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Economic Development Director Jobs in Atlanta, GA

City Of Roswell

Economic Development Analyst

Roswell, GA · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Reporting to the Director of Economic Development, the Analyst evaluates economic conditions, development opportunities, fiscal impacts, and market trends to support investment decisions and ...

International Rescue Committee

Development Director

Atlanta, GA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the ... Job Overview The Development Director for IRC in Georgia and Florida is a senior leader responsible ...

Theirc

Development Director

Atlanta, GA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the ... Job Overview The Development Director for IRC in Georgia and Florida is a senior leader responsible ...

The Raymond Corporation

Market Development Manager

Atlanta, GA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Director of Sales, Business Development Date Modified: 05/2026 Carolina Handling, a Raymond Dealer ... Through engagement with economic development organizations, industrial real estate professionals ...

Carolina Handling

Market Development Manager

Atlanta, GA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Director of Sales, Business Development Date Modified: 05/2026 Carolina Handling, a Raymond Dealer ... Through engagement with economic development organizations, industrial real estate professionals ...

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All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Director JobsEconomic Development Director Jobs in Atlanta, GA

Economic Development Director information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$46.6K

$119.2K

$194.3K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Atlanta, GA is $119,182.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,100.00 and $147,600.00 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 Atlanta, GA?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Atlanta, GA are:

What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Atlanta, GA?

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

What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Atlanta, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Atlanta, GA are:

What cities near Atlanta, GA are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs?

Cities near Atlanta, GA with the most Economic Development Director job openings:

Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Atlanta, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,182 per year, or $57.3 per hour.

Director of Economic Development

City of East Point, GA

East Point, GA • On-site

$112K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Salary: $112,958.48 - $175,085.65 Annually
Location : East Point, GA, GA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 7704
Department: Economic Development
Opening Date: 06/16/2026
This position plans, organizes, directs, and manages the day-to-day operations of the Economic Development Department and staff. This position is the lead position in the retention and recruitment of businesses for the City.
Please note: Failure to fully complete both the Work Experience and Education sections may result in your application being denied. To be considered for employment, all required sections must be completed in full. Please do not enter "See Resume" in place of providing the requested information.
Major Duties
  • Plans, direct, and supervise Economic Development employees engage in day-to-day activities which directly relate to business recruitment and retention.
  • Schedules, assigns, inspects, and evaluates work; instructs and trains in correct methods and procedures; monitors work daily; reviews and evaluates employee performance.
  • Engage developers and investors as a function of new business development and business expansion efforts.
  • Facilitates target marketing of the City to new business development and business expansion efforts through meetings and various advertising strategies.
  • Manages and negotiates the sale and disposition of City owned real estate and rights-of-way.
  • Handles a variety of land acquisition projects.
  • Provides administrative and technical support to the City's Main Street Program and East Point Business and Industrial Development Authority (EPBIDA).
  • Develop strategies to eliminate blight and stimulate development in target districts throughout the city.
  • Conducts demographic and market trend analysis of the city.
  • Facilitate meetings between developers, real estate investment trusts, engineers, and architects to promote business activity within the city.
  • Coordinates strategies and processes with the Planning and Zoning Department to help eliminate blight in the city.
  • Provides business development and financing advice to local business owners and entrepreneurs.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required with coursework in Business, Economics, Management, City Planning, or Economic Development; Master's degree preferred with ten (10) years of experience in Economic Development; five (5) years in a supervisory role, experience as a realtor, mortgage broker, or commercial lender; equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge Required by the Position
  • Knowledge of real estate principles and practices, zoning, land use, availability of vacant property and buildings in the local market.
  • Knowledge of marketing principles and strategies.
  • Knowledge of City's Zoning Ordinances, land use plans, development regulations related to land use.
  • Knowledge of economic development and business retention and recruitment.
  • Knowledge of socio-economic and demographic research techniques.
  • Knowledge of supervisory and management principles and practices.
  • Skill in dealing with both the public and with private enterprises.
  • Skill in oral and written communication .
  • Skill in dealing with large-scale financial transactions.
  • Skill in basic computer applications for word processing and spreadsheets.
  • Ability to develop and implement an economic development strategy for the City.
  • Ability to network and develop relationships with real estate and site selection professionals.
  • Ability to read and interpret development site plans and civil engineering maps.
  • Ability to write reports clearly and in a professional manner conveying technical information to the public.
  • Ability to operate City vehicle.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIROMENT
The work is typically performed with the employee sitting at a desk with intermittent standing or walking. The employee occasionally lifts light or heavy objects and uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.
The work is typically performed in an office.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described herein. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description.
  • Paid Holidays
  • Vacation Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • 457b Supplemental Retirement (Deferred Compensation Plan)
  • Long and Short-Term Disability
  • Direct Deposit
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Life Insurance
  • Pension Plan
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care - Flexible Spending Account

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