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Economic Development Director Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Town of Cary

DEVELOPMENT LIAISON SUPERVISOR

Cary, NC

$84K - $138K/yr

What makes this position especially meaningful is the direct impact it has on shaping the community ... economic benefits, and continued stability. The Development Liaison Supervisor is on the front ...

NCSU

District Director

Raleigh, NC

Serve as the programmatic supervisor for Regional Center Directors and participate in the ... Familiarity with the economic development infrastructure of North Carolina * Prior extension ...

NCSU

Executive Assistant

Raleigh, NC

The executive assistant also supports the assistant vice chancellor of partnerships and director of economic development. The executive assistant performs the following primary duties: * Serves as a ...

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All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Director JobsEconomic Development Director Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Economic Development Director information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$47.1K

$120.5K

$196.3K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Raleigh, NC is $120,467.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,000.00 and $149,200.00 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 Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Economic Development Director jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Raleigh, NC as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,467 per year, or $57.9 per hour.

Office Manager- Economic Development

Harnett County, NC

Lillington, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Lillington, NC
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: ECO 2416
Department: Economic Development
Division: Economic Development
Opening Date: 05/29/2026
Closing Date: 6/15/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
POSITION SUMMARY
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Office Manager will have exceptional executive assistant skills and bring their expertise to oversee and manage day-to-day administrative activities of the department, support team member administrative needs, and lead or support special projects, initiatives, and events. The position performs administrative duties that require incredible attention to detail and, at times, confidentiality. The position will be the first point of contact for walk-ins and phone calls. The position will interact with numerous people such as County administration, elected leaders, colleagues across departments, peers across state and local government entities, Realtors, business professionals, and the public among others.
Reports to the Economic Development Director.
Hiring Range: $60,000.00
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:
  • Maintain and monitor a master list of Active Projects, and departmental initiatives, grants, contracts, and other activities, including follow-up/next step activities, deadlines, and the team lead.
  • Maintain regular check-ins with team members to determine supportive opportunities.
  • Maintain economic development-specific data associated with the County's Strategic Key Performance Indicators and our team's Quarterly Update.
  • Conduct research and produce briefs that may be shared internally, and to external audiences.
  • Coordinate with Finance, HR, IT, Legal, and other departments as needed.
  • Become accomplished at understanding and using internal County tools (i.e., Tyler and DocuSign), policies, and procedures to effectively achieve Financial and HR administrative responsibilities, including but not limited to:
    1. Procurement activities, including new Vendor registration
    2. Budget reconciliation
    3. Producing financial/budget reports for team members
  • Provide grant administrative support.
  • Plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate events.
  • Coordinate and schedule meetings and appointments.
  • Arrange for travel logistics as needed.
  • Manage and enter data into the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
  • Support an aligned 501c3 Board, to include agenda and minutes preparation and distribution, among other activities.
  • Assist real property management activities.
  • Maintain available property listings on multiple sites.
  • Identify process improvement opportunities, and recommend change(s) to enhance workflow.
  • Coordinate repairs to office equipment.
  • Oversee and manage our department filing system (hard copy and electronic), and the retention of records.
  • Must be able to drive and operate a County vehicle for travel throughout the County.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:
  • High school diploma and five (5) years of experience;
  • Associate degree and three (3) years of experience;
  • Or equivalent combination of education and experience;
  • Three (3) years of experience of project coordination experience
  • Experience working in a (quasi-)government setting
  • Experience working with a volunteer Board and preparing meeting minutes
  • Familiarity with Tyler (Munis)
  • Familiarity with economic development
  • Must possess a North Carolina Driver's license.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:
  • Knowledge of networking, website mechanics, GIS, Microsoft Office, CRM tools, and Adobe Acrobat.
  • Knowledge of County government operations and procedures.
  • Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures, equipment, and clerical techniques.
  • Knowledge of ongoing programs and projects of Economic Development and its associated committees.
  • Knowledge of the assets of the community and available resources of the County and surrounding region.
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws pertaining to economic development and planning.
  • Knowledge of the principles of management, business, their organizational procedures, and financing.
  • Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in business solicitation and industrial promotion.
  • Knowledge of grant administration.
  • Skill in using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Skill in working with Department software such as the Tyler Munis financial system.
  • Skill in communicating, both verbally and in writing.
  • Skill in collecting and analyzing data.
  • Skill in establishing databases about pertinent County statistics and demographics.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret policy and procedural guidelines and to resolve problems and questions.
  • Ability to develop and plan independent work in an effective and efficient manner.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
  • Ability to exercise tact and courtesy while working with the public and coworkers.
  • Ability to handle multiple priorities and wide variety of work activities occurring simultaneously.
  • Ability to maintain complex budgeting and accounting systems with sufficient detail to provide clear information on budgets and cost projections.
  • Ability to understand and explain program needs and their costs in terms of budgeting.
  • Ability to research budget, financial, purchasing, personnel policies, and related narrative materials, and to compile reports from information gathered.
  • Ability to work with highly confidential information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to perform sedentary work and occasionally exerting up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. This work also involves the physical abilities of grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, having manual dexterity, using mental acuity, reaching, performing repetitive motion, speaking, expressing ideas by the spoken word, shouting to be heard above ambient noise, and walking. An incumbent must also possess the visual acuity to prepare and used data and figures, perform financial and budgetary tasks, prepare purchasing requests, process documents and forms, and operate computers and office equipment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The employee works in a fast-paced office setting that may have unpredictable requirements or demands. Job duties require the ability to work an extended schedule as needed to accomplish assigned tasks and duties in order to meet deadlines.
Harnett County takes pride in offering an excellent benefit package including health, dental, vision and life insurance, membership in the North Carolina Local Government retirement, free health clinic for employees and anyone in their household and other benefits. To see more information about the benefits offered by Harnett County, click
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