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Economic Development Director Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Jobot

Associate Attorney

Nashville, TN · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

... economic development initiatives. The firm offers a collegial, team-oriented environment with a ... Work on sophisticated, mission-driven real estate transactions with a direct community impact

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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 22, 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 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 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 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 $112,484 per year, or $54.1 per hour.

Community and Regional Planning Intern

Greater Nashville Regional Council

Nashville, TN • On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) is seeking an undergraduate or graduate intern with a background in urban and regional planning to join its Community and Regional Planning Department. GNRC develops regional plans for transportation, solid waste, economic development, environmental quality, and a growing list of additional products. At the local level, GNRC provides staffing support to county and municipal planning commissions and conducts studies or develops local comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances on a fee-for-service basis.

The selected candidate will have an opportunity to apply technical skills in planning, GIS, data analysis, and community engagement to support meaningful projects in a rapidly growing metropolitan area.  The duties of the intern may include:

  • Conduct research to document local or national best practices, lessons learned on a variety of government-related topics,
  • Assist with the preparation of reports to document planning program activities and outcomes,
  • Assist with the development of community engagement tools including online surveys, stakeholder lists, promotional material, etc.,
  • Assist with logistics and preparation for a variety of stakeholder and public meetings and events across the Middle Tennessee area, and
  • Other assignments as determined by the Director of Community and Regional Planning to support outreach and engagement related to transportation and land use planning efforts spanning a variety of issues including freight and goods movement, transportation funding options, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, environmental quality, local comprehensive planning, etc.

Qualifications: The preferred candidate will have prior coursework or practical experience in land use planning, transportation planning, geography, public policy, or related field. 

Remote Work Policy:  While GNRC provides flexibility for remote/hybrid working conditions, this is not a remote position.  The selected candidate will be expected to work from the GNRC office with regularity.


Travel Expectations: This position will require regular travel throughout the Middle Tennessee area. A valid driver’s license and access to personal transportation is required.


About GNRC: The Greater Nashville Regional Council was established by the TN General Assembly as an association of local governments empowered to convene local and state leaders for the purposes of planning and programming state and federal investments into a range of social services and public infrastructure. GNRC serves as the region’s federally-recognized Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD), Economic Development District (EDD) and administers the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) on behalf of the Nashville Area MPO Transportation Policy Board . More information is available at GNRC.org.

Position open until filled.

GNRC is an EOE, AA Employer