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Economic Development Director Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA

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Economic Development Director information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$46.6K

$119K

$194K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Baton Rouge, LA is $119,019.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,000.00 and $147,400.00 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 popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Baton Rouge, LA? For Economic Development Director jobs in Baton Rouge, LA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Baton Rouge, LA look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:
What cities near Baton Rouge, LA are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Economic Development Director jobs near you

Grants Compliance and Program Director

Louisiana Economic Development

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Requirements

Louisiana Innovation is seeking a Grants Compliance and Program Director to oversee the full lifecycle of grant-funded projects—from identifying funding opportunities and developing applications to award administration, compliance, reporting, and closeout. This position plays a key role in securing strategic funding and ensuring grant-funded initiatives are managed effectively, remain compliant, and achieve program goals. The Director collaborates with leadership, LED administrative teams, funders, contractors, universities, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and other external partners. 


Work Experience

Key Responsibilities

  • Identify, evaluate, and coordinate federal, state, philanthropic, and other grant opportunities aligned with Louisiana Innovation priorities.
  • Lead the grant application process, including timelines, budgets, narratives, supporting documentation, and submission.
  • Coordinate post-award activities, including implementation planning, contracts, reporting schedules, compliance requirements, and grant closeout.
  • Monitor grant agreements to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and funding requirements.
  • Prepare and submit financial, programmatic, and performance reports while maintaining complete grant documentation.
  • Partner with finance to monitor budgets, expenditures, reimbursements, matching funds, and financial reporting.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between Louisiana Innovation, LED administrative teams, funders, contractors, and external partners.
  • Develop and improve grant management systems, templates, dashboards, workflows, and standard operating procedures.
  • Support audits, monitoring reviews, and continuous improvement of grant administration processes.


Required Qualifications


  • Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business, Finance, Accounting, Nonprofit Management, Project Management, or a related field.
  • Experience in grant administration, compliance, project management, financial reporting, contracts, auditing, or related program operations.
  • Strong organizational, project management, analytical, and written communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while working across diverse teams.
  • Experience reviewing budgets, financial records, contracts, and regulatory requirements.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, especially spreadsheets and collaborative document systems.


Preferred Qualifications


  • Experience developing and managing federal, state, or philanthropic grants.
  • Knowledge of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) or similar public-sector grant requirements.
  • Experience in state government, economic development, higher education, nonprofit organizations, or public programs.
  • Familiarity with procurement, contracts, audits, grant closeout, and reimbursement processes.
  • Experience building reporting systems, dashboards, workflows, or standard operating procedures.
  • Experience using AI and automation tools to improve administrative efficiency.


Core Competencies


  • Project management
  • Attention to detail
  • Organization and accountability
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Financial literacy
  • Compliance and risk management
  • Relationship building
  • Problem-solving
  • Process improvement
  • Professionalism and sound judgment


Work Environment

Based in Baton Rouge with occasional travel throughout Louisiana. Reports to the Director of Innovation Programs or another Louisiana Innovation leader designated by the Chief Innovation Officer.

Company Description

Louisiana Economic Development is transforming the state’s approach to economic development. With a mission to cultivate jobs and build meaningful economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana, LED is modernizing its organizational structure to operate at the speed of business, proactively and comprehensively supporting the state’s existing business ecosystem, and aggressively competing to attract new ones.

LED is excited to identify leaders who share this vision of success.

Apply