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Economic Development Director Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA

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Economic Development Director information

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$46.6K

$119K

$194K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Baton Rouge, LA is $119,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,900.00 and $147,400.00 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 Baton Rouge, LA?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

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
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,019 per year, or $57.2 per hour.

Director of Industry Engagement

Baton Rouge, LA

LSU FOUNDATION
Administrative Assistance Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about LSU FOUNDATIONexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Description

The Director of Industry Engagement is an influential, externally facing role responsible for developing, managing, and growing strategic partnerships between Louisiana State University (LSU), the LSU Foundation, and industry. This individual serves as a critical bridge between corporate partners and the university's academic, research, and workforce development ecosystem.

The Director will lead a portfolio of industry relationships, identify opportunities for partnership across talent development, research collaboration, and strategic philanthropy, and drive measurable growth in industry-supported activities. This role requires a combination of business development expertise, relationship management, and a strong understanding of industry needs - ideally informed by prior private-sector experience or higher education industry engagement or fundraising experience, with preference for backgrounds in energy, construction, or related sectors.

This role is responsible for supporting, promoting, and delivering industry support to academic and research initiatives across LSU. This individual will serve as a business contact for specific industry members and work in conjunction with, but not limited to, LSU Office of Innovation and Ecosystem Development, Office of Research and Economic Development, and the Olinde Career Center.

The Director will also lead efforts to grow and diversify industry support through coordinated outreach, proposal development, and cross-campus collaboration, aligning corporate interests with LSU's strengths and strategic priorities.

The Office of Industry Engagement is responsible for holistic engagement efforts including, but not limited to, talent pipeline development, research collaboration, and strategic philanthropy, between companies and LSU. Annual metrics measure activities such as meetings with prospects, proposal solicitations, and dollars raised through philanthropic gifts and/or sponsored research. 


Essential Responsibilities (In decreasing order of significance/impact)

45 % Portfolio Management: Coordinate and manage industry support activities within LSU consistent with applicable requirements and needs by developing and offering integrated and comprehensive support for specific business needs. These support services will be structured to help industry partners navigate the complexities of working within the LSU ecosystem, with a goal of removing barriers and growing funded activities at LSU.


45 % Lead Development & Discovery: Develop and grow the industry engagement portfolio through new industry partners. Leverage stakeholder and partner networks to improve industry support participation and outcomes.


5 % Asset Identification: Identify and market LSU assets and resources that could serve as a value-add to industry stakeholders.  


5 % Relationship Cultivation: Improve outreach, develop relationships and coordination with industry partners. Work across the state with chambers, Louisiana Economic Development, and other support organizations to grow and develop industry support opportunities within LSU.


Non-essential/marginal position responsibilities

  • Complete projects/reports as requested
  • Serve on committees
  • Attend relevant seminars or trainings



Requirements

Required level/type of education and experience:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university 
  • Five years of experience in external-facing roles such as business development, fundraising, and/or external partnership development.
  • Experience successfully communicating with all levels within an organization, from senior management to operational teams
  • Proficient level in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Proven success aligning corporate interests with programs to establish, secure and sustain valuable industry partnerships

Preferred level/type of education and experience: 

  • Master's degree from an accredited college or university    
  • Prior experience in private sector roles such as business development or higher education roles such as industry engagement or fundraising, with preference for backgrounds in energy, construction, or related sectors.
  • Demonstrated success in corporate fundraising and business development
  • Five years of experience in economic development, corporate site selection, and/or corporate investment decision making
  • The ability to set priorities, manage time, leverage limited resources, and meet deadlines
  • Entrepreneurial instincts, intellectual curiosity, and an ability to work both independently and as a team member
  • A team player comfortable with ambiguity as decisions or processes evolve over time and the ability to quickly refine strategies after receiving feedback from stakeholders 
  • Excellent interpersonal, administrative, and organizational skills

Competencies:

  • Collaboration: Works collegially with others, cooperating in both interpersonal and team relationships; fosters enthusiasm and maintains mutual trust, candor, and respect.
  • Adaptability: Responds to changing circumstances by being innovative and altering behavior to better fit different situations; successfully works with new colleagues; willing to be flexible; remains calm in stressful situations. 
  • Critical Thinking: Practices objective rather than subjective modes of reasoning and action. Maintains perspective when assessing qualitative and quantitative information. Appropriately challenges and questions common beliefs. 
  • Relationship Building: Develops, maintains, and strengthens relationships with others outside of the organization
  • Tenacity: Achieves a desired outcome in the face of setbacks, obstacles, or challenging circumstances.

WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

  • This position is primarily performed in a professional office environment.
  • The role routinely uses standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, printers, and related technology.
  • May be required to work extended workdays, evenings, and weekends to meet deadlines
  • May be required to travel 10-20% of the time

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee may be required to: 

  • Sit for extended periods of time
  • Stand or walk occasionally
  • Use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment
  • Communicate clearly in person, by phone, and electronically
  • Lift or move materials weighing up to 20 pounds occasionally (if applicable)


The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of the job. 


Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).


MANAGERIAL/SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS

  • This position has no supervisory responsibilities



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