick leave, supplemental language compensation, loan repayment assistance for attorneys through the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation and paid parental leave. This position is based out of our Dayton, Ohio office.
OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the incumbent for this job. ABLE can revise or eliminate the requirements and responsibilities of this position at any time to reflect its needs and objectives. ABLE will notify affected employees of any changes and the effective date of such changes.
TO APPLY: Please visit https://www.ablelaw.org/careers-with-able to submit your application. The position will remain open until it is filled.
ABLE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create an environment welcoming to all individuals. Applicants requiring accommodation for the interview/application process should contact the recruitment coordinator at hrteam@ablelaw.org.

Apply