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Economic Development Director Jobs in Washington

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Economic Development Director information

See Washington salary details

$54.9K

$140.4K

$228.8K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Washington is $140,367.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,400.00 and $173,900.00 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 Washington? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Washington? For Economic Development Director jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,367 per year, or $67.5 per hour.

Business Investment and Economic Competitiveness Division Director

Arlington County, VA

Arlington, VA • On-site

$122K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description


IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The Arlington Economic Development (AED) seeks an experienced, collaborative, and strategic leader to serve as Business Investment and Economic Competitiveness Division Director. This position leads the Business Investment Group (BIG) and is responsible for advancing Arlington's long-term economic competitiveness by developing and executing strategies that attract investment, support business growth, strengthen the commercial tax base, and reinforce Arlington's position as one of America's most consequential urban economies at the heart of the National Capital Region.
Reporting to the Deputy Director of AED, this position manages a team of professional economic development staff and works closely with the Economic Development Director, AED's senior leadership, County departments, and regional, state, and private sector partners to position Arlington as a premier destination for business investment, innovation, and long-term economic growth.
Responsibilities
Specific Duties Include:
  • Manage the development and execution of Arlington's business attraction, business retention and expansion, strategic account management, target industry, business investment marketing, and economic competitiveness strategies in collaboration with AED's senior leadership;
  • Lead the BIG by establishing priorities, managing staff, fostering professional development, promoting collaboration and accountability, and delivering measurable results aligned with organizational goals;
  • Recruit, retain, and expand domestic and international businesses, corporate headquarters, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and other strategic investments that strengthen Arlington's economy and commercial tax base;
  • Serve as the relationship manager with national site selection consultants and the commercial real estate brokerage community, including collaboration with the Economic Development Director, while cultivating strategic relationships with corporate executives, developers, investors, property owners, and key industry partners;
  • Lead complex business investment projects from initial engagement through implementation by coordinating multidisciplinary teams, preparing competitive proposals, negotiating business terms, developing performance-based incentive strategies, and ensuring exceptional customer experience;
  • Collaborate with AED's Strategic Investment Group (SIG) to translate market intelligence, competitive analysis, target industry trends, and emerging opportunities into actionable business investment and economic competitiveness strategies and recommendations;
  • Lead Arlington's business investment marketing and brand positioning function to strengthen Arlington's visibility among corporate executives, entrepreneurs, investors, developers, commercial real estate professionals, and site selection consultants, ensuring all initiatives support measurable business investment outcomes;
  • Collaborate with AED's BizLaunch to strengthen Arlington's innovation ecosystem, support entrepreneurship, encourage business growth, and create pathways for companies to start, scale, expand, and invest in Arlington;
  • Partner with County departments to deliver a seamless, customer-focused business experience by advancing coordinated solutions involving planning, permitting, transportation, infrastructure, workforce development, housing, sustainability, technology, finance, and other business investment priorities;
  • Build and maintain strategic relationships with local, regional, state, federal, academic, nonprofit, and private-sector partners that advance Arlington's economic competitiveness and long-term business investment objectives; and
  • Manage the BIG's operating budget, grants, contracts, customer relationship management system, project pipeline, and performance metrics while evaluating program effectiveness and communicating results to executive leadership.

The ideal candidate will possess:
  • A passion for driving economic growth, positive community impact, and deep understanding of economic development policies and best practices.
  • Proven experience as an economic or business development leader with superior analytical skills to evaluate and provide recommendations on complex issues to departmental and County leadership.
  • Strong understanding of corporate location strategy, site selection, business investment negotiations, and incentive strategies.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate under pressure on highly visible projects, lead complex initiatives, while working collaboratively across organizations to achieve measurable results.
  • Experience building executive-level relationships with corporate leaders, site selection consultants, commercial real estate professionals, developers, investors, universities, and public sector partners.
  • Effective communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship building skills. Ability to mentor and facilitate professional development, fostering a work environment that encourages team collaboration.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, Urban Planning or related field; and
  • Three years of experience in marketing or economic development, including program management and supervision of a business/marketing team.

Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with a Master's degree in a related field and experience in one or more of the following:
  • Working for local, regional, state, or national economic development organizations;
  • Developing successful strategies to improve economic competitiveness, or the recruitment, retention, expansion, and creation of businesses and non-profit organizations;
  • Leadership experience in local, state or federal government economic development; and
  • Managing business investment related issues involving planning, permitting, transportation, technology, finance, workforce development or related field.

Special Requirements:
Please attach a resume and cover letter; however, your cover letter response can be included in the supplemental question section. Please describe why you are interested in the position and accomplishments in the following areas:
  • Developing strategies to improve the recruitment, retention, expansion and creation of businesses, non-profits, or organizations;
  • Managing business investment-related issues involving planning, permitting, transportation, technology, finance, workforce development and/or related field; and
  • Program management and supervision of a business/marketing team in economic or business development.

Economic Interest Form: Completion of the Virginia Statement of Economic Interest form will be required of the successful candidate upon hire and annually thereafter.
Driver's License: Applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver license, or the ability to use alternative methods of transportation to perform duties at other locations and if applicable, must provide or authorize Arlington County to obtain a copy of official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon favorable review of the applicants driving record.
Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.
Additional Information:
Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a hybrid office policy requiring employees to be in office at least three days a week. The employee must be able to travel and attend local, state, and national events even if outside normal working hours.
The official job title is Business Investment Group Manager.
This position is eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan. For more information, click here.
Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.
Your responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire are considered part of the selection process. Please do not enter "see resume" as a response to the questions. Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. In accordance with § 19.2-392.15, applicants are not required to provide information regarding sealed arrests, charges, or convictions in response to any questions or inquiries during the hiring process.
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