ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Economic Development Director Jobs in Decatur, AL

Cumming Group

Director, Project Controls

Huntsville, AL · On-site

... budget development, cost planning, feasibility studies, value management, economic forecasting ... We are currently hiring for a Director, Project Controls in the Huntsville, AL area. In this role ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Director JobsEconomic Development Director Jobs in Decatur, AL

Economic Development Director information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$45.5K

$116.2K

$189.4K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Decatur, AL is $116,182.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,900.00 and $143,900.00 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 cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Decatur, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,182 per year, or $55.9 per hour.
HudsonAlpha - BRIDGES - Director of Strategic Partnerships

HudsonAlpha - BRIDGES - Director of Strategic Partnerships

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology

Huntsville, AL

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Position: BRIDGES - Director of Strategic Partnerships

Job Type: Full-Time

INSTITUTE OVERVIEW

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a nonprofit research institute located in Huntsville, Alabama, that leverages the power of genomics to improve human health, strengthen the global food supply, and drive sustainable economic growth in the life sciences. Founded in 2008, HudsonAlpha's 150-acre campus in Cummings Research Park unites world-class scientists, educators, and more than 45 life science companies in a collaborative environment that transforms discovery into real-world impact. The Institute's work spans genomic research, advancement of precision medicine, agriculture, and workforce development-coupling scientific innovation with education and entrepreneurship to shape the future of biotechnology.

As part of its mission to advance science and economic opportunity, HudsonAlpha anticipates funding to lead a regional initiative focused on building a sustainable bio-based economy across the Southeast. This program will bring together growers, researchers, industry partners, and communities to accelerate the development and commercialization of plant-based technologies. By connecting innovation to real-world applications, this program aims to spur rural economic development, expand biomanufacturing, and create new markets and jobs in sustainable materials for the construction, automotive, and packaging industries.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Strategic Partnerships will serve as a primary leader in designing and executing the collaborative and financial strategies that drive HudsonAlpha's BRIDGES program.

This newly defined role blends high-level responsibilities in strategic planning, strategic partnership management, and engagement to strengthen HudsonAlpha's position as a regional innovation hub. The Director will oversee the full lifecycle of partnership operations-from cultivating and maintaining strategic relationships across academia, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors to leading stakeholder engagement, commercialization efforts, and marketing and communications. The role plays a key part in developing the program's strategic plan for operations and funding.

This individual will report to the Engine's CEO and play a critical role in uniting the program's research, commercialization, and outreach partners under a cohesive strategy that ensures compliance, accountability, and measurable impact.

JOB-SPECIFIC TASKS

Strategic Partnerships and External Relations

  • Design and implement partnership strategies aligned with BRIDGES and NSF Engine program goals.
  • Manage and grow a network of 80+ partners across academia, industry, government, and community organizations.
  • Serve as the principal liaison for external collaborators-facilitating engagement, communication, and continuous partnership improvement.
  • Coordinate matchmaking and engagement events (e.g., workshops, roundtables, site visits) to connect researchers and industry leaders.
  • Develop standardized partnership selection criteria, documentation, and performance tracking processes.
  • Ensure alignment between partnership activities, funding outcomes, and program priorities.
  • Communicate success stories, metrics, and impact to internal and external stakeholders
  • Lead communications and marketing activities

Strategy and Administration

  • Lead development of strategic planning and long-term funding strategies to support BRIDGES and related large-scale research and development programs.
  • Assist with identifying and pursuing federal, state, and complementary funding opportunities aligned with Engine priorities.
  • Negotiate and manage partnership-related agreements.
  • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and sponsor regulations (NSF, OMB, and other grant-specific requirements).

Leadership and Program Coordination

  • Provide strategic leadership on funding, partnership performance, and compliance issues.
  • Cultivate a collaborative culture across scientific, administrative, and community-facing teams.
  • Represent BRIDGES and HudsonAlpha at regional and national forums, building visibility and institutional credibility.
  • Support the integration of stakeholders from across the spectrum of partners within program operations.
  • Track outcomes, metrics, and other performance indicators to drive improvement and demonstrate impact

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required
  • Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in funding administration, grants management, partnership development, or related field
  • Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-institutional, federally funded projects
  • Proven experience cultivating and maintaining relationships across academia, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors
  • Significant experience with federal grant programs and multi-institutional awards
  • Ability to operate effectively in complex, highly regulated, multi-partner environments
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to unify diverse stakeholders toward shared goals
  • Excellent communication and execution skills

Preferred

  • Advanced degree (PhD, MS, or equivalent) in science, engineering, biotechnology, or a related field.
  • Experience supporting large-scale initiatives such as NSF Engines or similar programs

Skills & Competencies:

  • Strong strategic, organizational, and project management capabilities.
  • Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and negotiation skills.
  • High business acumen with the ability to unify diverse stakeholders toward shared goals.
  • Skilled at navigating regulated, cross-sector environments.
  • Strong analytical, budgeting, and compliance oversight abilities.
  • Passion for continuous improvement and impact tracking

Apply