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Economic Development Director Jobs in Madison, WI

Envista

Director, Product Development

Madison, WI · On-site

The Director of Product Development is responsible for leading the innovation, lifecycle management ... economics of the business. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Product Strategy & Portfolio ...

Public Consulting Group

Operations Director

Madison, WI · On-site

Our Human Services team helps state and municipal human services and economic development agencies ... Proven track record of successfully managing teams of direct report employees. Experience with ...

Realta Fusion, Inc.

Head of Finance

Madison, WI · On-site

Direct Realta's external accounting firm, coordinating month-end close, reconciliations, audit ... Support economic development and incentive agreement processes, including financial reporting ...

Realta Fusion Inc.

Head of Finance

Madison, WI · On-site

Direct Realta's external accounting firm, coordinating month-end close, reconciliations, audit ... Support economic development and incentive agreement processes, including financial reporting ...

SSM Health

Registered Nurse

Madison, WI · On-site

Regular Job Summary: Provides direct nursing care in accordance with established policies ... functional, cultural, social, economic, developmental, spiritual, vocational, and leisure ...

SSM Health

Registered Nurse

Madison, WI · On-site

Provides direct nursing care in accordance with established policies, procedures and protocols of ... functional, cultural, social, economic, developmental, spiritual, vocational, and leisure ...

SSM Health

Registered Nurse

Madison, WI · On-site

Provides direct nursing care in accordance with established policies, procedures and protocols of ... functional, cultural, social, economic, developmental, spiritual, vocational, and leisure ...

SSM

Registered Nurse

Madison, WI · On-site

Provides direct nursing care in accordance with established policies, procedures and protocols of ... functional, cultural, social, economic, developmental, spiritual, vocational, and leisure ...

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All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Director JobsEconomic Development Director Jobs in Madison, WI

Economic Development Director information

See Madison, WI salary details

$48.9K

$124.9K

$203.6K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Madison, WI is $124,898.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,200.00 and $154,700.00 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 are popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Madison, WI? For Economic Development Director jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,898 per year, or $60 per hour.

Site Development & Investment Attraction Director

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

Madison, WI • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Location: Remote (Wisconsin-based)
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt
Reports To: Business & Investment Attraction, Senior Director

About WEDC

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) works with businesses, communities, and partners statewide to foster innovation, support job creation, and strengthen Wisconsin's competitive position. Driven by a mission to make Wisconsin the best place to live, work, and build a business, WEDC is a purpose-driven organization that values integrity, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions, and invests in its people so they can help invest in Wisconsin's future.

WEDC is a Wisconsin-based organization with a remote-work-first environment. Remote work is expected to be performed in the state of Wisconsin.

Role Overview & Key Responsibilities

The Site Development & Investment Attraction Director leads efforts to identify, develop, and promote industrial sites that support business attraction and investment across Wisconsin. This role combines strategic site development, stakeholder engagement, and industry alignment to strengthen the state's competitive position for large-scale projects.In this role, you will:

  • Lead industrial site development initiatives that support business attraction efforts
  • Identify and advance development-ready sites for manufacturing, logistics, and other industrial users
  • Serve as a subject matter expert on site readiness, infrastructure, and permitting requirements
  • Build and maintain relationships with site selectors, corporate real estate professionals, and development partners
  • Support RFI/RFP responses with site data, feasibility insights, and permitting considerations
  • Maintain and enhance a statewide inventory of industrial sites and related data
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to improve site readiness and reduce development barriers
  • Supervise and mentor assigned staff or interns

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