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Economic Development Director Jobs in Decatur, AL

TX Group

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Sales Director - Defense Contracts | CleanTech

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$260K - $300K/yr

S. economic competitiveness and national security. As demand for resilient domestic supply chains ... Government Business Development * Identify, pursue, and secure government contracts, grants ...

TX Group

Be Seen First

Sales Director - Defense Contracts | CleanTech

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$260K - $300K/yr

S. economic competitiveness and national security. As demand for resilient domestic supply chains ... Government Business Development * Identify, pursue, and secure government contracts, grants ...

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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 Jul 23, 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.
Operations Director - Hartselle Parks and Recreation

Operations Director - Hartselle Parks and Recreation

The Sports Facilities Companies

Hartselle, AL • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR - Hartselle Parks and Recreation

SPRA SFM, LLC

LOCATION: Hartselle, AL

DEPARTMENT: OPERATIONS

REPORTS TO: GENERAL MANAGER

STATUS: FULL-TIME (EXEMPT)

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

Hartselle Parks and Recreation is a premier sport, recreation and entertainment destination focused on improving the health and economic vitality of Hartselle, AL. You will be joining a championship level team focused on fun, fulfillment and service built to enrich the community as well as your career and personal growth.

Hartselle Parks and Recreation is a managed facility by Sports Facilities Management, LLC, a Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) company. SFC is the nation's leading resource for managing and developing sports, recreation, wellness, and events facilities. We provide a highly collaborative and supportive culture that raises our team members to new levels of career growth. Together, we will carve a path in a hyper-growing industry where you will enjoy the journey and learn from the industry's best while having some fun.

SFC has been awarded national recognition as a Top Workplace and is considered a workplace of choice. Our mission-focused company is highly entrepreneurial, team-oriented with a culture centered on collaboration, accountability, excellence, and service. We are growing rapidly and looking for high performers at every level to grow with us.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Operations Director will be responsible for the management of the operations of the facility including but not limited to: maintenance, groundskeeping, sports programming, camps, sports tournaments, security & parking, environmental services, life safety and safety/risk management. The Operations Director will also work closely with all other departments to effectively manage staff scheduling and training.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

  • Directly aligning with the venue's Mission Statement and Core Values
  • Hiring, training and developing the Operations Team
  • Providing direct oversight & leadership to the Operations Manager and Tournaments & Programming Manager roles
  • Overseeing all food & beverage and concessions operations to ensure high standards of guest service, operational efficiency, cleanliness, safety, and profitability
  • Assisting with the development, implementation, and monitoring of food & beverage operational procedures, staffing plans, and inventory controls
  • Serving as an integral member of the Leadership Committee
  • Providing necessary operational support to every department when needed
  • Creating and developing relationships with rights-holders who produce events that align with the venue's Mission
  • Producing high performing sports programming in every aspect of the customer experience
  • Effectively managing the Operations Team budget year-over-year
  • Assisting with new Team member orientation
  • Striving for consistent growth in sports programming & sports tournaments
  • Providing valuable operational input during venue-wide scheduling decisions
  • Effectively managing the Emergency Action Plan
  • Effectively managing the security & parking operations for the entire property
  • Assisting with managing the access card/building key distribution & return process
  • Ensuring venue-wide safety, risk management and OSHA compliance
  • Taking a tremendous amount of pride in meeting the daily guest-readiness standards
  • Serving as Manager-on-Duty (MOD) during scheduled shifts

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE HAS:

  • Proven success in effectively managing a multi-faceted sports venue
  • 8-10 years' experience in youth, collegiate, professional or amateur sports at the director level
  • Experience in managing staff scheduling and training
  • Experience and success in delivering excellent customer service, executing high operational standards, leadership, and promoting a positive environment
  • 3-5+ years Food & Beverage experience at the supervisory or management level.
  • Action-oriented personality with a 'get it done' attitude and proficiency for efficiency
  • Proven ability to evaluate team member performance based on established KPI's
  • Proven ability to achieve goals in a fast-paced professional environment
  • Current forklift and aerial lift operator certifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in recreation sports management or related field
  • Must have excellent interpersonal, problem-solving and negotiating skills
  • Must be a team player
  • Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Must have excellent computer skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
  • Must be able to work a flexible work schedule (e.g., nights, weekends, holidays and long hours)
  • Must possess current CPR / FIRST AID certifications or must be willing to obtain them within a specified timeframe
  • Prior responsibility in daily P&L management and budget oversight

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds waist high
  • May be required to sit or stand for extended periods of time whether indoors or outdoors, and squat, stoop or bend
  • Will be required to operate a computer
  • Facility has intermittent noise

Job Posted by ApplicantPro