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Economic Development Director Jobs in Reed City, MI

Process Engineer

Cadillac, MI · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Leads the action plan of product/process development and validates the technical choices ... Reports to the Project Manager and his/her direct line manager. * Must apply all QSE² procedures ...

Economic Development Director information

See Reed City, MI salary details

$42.6K

$108.9K

$177.5K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Reed City, MI is $108,908.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,600.00 and $134,900.00 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 cities near Reed City, MI are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities near Reed City, MI with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Reed City, MI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,908 per year, or $52.4 per hour.
Preschool Teacher (Level 2)

$13 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About Us:
Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency, Inc. (NEMCSA) is a private, nonprofit Community Action Agency, whose Mission is to provide quality programs and services to strengthen and enhance the self-sufficiency of individuals, families and communities through the best use of human and financial resources, focusing on those who are experiencing an economic hardship.
What You'll Do:
This Teacher creates, maintains and manages a safe, warm, and challenging learning environment for young children incorporating developmentally appropriate learning activities which meet the needs of all children. Implements the program curriculum to fidelity and achieves progress toward established school readiness goals. Responsible for management of the local program site; hiring, training and supervision/support of classroom and auxiliary staff; record keeping; on-going development of individually tailored programs for children, and participation in a plan for continuous professional development. Safety of children is always the top priority for this position.
Child Growth and Development
  • Manage the delivery of a quality program to provide a positive healthy and safe learning environment to meet the educational and developmental needs of young children by focusing on learning styles and temperament;
  • Support and enhance children's growth and development through observation and high quality teaching practices;
  • Use the CSEFEL framework to guide program practices to meet the needs of all children enrolled in the program;
  • As needed, ensure Positive Behavior Support Plans and Special Services Goals & Transition Plans are implemented to fidelity for children who need additional support to be successful in the classroom.
Learning Environment and Curriculum;
  • Plan and implement outcome-based activities in cognitive, social-emotional, physical domains with an emphasis in language, literacy, math, and science; establish a learning environment that supports positive growth and development;
  • Develop lesson plans allowing input from program team and parents;
Child Observation, Record-Keeping, and Assessment
  • Monitor completion and timely submission of all required records and forms. Ensure file order is maintained;
  • Maintain all required child and administrative records and prepare necessary reports, files or submit as directed;
  • Demonstrate ability to collect and utilize data gained from on-going observation and assessment of all children and My Teaching Strategies reports to plan and implement large group, skill building and individualization activities;
  • Document case notes and other data in ChildPlus as needed.
Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition
  • Promote an awareness and development of healthy lifestyles in children and families through physical activity, healthy food choices and positive eating habits;
  • Responsible for the management/maintenance of the program site as directed to provide a safe, clean and healthy effective learning/working environment for children, parents and staff (including playground and parking area).
Family and Community Relationships
  • Assist parents in planning and implementing home activities appropriate for the individual child's specific developmental needs as reflecting in My Teaching Strategies reports;
  • Work in cooperation with parents and other program staff to meet all program requirements;
  • Prepare and implement at least two (2) home visits and two (2) parent/teacher conferences for each family;
  • Support and encourage parents through attendance at parent meetings, conferences/home visits, as volunteers in the classroom, and participation in program activities. Include parent participation in the planning of program experiences and center lesson plans that integrate the child's level of ability and interests;
Leadership
  • Serve as immediate supervisor of the teaching assistant(s) and classroom support personnel (including classroom aide, bus aide, bus driver, janitorial staff and volunteers) providing supervision, support, open communication, direction and training as needed;
  • Assist in the selection of additional personnel in the program as needed (and approved) to include assistants, bus drivers, and service aides. Ensure, completion of HR/licensing requirements;
  • Provide training and on-going supervision for staff and volunteers;
  • Maintain confidentiality and code of ethics at all times;
  • Assure parent/community participation in an effort to obtain and document in-kind to reach non-federal share target;
  • Attend all local and area staff meetings/trainings, orientation, pre-service, in-service, and other required training arranged for staff;
  • Pursue goals through an individually designed professional development plan;
  • Participate in Practice Based Coaching, working with the Instructional Coach, to ensure continued program quality;
  • Assist staff in meeting the goals on their professional development plan; support assistant in planning and implementing of at least four (4) days of programming per month; ensure all staff complete training hours for child daycare licensing and HS/GSRP requirements;
  • Facilitate transitions to or from Head Start/GSRP by engaging families, program staff (including EHS, HS Home Base), and members of the community/local education agencies in planning and implementing strategies that ensure successful transitions, including the transfer of child records;
  • Attend IEP/PBS planning meetings as needed;

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Who You'll Supervise:
Management of (2) or more employees with authority for hiring, firing, promotion, and disciplining and responsible for using independent judgment on matters of significance to the department. Supervises teaching assistant(s), classroom aide(s), bus driver(s), bus aide(s), janitorial staff and classroom volunteer(s).

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