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Economic Development Director Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

OpenX

OR

$140K - $165K/yr

Company at a Glance OpenX is focused on unleashing the full economic potential of digital media ... OpenX is seeking a Business Development Senior Director with significant experience in the CTV and ...

Mercury Insurance Services, LLC

$94K - $179K/yr

Professional and personal development opportunities * Company recognition program * Health and wellbeing resources, including free mental wellbeing therapy/coaching sessions, child and eldercare ...

Port of Portland, OR

Maritime Economist

Portland, OR · On-site

$105K - $147K/yr

Trade & Economic Development Department: Marine Ops Opening Date: 05/20/2026 Closing Date: 6/14 ... Manages projects and conducts analyses for Directors and Senior Managers, as well as on behalf of ...

Grant Associates

Program Director

Eugene, OR

$85K - $90K/yr

Workforce Program Director #GA2026 #HP# Who We Are Our employees consistently rate Grant Associates ... development company that is passionate about raising the economic security for the people ...

Lennar

Project Manager - Land Development

Portland, OR · On-site

$74K - $140K/yr

... and directing all aspects of a community, including maintaining community schedules. This role ... Minimum 7 years in community development, redevelopment, economic development, or housing preferred ...

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All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Director JobsEconomic Development Director Jobs in Oregon

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 Jun 16, 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Economic Development Director jobs near you

Community and Economic Development Department - Economic Development Supervisor

Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments

Albany, OR • On-site

$71K - $106K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Studies have shown that candidates that are female and/or BIPOC are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all the qualifications, they find in the job description. We are seeking the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be a person who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every minimum qualification described or are unsure if your experience could be considered related experience. Bilingual English/Spanish Encouraged.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
Coordinate with the CED Director, develop and implement systems and policies, and determine procedures for economic development staff. Oversees professional economic development duties that require considerable breadth and depth of knowledge and expertise within the areas of community development, economic development, business lending and grant writing and administration.
Performs position duties in a manner that promotes customer service and harmonious working relationships, including treating all persons courteously and respectfully. Engages in effective team participation through a willingness to assist and support co-workers, supervisors, and other work-related associations. Develops good working relationships with division and agency staff and supervisors through active participation in accomplishing group projects and in identifying and resolving problems in a constructive manner. Demonstrates openness to constructive feedback and suggestions to strengthen work performance. Contributes to a positive, respectful, and productive work atmosphere. Regular attendance is required to meet the demands of this job and to provide necessary services. This position is a mandatory reporter according to statutory requirements.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
80% Supervisory Duties
  • Selects, trains, and supervises economic development staff and monitors their day-to-day assignments and workload
  • Oversees/Conducts economic development support for city agreements.
  • Collaborates with department Staff to help develop program capacity
  • Seeks opportunities to grow the economic development team to meet economic development, business lending, project management and planning needs of member agencies and the Cascades West region.
  • Leads the Cascades West Economic Development District (CWEDD) staffing and delegates tasks as appropriate.
  • Develops and manages project work programs and project budgets.
  • Oversees the preparation and administration of federal and state grant applications.
  • Advises local governments, groups, and committees regarding departmental programs and economic development matters.
  • Coordinates and/or executes specific projects in the areas of grant services, business lending, community development and economic development.
  • Represents the Community and Economic Development Department and the agency in interactions with federal, state, and regional agencies, local governments, and others.

20% OTHER JOB DUTIES
  • Oversees and leads Special Projects as assigned
  • Makes presentations to local communities, organizations, and others.
  • Completes program and project feasibility research as warranted.
  • Conducts and facilitates regular staff meetings.
  • Coordinates intern projects as applicable.
  • Provides support to the CED Direcor.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned by the CED Director.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is generally performed in an office environment with routine computer and telephone usage. The position requires sitting and typing for long periods of time. The position may require attendance at occasional evening meetings. Travel throughout the three-county area is required in order to meet with member jurisdictions, State and Federal partners and regional stakeholders.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Receives general supervision from the CED Director.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provides supervision to and evaluation of economic development staff as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience & Training
Graduation from a four-year college or university in, public or business administration, economics, or a field related to job duties. At least two (2) years of supervisory experience or experience working in a lead capacity is desirable, or any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the job required. Experience must have provided a thorough knowledge of federal and state grant programs, Oregon land use planning laws and issues business lending programs and community and economic development techniques.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
    • Knowledge of business and management principles involved in resource allocation, leadership techniques, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
    • Knowledge of federal and state grant programs, land use planning principles and practices, business lending, and community and economic development principles and practices.
    • Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare and deliver effective presentations.
    • Ability to identify emerging issues, anticipate client needs, and initiate appropriate action to accomplish program objectives and ensure project success.
    • Ability to work collaboratively and diplomatically and to coordinate the efforts of multiple parties.
    • Ability to write clear, concise, and accurate reports, agendas, and letters.
    • Ability to utilize a personal computer for word processing, spreadsheet preparation, database development and management, and electronic communication. Knowledge of computer software and hardware for graphic presentations and mapping is desirable.
    • Ability to represent the agency to various businesses and community leaders, local government officials, and state and federal officials.
    • Ability to meet deadlines and juggle multiple tasks and priorities.
    • Ability to conduct research and prepare required reports and documents.
    • Ability to facilitate meetings.
    • Demonstrated ability to identify and handle significant policy inquiries from staff or others in the absence of the CED Director.

Licenses, Certificates, & Other Requirements
Possession of a Valid Oregon Driver's License or the ability to obtain reliable transportation to travel throughout the area.
The position requires the successful completion of a criminal history and abuse check.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by an employee occupying this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities. To successfully perform this job, the employee will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
Updated: 12/25

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