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Economic Development Director Jobs in Raleigh, NC

... economic well-being and quality of life for all North Carolinians. In partnership with state ... Coordinate with Director of Business Development to maximize output and minimize budget impact.

New

... Director, research faculty, economists and staff. The Research Analyst will also work closely with ... Research development: Conduct literature reviews on a broad set of economic and business topics in ...

Civil Project Engineer I

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$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 ...

Civil Project Engineer I

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$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 ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 8, 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 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 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Economic Development 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:

Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Raleigh, NC as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,467 per year, or $57.9 per hour.

ElectriCities of NC: Rate Analyst

Raleigh, NC • On-site

ElectriCities of North Carolina Inc.
Utilities • 51 - 200 employees

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

The Rate Analyst is responsible for rate analysis, guidance and providing excellent customer service to ElectriCities’ members concerning retail rates, wholesale cost and revenue analysis and projections, and assistance with members’ economic development rate analysis.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Under supervision of the Manager, Rates perform retail rate studies for member cities, including identifying possible changes in retail rate levels, billing structures and rate schedule documentation while considering fair and equitable cost responsibility among customer classes.
  • Maintain excel based models for short-term and long-term wholesale power cost projections for power agency members. Provide monthly reporting to monitor forecast versus actual wholesale power costs and usage.
  • Assist in developing specific innovative rate programs for individual participants that keep pace with industry trends that will enhance each participant’s ability to continue economic development initiatives in their communities, while maintaining positive financial margins, and assisting with developing Agency-wide innovative rate programs.
  • Recommend retail rates to member cities that are consistent with NCMPA1 and NCEMPA wholesale rates and power supply programs while monitoring and striving for regionally competitive retail rates.
  • Work to increase knowledge of current and future utility trends in renewable energy, electric vehicles including charger rates, and any other relevant rate related topics.
  • Assist in the presentation of retail rate studies, innovative rate designs and special project results to member city/town boards and staff.
  • Under supervision of the Manager, Rates create and present electric/rate training to member’s staff to include basic electric/billing terms and concepts, metering, rate classes, rate design, cost causation principles, bill processing and calculations, creations of bill exercises utilizing a member’s current rate schedules.
  • Assist Settlements department as needed and fully train in all aspects of the retail billing process and systems.
  • Assist with retail billing services including checking retail bills for accuracy, maintaining a current library of retail rates in electronic and paper form, and reviewing reports from the Retail Billing System (“RBS”).
  • Protect confidentiality of load profile data, billing information and rate schedules due to the sensitive nature of the information and responsibilities to the cities that entrust that data to NCMPA1 and NCEMPA.
  • Maintain knowledge and ability to perform all aspects of retail billing process and systems, and guide Retail Billing and Extranet enhancements that mirror changes to retail rates and customer needs.
  • Monitor applicable competitor rates. Perform competitive rate comparisons as needed.
  • Assist in preparing special projects, analysis, and complete data requests involving rate-related issues as needed; including analysis that may be required to ensure all aspects of the retail billing systems are current and correct.
  • Assist Municipals with annual EIA Surveys.
  • Provide input and support implementation of the annual business plan of the Operations Division.
  • Foster an environment of teamwork with the ElectriCities departments and personnel to effectively coordinate the development of programs and services for ElectriCities members.
  • Maintain a positive professional working relationship with the participants and their customers.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
Job Requirements Controls

The Rate Analyst works under the direct supervision of the Manager, Rates, who reviews the employee’s work performance periodically in terms of overall effectiveness and provides professional supervision as needed. The Manager, Rates approves all requests for vacation and other time off. This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Physical Requirements

The Rate Analyst must maintain the physical condition necessary to perform tasks in hybrid office/home office settings such as operating a personal computer, keyboard, video meetings, and other peripheral equipment. Travel and availability for work outside normal business hours and during unusual weather and system conditions may be required. Occasional travel within the state of North Carolina and periodic travel within the U.S. for training and development purposes is required.

Qualifications
  • A Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Economic, Finance, Math, Statistics, Engineering, or other analytic degree or equivalent combination of experience and education.
  • Excellent analytical, communication and presentation skills.
  • 3+ years’ experience in retail or wholesale rate development and/or financial analysis.
  • Advanced spreadsheet modeling and database experience.
  • Advanced Excel is required, and SAS programming experience is preferred.
  • Demonstrated willingness to accept responsibility, take initiative and be self-motivated while accepting general supervision.

ElectriCities is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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