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Economic Development Director Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

The Equity Alliance

Development Director

Nashville, TN · Hybrid

$70K - $75K/yr

At this moment, TEA is shifting from survival and resistance toward renaissance by building durable Black power rooted in economic justice, culture, and self-determination. The Fundraising Director ...

The Equity Alliance

Development Director

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

At this moment, TEA is shifting from survival and resistance toward renaissance by building durable Black power rooted in economic justice, culture, and self-determination. The Fundraising Director ...

The Equity Alliance

Development Director

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

At this moment, TEA is shifting from survival and resistance toward renaissance by building durable Black power rooted in economic justice, culture, and self-determination. The Fundraising Director ...

The Equity Alliance

Development Director

Nashville, TN · On-site

At this moment, TEA is shifting from survival and resistance toward renaissance by building durable Black power rooted in economic justice, culture, and self-determination. The Fundraising Director ...

GNRC

Community and Regional Planning Intern

Nashville, TN

$15 - $19.25/hr

GNRC develops regional plans for transportation, solid waste, economic development, environmental ... Other assignments as determined by the Director of Community and Regional Planning to support ...

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Economic Development Director information

See Tennessee salary details

$44K

$112.5K

$183.3K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Tennessee is $112,484.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,200.00 and $139,300.00 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Tennessee? For Economic Development Director jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,484 per year, or $54.1 per hour.

Development Director

The Equity Alliance

Nashville, TN • Hybrid

$70K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

The Equity Alliance (501(c)(3)) & The Equity Alliance Fund (501(c)(4))
Location: Nashville, Tennessee (Hybrid)
Salary: $70,000-$75,000
Reports to: Deputy Director & CEO


The Equity Alliance (TEA) and The Equity Alliance Fund (TEAF) are seeking a strategic, values-aligned Fundraising Director to lead and grow our fundraising efforts across Tennessee. This role is responsible for building sustainable revenue streams through grants, major gifts, individual giving and donor stewardship.

At this moment, TEA is shifting from survival and resistance toward renaissance by building durable Black power rooted in economic justice, culture, and self-determination. The Fundraising Director plays a critical role in resourcing that work by building sustainable revenue streams and integrating fundraising seamlessly into our campaigns, events, and organizational culture.

This is a senior, hands-on role for someone who can think strategically while executing day-to-day, write strong grant proposals, cultivate major donors, strengthen individual giving, and build systems that scale. The Fundraising Director partners closely with leadership and program teams to ensure fundraising is relational, aligned, and impact-driven.


Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Growth

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes grants, major gifts, individual donors, and event-based revenue
  • Lead grant research, writing, submission, and reporting in alignment with organizational priorities
  • Build and manage a major gifts program, including donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship

Collaboration & Integration

  • Work closely with the Director of Strategy to ensure fundraising goals are integrated into all major events, programs, and campaigns
  • Partner with the Director of Culture and Strategy to embed fundraising into cultural activations and branded experiences
  • Support leadership in donor-facing meetings, presentations, and relationship-building

Department Building & Management

  • Build out and manage the fundraising infrastructure, systems, and processes
  • Supervise the Fundraising Coordinator and provide clear workflows and accountability
  • Maintain accurate donor records and reporting in the CRM

Stewardship & Accountability

  • Oversee donor communications, acknowledgments, and impact reporting
  • Track fundraising performance and provide regular updates to the Deputy Director


Who You Are in This Era

  • You understand that fundraising is not extraction. It is redistribution, alignment, and repair.
  • You see donors as co-investors in Black futures, not saviors.
  • You are fluent in the language of wealth building, systems change, self-governance, and community infrastructure


Soft Skills, Power & Presence

  • Charisma rooted in clarity and confidence.
  • Social influence that makes people want to belong to this work.
  • Swagger that communicates abundance, not scarcity.
  • Deep relational intelligence across race, class, and ideology.


How You Move the Work

  • Steward individual donors as long-term partners in Black renaissance.
  • Manage grants with a relationship-first mindset. Grants as relationships, not transactions.
  • Follow up like it's a love language. Trust depends on it.
  • Translate TEA's work and values into compelling, values-aligned narratives that funders can feel.
  • Work in close partnership with the executive leadership team to grow major gifts that fund scale, sustainability, and innovation.

Apply