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Economic Development Director Jobs in Reed City, MI

Akwel Cadillac USA Inc

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 ...

All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Director JobsEconomic Development Director Jobs in Reed City, MI

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 Aug 17, 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 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.

More about Economic Development Director jobs

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:

Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Reed City, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,908 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Process Engineer

Akwel Cadillac USA Inc

Cadillac, MI • On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Join AKWEL and be part of our adventure in a family-run, independent group with a long-term vision. A first-class automotive equipment and systems manufacturer specializing in fluid management, mechanisms, and structural parts, AKWEL offers state-of-the-art industrial and technological expertise in applying and processing materials (plastics, rubber, metal) and mechatronic integration. We are seeking -
1 - SKILLS PROFILE

Qualifications and Experience:

Engineering degree in technical discipline strengthened by a prior work experience in Engineering, Production or Development field gained within the industrial environment, or A-Level+ 2 years minimum reinforced by 3-year experience in a similar function.

Professional abilities:

  • Organizational skills, ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team, decision-making ability, analytical and synthetic thinking, rigor, respect for confidentiality, sense of initiative,
  • Communication skills, ability to coordinate project meetings, decisive regarding the targets (QCD), ability to lead feedback plans in case of a drift,
  • Command of office automation systems and MS Office (Portal, PDM, Word, Excel, PowerPoint…),
  • Command of English.

Technical knowledge:

  • Command of Engineering and Quality tools.
2 - MAIN MISSIONS

The Process Engineer conducts the products industrialization « Plant » according to standards and specifications in compliance with Quality, Costs and Delivery objectives.

Product Design and Industrialization Process

  • Is member of the Project team since launching,
  • Takes part in product design to ensure the product’s feasibility (FMEA product, plan review,…),
  • Leads the industrialization plant, he/she conducts the tasks provided for in the project Quality Plan based on the current standards (Synoptic of manufacturing, FMEA process, control plan, specifications, manufacturing file, process validation, probationary series,…)
  • Ensures the industrialization planning, the allocated budget, the coherence of process design compared to the specifications; this is performed in cooperation with the Project Manager, and/or Product Line Industrialization Manager,
  • Participates in the technical meetings and the project reviews,
  • May be required to participate in the FMEA tools,
  • Leads the action plan of product/process development and validates the technical choices,
  • Responsible for maintaining the technical data of the process,
  • Takes an active part in the suppliers’ choices of production resources, in the monitoring of their execution and validates their approval,
  • May be required to support improvements or changes on a process during the product’s series production,
  • Takes an active role in building on technical knowledge and developing expertise within the assigned area of responsibility,
  • May be required to lead a team of Process Technicians and/or carry out a part of their missions according to the complexity of assigned projects,
  • Reports to the Project Manager and his/her direct line manager.

Must apply all QSE² procedures and operating instructions within the framework of operations linked to her/his job and the rules defined by the Group.

Agrees to act in accordance with the ethical rules of the Group.

CONFIDENTIALITY:

Has a duty to preserve secrecy and confidentiality with respect to all the systems and data to which she/he can be granted access, within the normal framework of his function.

3 - INTERNAL AND/OR EXTERNAL RELATIONS

On the internal level, he/she maintains a cooperative relationship with the project teams and the plant’s units,

On the external level, he/she deals with the suppliers and if required with customers, particularly following senior management formal request.

4 - ACCREDITATION

He/she is authorized to have access to economic and financial documents regarding his/her project.

He/she is equally entitled to deliver the technical acceptance of equipment or activities designed by the Engineering department.

Benefits: Include *401(k), *401(k) Matching,l Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance program, Flexible Spending Account, Health Insurance, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Referral Bonus Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Vision and Dental Insurance

AKWEL is a stable, indoor/year round employer in a modern, industrial plant that provides all basic tools and equipment.

This Company Describes Its Culture as:

Stable -- traditional, stable, strong processes

People-oriented -- supportive and fairness-focused

Team-oriented -- cooperative and collaborative