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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 ...

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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 Aug 11, 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 job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Decatur, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Decatur, AL are:
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 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 $116,182 per year, or $55.9 per hour.

Assistant Director of Workforce Development, Employer Relations & Community Engagement

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University

Normal, AL • On-site

$53K - $71K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Salary: $53,325.00 - $71,100.00 Annually
Location : Normal
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202300876
Department: The Office of Career and Workforce Development
Opening Date: 07/23/2026
Description
The Assistant Director of Workforce Development, Employer Relations & Community Engagement supports the design, implementation, and expansion of career-readiness, employer engagement, and workforce-pipeline initiatives that align with AAMU's mission of student success and regional economic development. This role focuses on corporate relationship development, industry cluster engagement, and expanding experiential learning opportunities for students.
Examples of Duties
Corporate & Industry Engagement
• Identify, cultivate, and manage relationships with corporate partners across targeted industry clusters (e.g., STEM, government, healthcare, business, manufacturing).
• Assist in developing new employer partnerships that result in internships, externships, co-op programs, and full-time employment pipelines.
• Maintain an active portfolio of employers and track engagement outcomes (recruitment, placements, partnerships).
• Pursue grant opportunities related to workforce development and employer engagement.
• Pursue grant writing opportunities.
Experiential Learning & Workforce Pipelines
• Support the development and expansion of work-based learning programs, including internships, co-ops, apprenticeships, and micro-internships.
• Coordinate employer-driven opportunities aligned with academic programs and workforce needs.
• Maintain databases of student placements and employer partnerships.
Community & Economic Development Engagement
• Collaborate with local, regional, and state workforce agencies, chambers of commerce, and community organizations.
• Represent the AAMU department at workforce development initiatives, career fairs, and industry events.
• Assist in aligning programs with state and regional labor market trends and workforce needs.
Student Career Readiness Support
• Support employer-led programming (panels, site visits, mock interviews).
• Provide career coaching and advising to students.
Program Support & Data Management
• Track and report data on internships, employment outcomes, and employer engagement.
• Assist with career fairs, recruitment events, and employer visits.
• Support grant initiatives and workforce development programming as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
• Master's degree required (Higher Education, Business, Workforce Development, or related field).
• 3-5 years of experience in career services, workforce development, employer relations, or community relations.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships with employers and community stakeholders.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of career services platforms (e.g., Handshake, Symplicity).
Supplemental Information
• Experience with industry cluster strategies or sector-based workforce models.
• Familiarity with HBCU student populations and equity-centered workforce initiatives.
• Data-informed decision-making and program assessment experience.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short and long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at
01
Do you have a master's degree required in Higher Education, Business, Workforce Development, or related field?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have 3-5 years of experience in career services, workforce development, employer relations, or community relations?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have demonstrated ability to build partnerships with employers and community stakeholders?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have strong communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you have knowledge of career services platforms (e.g., Handshake, Symplicity)?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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