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Economic Development Director Jobs in Portland, ME

The Fedcap Group

Performance Director

South Portland, ME · On-site

$70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR What You'll Do A s Performance Director , you will be a regional leader ... Education, Workforce Development, Occupational Health and Economic Development, which are ...

Fedcap

Performance Director

South Portland, ME

$72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... economic mobility for families. You will lead and support Performance Managers and take ... Promote Opportunity Centers as local workforce development hubs, including identifying and ...

The Fedcap Group

Performance Director

South Portland, ME · On-site

$72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... economic mobility for families. You will lead and support Performance Managers and take ... Promote Opportunity Centers as local workforce development hubs, including identifying and ...

The Fedcap Group

Performance Director

South Portland, ME

$72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... economic mobility for families. You will lead and support Performance Managers and take ... Promote Opportunity Centers as local workforce development hubs, including identifying and ...

The Fedcap Group

Performance Director

South Portland, ME · On-site

$72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... economic mobility for families. You will lead and support Performance Managers and take ... Promote Opportunity Centers as local workforce development hubs, including identifying and ...

The Fedcap Group

Performance Director

South Portland, ME · On-site

$72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... economic mobility for families. You will lead and support Performance Managers and take ... Promote Opportunity Centers as local workforce development hubs, including identifying and ...

The Fedcap Group

Performance Director

South Portland, ME · On-site

$72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... economic mobility for families. You will lead and support Performance Managers and take ... Promote Opportunity Centers as local workforce development hubs, including identifying and ...

The Fedcap Group

Performance Director

South Portland, ME

$72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... economic mobility for families. You will lead and support Performance Managers and take ... Promote Opportunity Centers as local workforce development hubs, including identifying and ...

Easterseals

Performance Director

South Portland, ME · On-site

$72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... economic mobility for families. You will lead and support Performance Managers and take ... Promote Opportunity Centers as local workforce development hubs, including identifying and ...

The Fedcap Group

Performance Director

South Portland, ME

$72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... economic mobility for families. You will lead and support Performance Managers and take ... Promote Opportunity Centers as local workforce development hubs, including identifying and ...

Generac

Director, Financial Products

South Portland, ME · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Own unit economics and pricing recommendations in partnership with Finance; ensure financing ... Track policy and regulatory developments affecting resiliency products, solar TPO, lending, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Director JobsEconomic Development Director Jobs in Portland, ME

Economic Development Director information

See Portland, ME salary details

$49.6K

$126.8K

$206.7K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Portland, ME is $126,836.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,600.00 and $157,100.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Portland, ME?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Portland, ME are:

What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Portland, ME look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Portland, ME are:

What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs?

Cities near Portland, ME with the most Economic Development Director job openings:

Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Portland, ME 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 $126,799 per year, or $61 per hour.

Director of Corporate Development

Dead River Company

South Portland, ME • Hybrid

$122K - $183K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Dead River Company rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 362 rated logistics

Job description

THIS POSITION IS BASED OUT OF OUR CORPORATE OFFICE IN SOUTH PORTLAND, ME

THE POSITION IS A HYBRID ROLE

SALARY RANGE:  $122,000-$183,000 Annually

We are aggressively looking to grow via acquisition, and are seeking an individual to join our team in South Portland as Director of Corporate Development. Reporting to the CFO & Chief Corporate Development Officer, this person will be responsible for leading various acquisition projects and strategic corporate development initiatives. This person will collaborate with business and functional leaders, and will have frequent exposure to our Executive team and our Owners.

Essential Functions:

  •  In collaboration with the CFO & Chief Corporate Development Officer, oversees the full acquisition (M&A) process including deal sourcing, strategic evaluation, financial analysis, valuation modeling, deal negotiation and structuring, due diligence, integration planning, and post close performance assessment.
  • Builds valuation models, performs financial analysis, and evaluates company and market information to evaluate acquisition opportunities, and provides clear and well-founded recommendations to the Executive team.
  • Acts as subject matter expert on valuation and deal structuring, and negotiates key transaction terms and legal documents to bring the deal over the finish line in a timely manner.
  • Leads the due diligence process for acquisitions, ensuring that cross-functional leaders and senior management are provided necessary information and that key issues are surfaced and resolved.
  • Provides input and direction as a key member of the integration team.
  • Builds robust pipeline of potential acquisition targets by developing relationships internally across the organization, and externally with potential targets, industry associations, brokers, and other industry influencers.
  • Collaborates with business and functional leaders to align the acquisition and business strategy.
  • Sets a high standard of corporate image and upholds the integrity of company policies and procedures.

This position requires 5+ years of Corporate Development experience in a corporate development, investment banking, transaction advisory, or private equity environment. Ideal candidate has worked for a highly acquisitive company and is experienced managing multiple acquisitions through all phases of the acquisition process.  Industry experience is a plus, but is not required.

Additional Attributes Desired:

  • Exceptional analytical, financial, and business valuation skills, with ability to analyze and assess complex business opportunities with limited information.
  • Experience project managing large cross functional projects, with ability to set priorities and create focus for others.
  • Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with experience presenting at the Executive and Board level.
  • Will create complex Excel models, advanced Power Point presentations, and business proposals for the Executive team

          Exhibits the following leadership competencies including:

          • Business and Financial acumen
          • Strategic agility
          • Dealing with ambiguity
          • Problem solving
          • Lead and manage cross functional teams
          • Drive for results
          • Integrity and trust

          Education:

          Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field is required.  An MBA is strongly preferred.

          This is a great opportunity for an individual that enjoys a high paced environment with rapidly growing company.  We would love to hear from you and discuss a new and exciting career journey.  

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