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Economic Development Director Jobs in Raleigh, NC

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Project Director, Lifting Futures

Durham, NC · On-site

The Project Director will be responsible for the overall and quality implementation of the ... Economic Development, Education, Public Administration, Public Affairs, Policy Studies, or a ...

New

AVE Staffing

Commercial Real Estate Associate

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

This position offers direct client contact, a clear track to partnership, and a modern work ... economic development agreements. * Entity Formation: Draft corporate resolutions, operating ...

Javara Inc.

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Director of Business Development- Clinical Research (Remote)

Raleigh, NC · Remote

Javara brings better outcomes for patient-centered care, better economic results, improved access ... The Director, Business Development is a senior individual contributor, responsible for originating ...

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Javara Inc.

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Director of Business Development- Clinical Research (Remote)

Raleigh, NC · Remote

Javara brings better outcomes for patient-centered care, better economic results, improved access ... The Director, Business Development is a senior individual contributor, responsible for originating ...

New

Timmons Group, Inc.

Civil Project Engineer I

Raleigh, NC

$75K - $100K/yr

Communicate with client staff and internal design team as directed by senior engineering staff ... environmental, economic development, GIS/geospatial technology, landscape architecture, and ...

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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 Jul 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,467 per year, or $57.9 per hour.
Development & Marketing Director

Development & Marketing Director

Sierra Club

Raleigh, NC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Development & Marketing Director

Department: North Carolina Chapter

Location: Hybrid based in Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

Reports To: Chapter Director

Supervises: Communications Manager

Context:  At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice - a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel injustice, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our future. By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it. Sierra Club has close to 700 staff across the country and a network of 64 local chapters that are led and fueled by thousands of volunteers. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with three labor unions representing more than half of our employees.

Scope: The Development & Marketing Director leads the Chapter's integrated fundraising, marketing, and communications efforts to grow revenue and build power across North Carolina. Supervises the Communications Manager, develops and executes multi-year fundraising and engagement strategies, manages donor relationships and CRM systems, and oversees multi-channel marketing and communications to advance the Chapter's environmental advocacy and organizing goals. Supports the Chapter Director in donor engagement and ensures consistent, compelling messaging aligned with both national Sierra Club standards and North Carolina audiences. This is an in-person position based in Raleigh, NC.

This is a hybrid position that requires frequent in-person meetings as well as occasional in-state travel.

Job activities include but are not limited to:

  1. Strategic Leadership and Management.

    • Lead the development and execution of a multi-year integrated revenue and engagement strategy in close collaboration with chapter staff, that aligns with the strategic plan and priorities set forth by the national Sierra Club.  

    • Foster a culture of fundraising and shared ownership across staff and volunteer leaders. 

    • Delegate work tasks appropriately based on staff workload, capabilities, and mission demands.

    • Manage staff performance, including providing regular timely feedback, conducting annual performance reviews, and motivating high performance.

    • Create a positive, healthy team culture and environment that centers inclusivity and opportunities for growth.

  1. Fundraising Strategy Development & Implementation. 

    • Combines leadership with hands-on operational execution.

    • Develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy & lead the operationalization of the annual development plan, collaborating with Chapter and National staff, supporting the Chapter Director's task management, and executing annual giving tactics and appeals. 

    • Develop and implement stewardship strategies that build long-term relationships with NC Sierrans - our members, donors, volunteers and advocates.

    • Manage the North Carolina chapters donor relationship management process, coordinating engagement with the Chapter Director, staff and volunteer leaders. 

    • Manage and execute day-to-day fundraising operations including gift processing, acknowledgements, data hygiene, and monthly reconciliation. 

    • Coordinate with the Chapter Coordinator and volunteer leadership on gift processing and data management as needed.

    • Leadership on gift processing and data management as needed. 

  1. Marketing & Communications Development & Implementation. 

    • Develop the NC Chapter's marketing and communications multi-channel strategy that encompasses digital, print, paid, earned, and owned media, to advance environmental advocacy, grassroots organizing, and fundraising goals.

    • Ensure a consistent, compelling voice and brand presence across all platforms, aligned with national Sierra Club standards and adapted for North Carolina audiences.

    • Oversee the execution of content development for digital and print channels, including website, email campaigns, social media, action alerts, reports, and promotional materials, in alignment with chapter's marketing strategy.

    • Collaborate with the NC Chapter and Club staff to craft storytelling strategies that highlight policy wins, campaigns, volunteers, communities, and environmental impact across the state.

    • Apply a language justice lens to lead the creative development and execution of digital communication strategies that create engaging and impactful digital campaigns, and ensure that considerations of equity, inclusion, and justice become foundational

  1. Data-Informed Approach.

    • Drive continuous improvement of CRM (Salesforce) and other technology and data management tools (Asana), segmentation, reporting and analytics, and insights to enable datadriven strategy and efficient workflows. 

    • Lead reporting and insights to the Chapter Director and staff, highlighting results, recent activity, and progress on fundraising strategies and campaigns. 

    • Analyze engagement and performance data utilizing the chapter's email marketing platform (Salesforce - Marketing Cloud) and other digital services to grow audiences, increase action-taking, and strengthen power building across the state.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following skills, experience and competencies:

  • Experience in the space. Leadership experience in mission-driven (nonprofits, social impact, higher education) development, marketing and communications, stewardship, and fundraising operations.

  • Strategic Leadership. Demonstrated experience leading fundraising programs and communications and digital marketing strategy. 

  • Systems and Data Experience. Experience managing donor databases or CRM systems, email marketing platforms and digital analytics.

  • Conscientiousness. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

  • Communication. Comfort and ability to communicate clearly and respectfully in writing, on the phone, and in person.

  • Committed to evolution.You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.

  • Uplifting and additive. You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go.

The strongest candidates will also demonstrate the following skills, experience and competencies:

  • Experience supervising and developing staff, including goal setting, performance management, and coaching. 

  • A deep knowledge and understanding of North Carolina's unique environmental, social, and political landscape. 

  • Can recognize where work needs to be done and fill the gaps. Self-motivated; can work  independently as well as part of a team.

  • Fast learner who can quickly absorb, distill and communicate to diverse audiences new and often complex information

$85,000 - $90,000 a year

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $90,000 annually.

The Sierra Club offers a competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience plus excellent benefits that include medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a retirement savings 401(k) plan. 

This is a category 3, exempt, non-represented, managerial, position.

Sierra Club values the expertise and talents of foreign nationals. Sierra Club sponsors both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas when certain criteria are met, based on immigration laws and organizational needs. Such sponsorship is at the discretion of the Department Head and Sierra Club People Department in consultation with the employee's manager. The Sierra Club cannot guarantee the approval of a visa petition. The Sierra Club is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce belonging.

To Apply

The Sierra Club provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all staff members. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, lived experience and skills. The Sierra Club does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, ancestry, age, size, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, prior conviction, arrest history, traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Sierra Club values applicants who are people that identify as Black, Indigenous, and other minoritized groups; women; queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people.

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.

Applications will be accepted through July 12, 2026.

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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