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Economic Development Director Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

CFS

Finance Director

Mcfarland, WI · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

As Finance Director, you'll help shape the financial future of a growing city while partnering ... Influence major community initiatives, including economic development projects, infrastructure ...

Montana State University

WI · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

... Statement The Executive Director of QCORE serves as the head of a university-wide research ... and Economic Development. Duties and Responsibilities * Strategically position QCORE to be a ...

6AM City, LLC

WI · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

The Director of Corporate Development is responsible for leading a team of financial and business ... Exposure to/experience working with capital market debt and equity financing, economic evaluation ...

Adolfson & Peterson Inc.

WI · On-site

$116 - $192/hr

... experienced Director of Business Development. This position will develop and execute a ... Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, economics, or related discipline and 6+ years of ...

Public Consulting Group

Operations Director

Madison, WI · On-site

$99.10 - $140/hr

Our Human Services team helps state and municipal human services and economic development agencies ... Proven track record of successfully managing teams of direct report employees. Experience with ...

Nwtc

Part-Time Welding Instructor

Green Bay, WI

$45/hr

Provide instruction and technical support to NWTC Corporate Training and Economic Development ... A Technical Diploma OR State of Wisconsin Journey-worker's certificate, plus five years direct ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Director JobsEconomic Development Director Jobs in Wisconsin

Economic Development Director information

See Wisconsin salary details

$49K

$125.1K

$203.9K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Wisconsin is $125,093.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,300.00 and $154,900.00 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 Wisconsin?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Wisconsin are:

What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Wisconsin?

For Economic Development Director jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Wisconsin are:

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Economic Development Director job openings:

Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,093 per year, or $60.1 per hour.

Finance Director

CFS

Mcfarland, WI • On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Few municipal finance opportunities offer this level of visibility and community impact. As Finance Director, you'll help shape the financial future of a growing city while partnering directly with elected officials, department leaders, and community stakeholders on key development initiatives.

Finance Director

Salary: $140,000 - $160,000

Why This Opportunity Stands Out:

  • Play a key leadership role in a rapidly growing community experiencing significant investment, development, and downtown revitalization.
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on financial planning and fiscal policy.
  • Influence major community initiatives, including economic development projects, infrastructure investments, and public financing strategies.
  • Lead an established and experienced finance team with deep institutional knowledge.
  • Join an organization where strategic financial leadership is valued and has a seat at the table.

Key Responsibilities for the Finance Director:

  • Oversee the annual budgeting process and long-range financial planning.
  • Manage TIF financing, interfund financing, and other municipal funding initiatives.
  • Provide financial recommendations regarding the city's fiscal health and strategic priorities.
  • Partner with the department leaders on financial decision-making.
  • Lead and develop the finance department while overseeing daily operations.

Qualifications for the Finance Director:

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
  • 5+ years of government finance experience at the municipal, county, or state level.
  • Prior leadership or supervisory experience.
  • CPA and/or Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) credentials preferred.
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