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Economic Development Director Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Urban Renewal Manager

Bend, OR Β· On-site

$109K - $140K/yr

Direct, plan, organize and manage complex urban renewal and redevelopment strategies for all Bend ... Economic development, redevelopment, and community revitalization strategies * Tax increment ...

Role Summary The Director of Business Development - BTM & On‑Site BESS will lead the full ... Develop and refine commercial term structures, pricing models, and deal economics in collaboration ...

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Economic Development Director information

See Oregon salary details

$51.3K

$131K

$213.6K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Oregon is $131,033.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,600.00 and $162,300.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Oregon are:

What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Oregon?

For Economic Development Director jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Economic Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,033 per year, or $63 per hour.

Director, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) [Full-Time]

Oregon City, OR β€’ On-site

Clackamas Community College
Colleges, Universities, and Professional SchoolsΒ β€’Β 1 - 5K employees

$97K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Description Clackamas Community College (CCC) seeks to hire a Director, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) position. This is a full-time, non-union, exempt, and benefits-eligible position which is housed at the Harmony West campus, and may require some evening and weekend duties. We are interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and candidates that may be from a less traditional background.

We welcome applicants who bring a diversity of identity, culture, experience, perspective, and thought. CCC is committed to continuous improvement and innovation in support of student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to understanding and dismantling systems of oppression and to co-creating a more equitable educational system that in turn fosters a more equitable society.

We strive to be a student-ready institution that supports and partners with students to promote discovery and growth. We work to mobilize community-wide awareness and action related to the college strategic priorities and seeks to build relationships in support of community well-being. At CCC, individuals are celebrated for their experience and expertise, validated for their unique perspectives, and engaged in ways that reflect their needs and interests.

To learn more about CCC visit Leadership, Vision and Initiatives. Click here to review our compensation and benefits. PURPOSE OF POSITION The Director of Small Business Development Center plans, organizes, establishes priorities, coordinates, and provides direct oversight of the day-to-day operations of the Small Business Development Center.

This position also coordinates and collaborates with various local and statewide educational institutions, business entities, economic development agencies, and training networks in order to develop business-related counseling, education, and training programs and services. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 1. Strategic and Tactical Planning (70% of Time) 1.1

Coordinates and collaborates with various local and statewide educational institutions, business entities, economic development agencies, and training networks to develop business-related counseling, education, training programs and services (e.g., Buy Local Oregon City, local Chambers of Commerce, Business Alliances and Clackamas County Advisory groups, and Economic Development organizations in Clackamas County). 1.2. Leads the College's participation in local and regional economic development initiatives

Monitors and analyzes the business and economic climate to identify, create, and promote contemporary and relevant education programs to meet the needs of the business community, align with the State OSBDC network, and meet the goals of the College. Establishes policies and procedures to evaluate and track results. 1.3

In response to local business needs, establishes the necessary and sustainable training to equip businesses with the skills and knowledge to be successful by various forms of feedback, including surveys, evaluations, group meetings, service analysis and input from the SBDC's state SBDC network, the regional SBA office, Business Oregon, and private foundations. 1.4. Prepares and analyzes strategic plans to meet the business education needs of the small businesses in Clackamas County (there are approximately 17,000 businesses in the county - 50% have less than five employees - 80% have less than 10 employees)

1.5. Prepares an annual work plan to provide relevant training programs that create joy and wealth for small business owners. We serve between 1000 and 1200 clients a year by providing 60 to 80 training events (classes and workshops) a year

Responsible for developing training content (curriculum), teaching methods, and business advising policies and procedures. (we average 1200 free business advising hours per year). 1.6

Develops and sustains strategic partnerships with local organizations to include but not limited to: Chambers of Commerce, Business Alliances, and Economic Development Organizations in the County to align business education with their members. Director is actively involved with the Clackamas Workforce Partnership. The SBDC is the "face" of the College to the small business community and organizations serving the business community.

2. Program Management (10% of Time) 2.1. Applies for and manages grants and contracts related to the SBDC to fulfill contractual and college goals Negotiate and oversee implementation and reporting metrics of federal, state, and local grants

Maintains knowledge of and exercises judgment in the application of contract and grant terms and conditions, college policies and procedures, collective bargaining procedures, and state and federal laws and regulations. 2.2. Serves as contract liaison with the Oregon Small Business Development Center Network (OSBDCN)

Oversees, monitors, and negotiates contract performance measures with the OSBDCN. 2.3. Clackamas SBDC serves in a leadership position in the 17 SBDC's in several areas: Construction Guided Pathways, Contractors Construction Board (CCB) and Landscape Contractor Board (LCB) Certification and transition planning

Veterans programs, and Latino outreach (Clackamas is the lead center for the state to develop curriculum and business advising for the Latino community in the state). Clackamas is nationally recognized for succession planning education (Clackamas is the lead center developing farm (and other) transition planning curriculum, teaching methods aimed at adult learners over 60 years old, and business advising protocols for the state network). Clackamas is the leader in CCB and LCB business education directed to rural communities located around the State of Oregon.

3. Budgeting (10% of Time) 3.1. Prepares, manages, and analyzes area/department budgets to maintain cost-recovery status

Implements budgetary policies and procedures to meet college priorities, contractual obligations, and grant mandates. Creates tools and processes to ensure contractually required metrics, reports, and timelines are met. 3.2

Designs a financial model to meet the objectives of the College, the OSBDC network, the SBA, Business Oregon, and provides relevant, affordable, and accessible business education to people who want to start a business or to existing businesses who want to grow. The Director position is responsible for deciding what to offer, how to price it, how to teach the content, and how to provide business advising to take content and provide context for clients. The SBDC receives funding (revenues) from Clackamas CC general fund, fees charged from training events, the Small Business Administration, Business Oregon lottery funds, and grants from the CCC foundation.

4. Leadership (10% of Time) 4.1. Partners with other Directors and Department Chairs to contribute to and implement the College vision and mission, strategic priorities, and core themes

One of these core themes relates to financial viability. 4.2. Creates relevant and cost-effective training programs attractive to supplemental funding sources (e.g

additional portable grants from the SBA and grants from the CCC foundation). 4.3. Participates in College functions and activities

Qualifications We are interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We welcome applicants who bring a diversity of identity, culture, experience, perspective, and thought. We encourage you to apply, even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

You are also encouraged to address how your professional and lived experience, scholarship, teaching, mentorship and/or service will contribute to the College. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field and five years' relevant work experience, including extensive business leadership, management and supervisory experience, such as serving as a small business owner or a combination of small business ownership and direct management experience. Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties as described.

Strong understanding of revenue generation, fiscal stewardship, and long-term financial sustainability. Advanced knowledge of marketing, finance, operations, technology, management, and leadership practices applicable to small and medium size companies in various industries. Ability to exemplify traits that reflect the College's culture, including integrity, a customer service orientation, cultural competency, trustworthiness, flexibility and a willingness to change.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OR LICENSES A driver's license valid in the State of Oregon or an acceptable means of alternate transportation for travel to community partners, between campuses, and other meetings. Additional Information Application Instructions When applying for this position, you will be required to complete the NeoGov application, including work history relevant to the position and attach the following electronic documents: Resume Cover Letter explaining your interest in the position and describing how you meet the minimum qualifications and requirements of the position If applicable: Veteran and/or Oregon National Guard's preference documentation Any applications which do not have the required documents attached will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

CCC makes employment decisions based solely on the candidate's demonstrated competencies as related to successful performance in the position. Please remove all graduation and other education related dates from your application materials. For application support, please refer to this guide or contact NeoEd's support team @ 855.524.5627

Veterans' Preference Under Oregon Law, qualified Veterans and current or former Oregon National Guard members may be eligible for Veteran's preference when applying for positions with CCC. Preference will only be given if the applicant meets the minimum qualifications and any special qualifications for the position and electronically attaches the required documentation at the time of application. Disabled Veterans must also submit a copy of their Veterans' disability preference letter.

Documents Required MEMBER COPY 4 of DD Form 214 or 215 NGB Form 22 or 55 For information regarding Veteran's Preference qualifications, visit the following website: https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/Pages/veterans-preference.aspx Terms of Employment This position will be eligible to work remotely up to (2) days per week in accordance with the CCC policy. All positions at CCC are required to be available for work onsite as requested by the college and requires a flexible work schedule to meet program needs, which may include evenings and/or weekends. Those offered employment will be required to complete and sign forms before initiating the background check step

CCC employees must reside within 50 miles of Oregon City, Harmony or Wilsonville campus as a condition of employment. Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. CCC does not support employment permits or visas.

Providing false information will result in rejection of an application, employment offer or dismissal. Equal Employment Opportunity CCC is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other protected class.