1

Economic Development Director Jobs in Baltimore, MD

next page

Showing results 1-20

Economic Development Director information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$48.2K

$123.1K

$200.7K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Baltimore, MD is $123,145.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,900.00 and $152,500.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Baltimore, MD? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Baltimore, MD are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Baltimore, MD? For Economic Development Director jobs in Baltimore, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Baltimore, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Baltimore, MD are:
What cities near Baltimore, MD are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities near Baltimore, MD with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Baltimore, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,145 per year, or $59.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Development Director 

Baltimore, Maryland
$100,000 to $150,000
Full-Time | Monday–Friday | Occasional evenings/weekends as needed

Driving Impact. Building Partnerships. Advancing the Mission.


About Us

CarePoint Response, Inc. (CPR) is a nationally recognized nonprofit and Baltimore’s only comprehensive behavioral health crisis response system. Since 1992, CPR has delivered timely, community-based services for individuals experiencing mental health and substance use crises.

As we continue to expand our impact across Baltimore City, we are seeking a strategic and relationship-driven Development Director to lead fundraising efforts that sustain and grow our life-saving services.


The Opportunity

The Development Director provides strategic leadership for all fundraising and revenue-generating activities at CPR. This role is responsible for building and executing a comprehensive development strategy, strengthening donor relationships, and expanding funding streams to support organizational growth.

Working closely with the CEO, leadership team, and Board of Directors, the Development Director will drive fundraising performance across individual giving, grants, corporate partnerships, and events—ensuring the long-term sustainability of CPR’s mission.


What You’ll DoFundraising Strategy & Revenue Growth
  • Develop and execute an annual and multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organizational goals
  • Set and manage revenue targets across major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, and campaigns
  • Monitor performance and adjust strategies to maximize results
Major Gifts & Donor Engagement
  • Build and manage a portfolio of major donors and high-capacity prospects
  • Cultivate, solicit, and steward donor relationships through personalized engagement
  • Develop compelling proposals, impact reports, and donor communications
Grants & Institutional Funding
  • Oversee grant prospecting, applications, and reporting processes
  • Collaborate with program and finance teams to develop proposals and ensure compliance
  • Maintain strong relationships with foundations and funding partners
Corporate Partnerships & Events
  • Develop sponsorship opportunities and corporate partnerships
  • Lead fundraising events, including planning, execution, and donor follow-up
  • Evaluate event ROI and implement improvements
Leadership & Team Management
  • Supervise development staff and build a high-performing fundraising team
  • Establish clear goals, workflows, and accountability structures
  • Foster a collaborative, mission-driven team culture
Board & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Partner with the CEO to engage the Board in fundraising efforts
  • Prepare fundraising reports, dashboards, and presentations for leadership and board meetings
  • Represent CPR in the community and build strategic relationships
Data, Systems & Reporting
  • Oversee CRM/database management and ensure data integrity
  • Track key fundraising metrics (donor retention, pipeline, revenue)
  • Use data to inform strategy and improve fundraising performance
QualificationsEducation
  • Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, marketing, public administration, or a related field required (equivalent professional experience may be considered)
  • Advanced degree preferred
Experience
  • At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, development, or nonprofit management
  • Demonstrated success in annual giving, donor relations, and event fundraising
  • Proven ability to meet or exceed fundraising goals
Skills & Competencies
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proposal writing and presentations
  • Experience with fundraising databases/CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, or similar)
  • Solid understanding of financial reporting and recordkeeping in a fundraising environment
  • Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders
  • Creativity, initiative, sound judgment, and commitment to ethical fundraising practices

Additional Requirements
  • Availability for occasional evenings and weekends for donor meetings and events
  • Regular attendance is required
  • Commitment to sustainability principles, including environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic sustainability

Why Join CPR

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance & LTD
403(b) Retirement Plan
Vacation, Sick, Personal & Holiday Leave
Opportunity to build and lead fundraising strategy for a mission-critical organization
Make a meaningful impact on individuals and families across Baltimore


Make an Impact That Lasts

This role is more than fundraising—it’s building the resources that make life-saving services possible.

Apply today and help advance CPR’s mission.