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Economic Development Director Jobs in Portland, ME

Director of Finance

Portland, ME

$90K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Oversee LIHTC compliance & long-term monitoring of affordable housing developments. * Serve as the ... economic empowerment and small business assistance to the New Mainer population. Employees enjoy ...

Executive Director

Yarmouth, ME · On-site

$130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will participate in the training and development of new employees -implementing initiatives ... economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our associates unique.

Contribute to SARSSM Budgetary Strategic Planning & Program Development * Contribute to financial ... affiliation, age, socio-economic status, physical appearance and abilities. Reasonable ...

Director US Strategy

Scarborough, ME · On-site

$160K - $240K/yr

OverviewManage the team driving strategy development at ADUSA to further activate the US growth ... Bachelor's degree in business, finance, economics, or related field; MBA preferred * Minimum of 7 ...

Director, Strategic Operations

Portland, ME

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Strategy Development & Thought Partnership - 20% * Partner ... Operating Model & Economics Support - 10% * Partner with the SVP to develop the customer value ...

Director, Strategic Operations

Portland, ME

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Strategy Development & Thought Partnership - 20% * Partner ... Operating Model & Economics Support - 10% * Partner with the SVP to develop the customer value ...

Director, Strategic Operations

Portland, ME · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Strategy Development & Thought Partnership - 20% * Partner ... Operating Model & Economics Support - 10% * Partner with the SVP to develop the customer value ...

Director US Strategy

Scarborough, ME · On-site

$139.12 - $240/hr

Bachelor's degree in business, finance, economics, or related field; MBA preferred * Minimum of 7 years of experience directly in strategy development, global initiatives, and program development ...

Director - Revenue Requirements

Portland, ME · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Professional development and clear careeradvancement pathways For more information, please visit ... Bachelor's degree in Economics, Finance, Business, Accounting or other related fields of study and ...

Engineering/Science Postdoctoral Fellow

Portland, ME

$50K - $68K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... talent-building, and economic growth for Portland, Maine, and northern New England. We are ... Support Roux Engineering team proposal development. * Perform lab management duties as needed.

Division Transportation Market Leader

Portland, ME · On-site

$133K - $227K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Responsible for understanding and communicating the regulatory and economic market drivers that ... Train and mentor client account managers in the development of new and existing clients. * Key ...

New

Showing results 21-40

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.

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:

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.

$90K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

ProsperityME

Director of Finance

Portland, Maine

 

ProsperityME is seeking a Director of Finance to play a critical role in partnering with the senior leadership team in strategic decision making and operations as ProsperityME continues to enhance its quality programming and build capacity. This is a tremendous opportunity for a finance leader to maximize and strengthen the internal capacity of a well-respected, high-impact organization.

Requirements of the Director of Finance:
  • 5-7+ years of overall professional financial and operations management experience
  • Minimum of a BA, MBA/CPA or related degree preferred
  • Experience of final responsibility for the quality and content of all financial data, reporting and audit coordination for either a division or significant program area
  • Experience working in a financial position for a nonprofit organization and possess qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of ProsperityME.
  • Ability to translate financial concepts to programmatic and fundraising colleagues
  • Experience preparing for audit and 990 tax returns with the audit committee.
  • Excellent communication and relationship building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
  • Experience with analysis and reporting of financial operations for department heads, program leaders, Board Finance Committee, and the Board of Directors. Identify and troubleshoot trends in income and expenses.
  • Supervisory experience and ability to collaborate with auditors and any contracted staff
  • Excellent experience with financial programs and software including QuickBooks
Benefits of the Job:
  • Competitive salary in the range of $90K-$95k
  • Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision benefits 100% paid for employee and family members
  • 4 weeks earned PTO and 12 paid holidays
  • 401K with up to 3% match
  • Opportunity to work in a collaborative, flexible, mission-based environment.
Responsibilities of the Director of Finance:
  • Analyze and present financial reports and oversee all financial, project and grants accounting.
  • Lead the annual audit process, liaise with external auditors and the finance committee of the board of directors.
  • Oversee the annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the ED; administer and review all financial plans and budgets; monitor progress and changes; and keep senior leadership team abreast of the organization's financial status.
  • Oversee LIHTC compliance & long-term monitoring of affordable housing developments.
  • Serve as the primary financial liaison to lenders and equity investors on affordable housing developments.
  • Manage organizational cash flow and forecasting.
  • Implement a robust contracts management and financial management/ reporting system.
  • Update and implement all necessary accounting practices and policies.
  • Effectively communicate and present the critical financial matters to the board of directors.
  • Demonstrated supervisory, training, and collaboration experience.
  • Identify and troubleshoot trends in income and expenses.
  • Attend Board Finance Committee meetings and full Board meetings to provide financial updates.

ProsperityME (PME) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Portland, Maine which offers financial education services, higher education scholarships, housing support, economic empowerment and small business assistance to the New Mainer population. Employees enjoy being a part of a mission-based organization with a collaborative culture where they are valued and respected.

Skillcloud HCM Solutions has been engaged to manage this search. NO PHONE CALLS OR RECRUITERS PLEASE.


Equal Opportunity Employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, familial status, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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