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Economic Development Director Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

PacifiCorp

Regional Business Manager III

Bend, OR

... economic development at a regional level. * Lead regional engagement in regulatory and governmental affairs activities to support and sustain business development opportunities. * Manage direct ...

PacifiCorp

Regional Business Manager III

Bend, OR · On-site

... economic development at a regional level. * Lead regional engagement in regulatory and governmental affairs activities to support and sustain business development opportunities. * Manage direct ...

PacifiCorp

Regional Business Manager III

Bend, OR

... economic development at a regional level. * Lead regional engagement in regulatory and governmental affairs activities to support and sustain business development opportunities. * Manage direct ...

PacifiCorp

Regional Business Manager II

Bend, OR

... economic development at a regional level. * Support regional engagement in regulatory and governmental affairs activities to support and sustain business development opportunities. * Manage direct ...

PacifiCorp

Regional Business Manager II

Bend, OR · On-site

... economic development at a regional level. * Support regional engagement in regulatory and governmental affairs activities to support and sustain business development opportunities. * Manage direct ...

PacifiCorp

Regional Business Manager III

Bend, OR

$117K - $161K/yr

... economic development at a regional level. * Lead regional engagement in regulatory and governmental affairs activities to support and sustain business development opportunities. * Manage direct ...

PacifiCorp

Regional Business Manager II

Roseburg, OR

... economic development at a regional level. * Support regional engagement in regulatory and governmental affairs activities to support and sustain business development opportunities. * Manage direct ...

PacifiCorp

Regional Business Manager II

Medford, OR

... economic development at a regional level. * Support regional engagement in regulatory and governmental affairs activities to support and sustain business development opportunities. * Manage direct ...

PacifiCorp

Regional Business Manager II

Grants Pass, OR · On-site

... economic development at a regional level. * Support regional engagement in regulatory and governmental affairs activities to support and sustain business development opportunities. * Manage direct ...

PacifiCorp

Regional Business Manager II

Bend, OR

... economic development at a regional level. * Support regional engagement in regulatory and governmental affairs activities to support and sustain business development opportunities. * Manage direct ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 15, 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
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,033 per year, or $63 per hour.

Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Adviser - Part-Time

Mt. Hood Community College

OR • On-site

$31.14 - $36.10/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Salary: $31.14 - $36.10 Hourly
Location : Lumen Business Center, OR
Job Type: Part-time Hourly
Job Number: 2026-00011
Division: Advancement and Community Engagement
Department: Small Business Development Center
Opening Date: 07/28/2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities/Duties
*To be considered for this role, please submit a complete application including Employment History, Resume & Cover Letter. In your Cover Letter, please tell us how your education and experience prepares you to meet the goals of this position.
Job Summary
Provides small business assistance to registered Small Business Development Center (SBDC) clients to meet established goals relative to number of clients, startups, jobs, and economic impact as required by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Oregon Small Business Development Center Network (OSBDCN). He/she is responsible for designing, facilitating, and providing group training and orientation sessions, one-on-one advising, and follow-up services as necessary.
Essential Duties
  1. Provides assessment, counseling, training, and referrals to prospective and existing entrepreneurs in areas such as business planning, financial projections, marketing, record keeping and accounting, financing, management, and other areas of small business ownership depending on client needs.
  2. Designs, facilitates, and leads workshops on small business-related topics such as business startup basics, access to capital, business planning and projections, financial statements, budgeting, bookkeeping, accounting, marketing plans, branding, and industry-specific best practices. Designs and facilitates informational seminars and customized training programs to support specific local small business community needs.
  3. Ensures the timely reporting of each counseling session including detailed notes, time, success stories, and economic impact (i.e., startups, jobs created/retained, capital infusion) into the client management system.
  4. Acts as advocate and liaison between clients and governmental or financial institutions depending on client needs.
  5. Attends and participates in staff meetings, community partner meetings, professional development trainings, and conferences

Additional Duties
  1. Assists with outreach by promoting SBDC services at local events as assigned.
  2. Performs all other duties as assigned

Minimum and Desired Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in business or related field
Experience/Training:
  • Minimum (3) years of experience in small business ownership, management level employment at a small business, and/or providing direct services to the small business community (i.e. banking, insurance, chamber of commerce, city business license department, economic development position), including at least one (1) year of experience providing small business guidance and/or counseling
  • Must complete annual ethics trainings offered by the Small Business Development Center network
  • Experience working with diverse backgrounds of the college's community, students and employees; demonstrated commitment to promoting access and diversity.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Desired Qualifications
  • Bilingual skills, oral and written, at a professional level in English and Spanish

Additional Qualifications and/or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Ability to adhere to program confidentiality and Code of Ethical Conduct requirements as mandated by Small Business Administration (SBA) and Oregon SBDC Network
  • Ability to lead programs, seminars, and conversations on topics related to small business management and ownership
  • Ability to use equipment necessary to carry out job responsibilities such as, but not limited to, computer and virtual training software, cell/telephone, and projectors
  • Knowledge of topics such as feasibility assessments, launching and scaling small business growth, business financing and loan packaging, financial literacy, new product development, business technology, market research, marketing strategies including social media and digital marketing techniques, organizational development, business analysis/business process improvement, and exit strategies
  • Knowledge of veteran-, women-, and minority-owned business issues
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local resources for business
  • Knowledge of business licensing and permitting regulations
  • Knowledge of government contracting certifications and programs

Working Conditions and Important Information
Working Conditions
Work is typically performed in a normal office environment while sitting at a computer terminal. Visual eye strain and repetitive hand/wrist motion for data entry and keyboarding functions.
Salary Placement
Initial salary placement will be within the posted range or pay rate of the position, and is based on applicable education and/or years of relevant full-time equivalent experience at the sole discretion of the College and in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws. Please include all relevant education and full and part-time experience (including unpaid and volunteer experience) in your application that you want the College to review towards potential placement. Hired employees will not have an opportunity to update past education and/or experience or appeal initial placement after the time of hire.
About our Benefits
Mt. Hood Community College offers an exceptional benefits package for part-time employees that includes access to a Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Sick Leave, retirement through Oregon PERS based on meeting eligibility requirements, and a tuition waiver for Tuition Based classes. For more information about our benefits and wellness offerings, please visit
01
Do you have a Bachelor's degree (or higher) in business or related field?
  • Yes
  • No
  • I believe I have an equivalent combination of education and experience to meet this requirement.

02
Do you have at least (3) years of experience in small business ownership, management level employment at a small business, and/or providing direct services to the small business community (i.e. banking, insurance, chamber of commerce, city business license department, economic development position), including at least one (1) year of experience providing small business guidance and/or counseling?
  • Yes
  • No
  • I believe I have an equivalent combination of education and experience to meet this requirement.

03
If hired for this role, are you able to complete annual ethics trainings offered by the Small Business Development Center network?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have experience working with a diverse population similar to the college's community, students and employees?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Apply