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Economic Development Director Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Associate Director, Prospect Intelligence

Raleigh, NC

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... economic, societal and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina. Today, NC State is ... University Development raises philanthropic support for university goals and priorities that ...

Development Associate

Raleigh, NC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... economic, societal and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina. Today, NC State is ... Essential Job Duties Reporting to the associate director of special projects and initiatives, the ...

Showing results 41-60

Economic Development Director information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$47.1K

$120.5K

$196.4K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Raleigh, NC is $120,474.00, 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 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:

Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 91% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,474 per year, or $57.9 per hour.

$53K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description Do Great Things. Durham Tech is hiring a Coordinator for Corporate Services. The Corporate Services Coordinator supports the Corporate Services department in developing strategic workforce partnerships with business and industry which promotes economic development.

Examples of Duties Collaborates with Corporate Services anCenterfor Workforce Engagement team to enhance training opportunities with business and industry. Responds to new and existing business requests for training, works with directors to conduct needs assessment and offer appropriate training solutions. Monitors progress of projects by reviewing training plans and works with instructors to provide training and establish training schedules.

Works closely with directors to forecast funding needed for instruction, materials, and supplies foreach training program; submits expenditures for approval and manages allotted budget. Ensures compliance with state and college training program guidelines. Secures training facilities, equipment and materials, and coordinates course registration, course evaluation, contract and invoicing processes involving client and participants, staff adjunct instructors and/or 3rd party providers.

Prepares and submits all required reports and documentation to ensure program approvals and financial expenditures. Works closely with directors to ensure timely collection and submission of all pertinent documentation and reporting. Represents the college positively to the community, business and industry, and workforce development partners.

Participates actively on appropriate committees and task forces and in professional associations and organizations at the college, regional, and state level. Participatesin professional development activities such as workshops, seminars andconferences related to program area. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree required from an accredited institution, preferably in a business-related field.

Possess a valid driver's license. Proficient with Microsoft Office software. Work Experience: Two years of work experience in training and development, project management, business planning or related field.

Experience maintaining office systems and supporting organizational operations. Supplemental Information Evidence of strong interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and effective oral and written communication. Ability to collaborate, establish and maintain positive relationships throughout the college and the community.

Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Ability to engage in active listening.

Demonstrate skills necessary to look at situations and processes critically to make recommendations for improvement, as well as implement changes needed. Personal integrity, honesty, and the ability to maintain confidentiality. Demonstrates commitment to the mission, goals, and core values of Durham Technical Community College.

Physical Demands: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. The physical and mental demands described as follows are representative of those that must be met by an employee in performing the essential functions of this job: Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time. Ability to lift, at times, up to 25 lbs.

Occasional exposure to noise, dust, and vapors, when visiting business and industries. Personal protection equipment as required by clients on visits. Normal Working Hours A minimum of a 40-hour work week as determined with supervisor to allow the employee to fulfill the assigned duties and responsibilities, including occasional evening and weekend hours.

Travel as needed to meet program goals, gain information, education and training required for professional development.