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Economic Development Director Jobs in Dallas, TX

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Economic Development Director information

See Dallas, TX salary details

$48K

$122.6K

$199.8K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Dallas, TX is $122,579.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $151,800.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Dallas, TX?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Dallas, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Dallas, TX?

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

What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Dallas, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Dallas, TX are:

What cities near Dallas, TX are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs?

Cities near Dallas, TX with the most Economic Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Dallas, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,579 per year, or $58.9 per hour.

Assistant Director of Economic Development

Rowlett, TX โ€ข On-site

City of Rowlett
1 - 10 employees

$103K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Description Hiring Range: $103,553.16 - $129,441.45 (Depending on qualifications) Full Salary Range: $103,553.16 - $155,329.74 Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Under the direction of the Director of Economic Development, this position is responsible for the strategic execution and leadership to implement an existing plan for the continued development of the economic goals of the City

This position will oversee and manage the day-to-day programs supporting the City's economic development strategic plan and ensure successful implementation of the community's vision plan. Essential Job Functions Manage the creation of web based, print and social media marketing campaigns for both promotional and informational purposes supporting department mission and strategic plan. Potential alternate for the above bullet: Collaborate with communications and marketing staff to develop targeted economic development marketing, business recruitment, site promotion, and stakeholder communication strategies.

Manage staff in developing and executing measurable goals, reporting standards and benchmarks aligned with the department mission and objectives. Assist with oversight of various TIRZ, PID and MMD districts and Boards. Assume responsibility of project management after successful attraction or expansion efforts.

Interaction with various City departments on collaboration of development projects to ensure timely permitting and commencement of construction or expansion. Evaluate, structure, negotiate, administer, and monitor economic development incentive agreements, including Chapter 380 agreements, tax abatements, grants, infrastructure participation, fee incentives, and other economic development tools available to the City. Represent the City at appropriate civic, cultural, charitable, business, and community activities as well as serve on boards, commissions, committees, and organizations related to critical goals and interests of the City.

Assist in establishing economic development programs and practices that lead to private investment in City and result in job creation, expanded tax base, creative and niche development, recreation and entertainment venues, and other quality developments. Conduct financial and fiscal impact analysis, evaluate return on investment, and develop recommendations regarding proposed economic development incentives and development projects. Assist in implementing a strategic and proactive recruitment strategy for the promotion of the City to business and industry by contacting national and international businesses, site selectors, brokers, developers, and consultants and represent the City at meetings, making presentations, attending trade shows and development of proposals and promotional materials.

Provide oversight and manage staff on the Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) program in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and interaction with local businesses to maintain a positive relationship and maintain open communications to resolve business needs and promote expansion opportunities in the City. Participate in the negotiations of comprehensive development agreements between the City and the private sector, evaluate fiscal impacts, communicate decisions, and present reports and agreements to Economic Development Advisory Board, City Manager and City Council. Monitor compliance with economic development agreements, including investment, employment, sales tax, construction, certificate-of-occupancy, and other performance requirements; coordinate reimbursement and payment requests and prepare compliance reports as required.

Ensure the City is successful in efforts related to developing and maintaining strong working relationships with the Chamber of Commerce, developers, corporate leaders, business owners, public school officials, other regional and state economic development agencies and citizens. Identify and advance redevelopment, infill, revitalization, and adaptive-reuse opportunities, including underperforming commercial properties and strategic development sites. Provide ongoing support to the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) to advance their mission and goals.

Generally, includes analyzing and communicate economic, demographic, workforce, real estate, employment, sales tax, and market data to support business recruitment, retention, redevelopment, incentive evaluation, strategic planning, and policy recommendations. Serve as acting department director in the Director's absence and assist in the overall administration, strategic direction, budgeting, personnel management, and operations of the Economic Development Department. Perform other duties as assigned.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential function of this position, as is the ability to create and maintain professional, harmonious working relationships with others. Minimum Requirements Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, Public Administration or related field (Master's Degree preferred) and a proven leader with a minimum of five years progressively responsible experience in Economic Development for a municipal entity (preferred), along with Marketing, Real Estate, and basic construction knowledge, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Professional certification, Completion of Basic Economic Development Course through TEDC or completion within 6 months (required) or other certifications such as Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), or Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) and experience in real estate or land use preferred.

Candidates possessing or working towards certifications will be given preference. Comprehensive knowledge of general management principles. Must be able to work well in an environment with multiple interruptions.

Must be a self-starter requiring little direction to accomplish tasks with a high level of optimism, enthusiasm, and "can-do" attitude. Must be able to work collaboratively as part of the Economic Development team. Must have the ability to be creative while being a strategic problem solver who is able to develop ideas and implement them through teamwork and cooperation.

Skill in working effectively with senior level management in a variety of public and private organizations; skill in dealing with elected officials, business associates and other governmental entities; comprehensive knowledge of financial analysis; long range planning; state, regional and local business incentives/finance related tools and marketing principles. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Other Requirements Valid driver's license required.

Must have and maintain a good driving record in accordance with the driving standards established by the City of Rowlett. Must report all traffic citations to his/her departmental Director or his/her designee within two working days of receipt. 10% of time will consist of domestic travel.

Mobility within an office and field environment. Significant off-site working meetings are as necessary. Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled office environment.

Physical demands are sedentary in nature requiring little physical effort in working with light (up to 25 lbs.) materials.