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Economic Development Director Jobs in Irmo, SC (NOW HIRING)

... as directed; Conducts engineering studies and prepares oral and written reports; Works with ... Performs professional civil engineering work in the design and development of City water / sewer ...

... directed; * Conducts engineering studies and prepares oral and written reports; * Works with ... Performs professional civil engineering work in the design and development of City water / sewer ...

... Economics, Computer Science, or related field. * MBA preferred but not required. * 2-5 years of ... Data visualization and dashboard development. * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

A., a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-quality, reliable firearms for ... This role serves as the direct leader for strategic sourcing activities while providing technical ...

A., a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-quality, reliable firearms for ... This role serves as the direct leader for strategic sourcing activities while providing technical ...

Showing results 41-60

Economic Development Director information

See Irmo, SC salary details

$39.6K

$101.2K

$164.9K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Irmo, SC is $101,198.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,100.00 and $125,300.00 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 job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Irmo, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Irmo, SC are:

What cities near Irmo, SC are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs?

Cities near Irmo, SC with the most Economic Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Irmo, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,198 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

State and Local Government (SLG) - Associate Director - Columbia, South Carolina

Guidehouse

Columbia, SC • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


Guidehouse rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Job Family:

Management Consulting


Travel Required:

Up to 25%


Clearance Required:

None

What You Will Do:

Guidehouse is seeking an Associate Director to lead the continued growth of the firm's relationship with the State of South Carolina and its localities. This individual will be engaged and accountable for driving a sustainable portfolio of existing client engagements and future firm growth.

Guidehouse’s State and Local Government practice serves clients in the areas of business design, organizational strategy, program strategy and implementation, market analysis, financial modeling, operational analysis, process improvement, change management, technology strategy and transformation, compliance monitoring, program management, and reporting.

Client Relationship Management and Engagement Delivery:

  • Actively manage a portfolio of client engagements and consulting staff, ensuring all contractual targets and deliverables are met.
  • Strategize with consultant teams on project approach, facilitate communications, and manage risk across active engagements.
  • Drive quality and standards of work product; ensure superior engagement quality.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with executives at state and local government organizations, including division, branch, and program levels with particular focus on relationships in South Carolina state agencies and localities.
  • Develop and instill best practices throughout the organization.
  • Maintain and promote compliance with contractual, regulatory, and internal policy requirements.
  • Manage the economics of client engagements, ensuring delivery aligns with approved financial parameters.

New Business Development:

  • Serve as a thought leader in the public domain and assist in building the Guidehouse brand across state and local government clients in South Carolina.
  • Leverage the firm’s existing relationships with state agencies and develop new relationships to expand existing client relationships and develop new clients.
  • Serve as the lead executive for new business opportunities.
  • Serve as a content expert for client issues.
  • Be personally engaged in and accountable for growing the practice at a rate of $5M+ in annual new business for the firm.

Consulting Staff Leadership:

  • Direct line management for consultants assigned to client engagements.
  • Career development, advocacy for, recruitment of, and retention of members of the market team.
  • Training and onboarding of new consultants and management.
  • Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to junior- and mid-level staff, fostering professional growth and high-quality delivery.
  • Contribute to the development of a positive and performance-oriented culture.


What You Will Need:

  • Bachelors degree from an accredited college/university
  • Minimum of 7+ (SEVEN) years of total work experience - ideally including industry, research, or consulting experience, excluding internships, part-time roles, co-ops, fellowships, and academic research
  • Minimum of 3+ (THREE) years of experience leading large-scale programs or consulting engagements with state agencies 
  • Existing strong relationships with leaders in South Carolina state agencies and localities
  • Strong familiarity with the government acquisition process and business development practices within consulting (e.g., experience identifying and tracking anticipated RFPs; leading proposals, cultivating new opportunities with existing clients)
  • Demonstrated ability to lead state government new business pursuits and proposals with proven results
  • Excellent program/project management skills with demonstrated experience leading large multi-disciplinary teams across a range of projects
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain strong business relationships with senior executive clients
  • Well-rounded leadership skills to provide strategic, analytical, and operational direction to teams
  • Ability to travel as needed to support client engagements, firm growth, and other firm initiatives
  • Ability to work in a Guidehouse Office and Client Office as needed
  • Must reside in the Greater Columbia, South Carolina region
  • No sponsorship available for this position


What Would Be Nice To Have:

  • Master’s degree (MBA, MPP, MPA, or equivalent)
  • PMP, Scrum Master, or other relevant project management certification
  • Professional post-graduate experience in mission-driven or public-sector organizations
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Technology strategy and implementation
  • Business process redesign
  • Organizational or HR consulting
  • Business case development

#LI-DNI


What We Offer:

Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.

Benefits include:

  • Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance

  • Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays

  • Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus

  • Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan

  • Basic Life & Supplemental Life

  • Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

  • Student Loan PayDown

  • Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities

  • Skills Development & Certifications

  • Employee Referral Program

  • Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach

  • Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program

  • Mobility Stipend

About Guidehouse

Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer–Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.

All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or guidehouse@myworkday.com.  Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse.  Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process.

If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse’s Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact recruiting@guidehouse.com. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant’s dealings with unauthorized third parties.

Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.


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