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Economic Development Director Jobs in El Reno, OK

Rose State College

OkAPEX Coordinator

Midwest City, OK · On-site

$54K/yr

... economic development, small business programs, sales or business development, workforce development, or program coordination. This experience should include direct, client-facing work such as ...

Rose State College

OkAPEX Coordinator

Midwest City, OK · On-site

$54K/yr

... economic development, small business programs, sales or business development, workforce development, or program coordination. This experience should include direct, client-facing work such as ...

Rose State College

OkAPEX Coordinator

Midwest City, OK · On-site

$54K/yr

... economic development, small business programs, sales or business development, workforce development, or program coordination. This experience should include direct, client-facing work such as ...

Now CFO

Director Controller

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

... development. The ideal candidate brings a strong consulting or advisory background, deep finance ... Scope new client projects and develop engagement economics, staffing plans, and proposals * Mentor ...

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Economic Development Director information

See El Reno, OK salary details

$41.7K

$106.6K

$173.8K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in El Reno, OK is $106,616.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $132,100.00 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.

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Economic Development Director jobs near you

Economics, Oklahoma Council on Economic Education - Development Manager

Edmond, OK • On-site

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

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Learn more about UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMAexternal

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Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Position Classification:
Regular, full-time, salaried, exempt and benefit-eligible staff position. For more benefit information visit Why Work at UCO
General Schedule:
Position typically works 40 hours per week Monday through Friday with occasional evenings.
Salary Information:Salary commensurate with experience.
Position Overview:
The Oklahoma Council on Economic Education (OCEE) is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven, and mission-minded professional to help advance statewide personal finance and economic education initiatives that impact students, teachers, and communities across Oklahoma.
The Development Manager plays a key role in growing philanthropic support, strengthening community partnerships, expanding donor engagement, and increasing organizational visibility. This individual will actively cultivate and steward relationships with donors, sponsors, volunteers, business leaders, and community partners while helping to advance fundraising initiatives that support OCEE's mission and long-term sustainability.
The Development Manager works closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to advance fundraising goals, community partnerships, and organizational impact.
About OCEE:
At the Oklahoma Council on Economic Education, we are passionate about educating young people about an economy they will work in, benefit from, and ultimately inherit. We support teachers and students across Oklahoma through engaging personal finance and economic education programs, professional development workshops, classroom resources, and student competitions that build real-world knowledge and decision-making skills.
OCEE serves all 77 counties in Oklahoma through partnerships with schools, businesses, universities, financial institutions, and community organizations.
Essential Responsibilities:
Development & Fundraising
  • Build, cultivate, and maintain meaningful relationships with donors, sponsors, volunteers, educators, and community stakeholders.
  • Actively identify and pursue new partnership, sponsorship, and donor opportunities throughout Oklahoma.
  • Serve as a visible ambassador for OCEE through community engagement, networking events, presentations, and relationship-building activities.
  • Lead sponsorship outreach, stewardship, fulfillment, and relationship management for OCEE programs and events.
  • Support annual fundraising strategies and initiatives in partnership with the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
  • Monitor fundraising progress, sponsorship pipelines, donor engagement activity, and campaign performance in alignment with organizational fundraising goals.
  • Regularly evaluate progress toward fundraising targets and proactively identify opportunities, challenges, trends, and gaps for discussion with the Executive Director.
  • Lead fundraising reporting efforts including sponsorship tracking, donor engagement activity, campaign outcomes, and progress updates for leadership and board review.
  • Help maintain momentum toward fundraising goals through ongoing relationship management, stewardship, and outreach efforts.
  • Coordinate donor recognition and stewardship activities to strengthen donor retention and long-term community investment.

Events, Communications & Community Engagement
  • Lead fundraising, sponsorship acquisition, donor engagement, and stewardship efforts for OCEE fundraising events, including the Back to School with Financial Literacy Luncheon and Annual Meeting.
  • Manage sponsor fulfillment, donor experiences, volunteer engagement, and fundraising-related event activities.
  • Identify opportunities to cultivate and strengthen donor relationships through events, programs, and community engagement efforts.
  • Collaborate with the Executive Director and program team to develop donor-focused communications, sponsorship recognition, impact stories, and community engagement initiatives.
  • Assist in managing OCEE's social media presence by contributing content, highlighting program impact, recognizing sponsors and donors, and supporting organizational visibility.
  • Represent OCEE at community events, partner meetings, networking opportunities, and fundraising activities throughout Oklahoma.

Development Operations
  • Maintain accurate donor and sponsor records within the organization's CRM and fundraising systems.
  • Lead tracking and reporting of fundraising progress, sponsorship revenue, donor activity, campaign performance, and development metrics.
  • Ensure timely donor acknowledgements, sponsorship fulfillment, stewardship communications, and related reporting requirements.
  • Ensure donor and prospective donor information is maintained securely and appropriately.
  • Support grant research, proposal preparation, reporting coordination, and stewardship activities in partnership with the Executive Director and program staff.
  • Help strengthen development systems, processes, and operational strategies that support long-term organizational growth and sustainability.
  • Engage in ongoing professional development and perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
  • Three or more years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, sponsorships, relationship management, sales, community engagement, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated experience building and maintaining professional relationships with donors, sponsors, clients, or community partners.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience managing fundraising events, sponsorship programs, annual giving initiatives, or donor stewardship activities.
  • Experience with CRM/database management and fundraising reporting.
  • Experience supporting grant writing, grant management, or grant reporting.
  • Knowledge of nonprofit fundraising principles and donor engagement strategies.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
  • Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
  • Strong organizational and project management abilities.
  • Initiative, professionalism, and attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
  • Confidence engaging with donors, sponsors, volunteers, business leaders, and community partners.
  • Ability to monitor progress toward goals and proactively communicate opportunities and concerns.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and donor management software.
  • Passion for education, financial literacy, and community impact.

Physical Demands:
Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

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