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Economic Development Director Jobs in Rochester Hills, MI

Ilitch

Director, Development

Detroit, MI

The Director of Development is responsible for managing the development and execution of ... Bachelor's degree in real estate development, business administration, economics, finance or ...

TechTown Detroit

Major Gift Officer

Detroit, MI

$250K/yr

... economic development across Detroit. About the Opportunity As a Major Gift Officer you will design ... Provide reports to be used by the Fund Development Director to communicate to stakeholders at ...

TechTown Detroit

Major Gift Officer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$250K/yr

... economic development across Detroit. About the Opportunity As a Major Gift Officer you will design ... Provide reports to be used by the Fund Development Director to communicate to stakeholders at ...

TechTown Detroit

Major Gift Officer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$250K/yr

... economic development across Detroit. About the Opportunity As a Major Gift Officer you will design ... Provide reports to be used by the Fund Development Director to communicate to stakeholders at ...

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Economic Development Director information

See Rochester Hills, MI salary details

$44.6K

$114.1K

$185.9K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Rochester Hills, MI is $114,075.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $141,300.00 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 Rochester Hills, MI? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Rochester Hills, MI are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Rochester Hills, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Rochester Hills, MI are:
What cities near Rochester Hills, MI are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities near Rochester Hills, MI with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Rochester Hills, MI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,075 per year, or $54.8 per hour.

Deputy Director-Economic Development

Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

DESCRIPTION OF MAJOR JOB DUTIES

Under the leadership of the Assistant County Executive, the Deputy Director- Economic Development supervises the work of a growing staff working on economic development, business development, and community development projects. The Deputy Director approves annual project goals and develops resources and plans to meet these goals. The Deputy Director is responsible for the division budget, and for the development and implementation of new economic development initiatives, special projects, and target market initiatives as requested by the County Executive, Assistant County Executive, and other senior staff. The Deputy Director also coordinates and, in some cases, oversees activities of component united of the County, including the WC Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, the Stadium Authority, the WC Economic Development Corporation, and others as needed. The position may also represent Wayne County as a speaker at events and participates in regional and statewide economic development committees, taskforces, and boards. Additionally, the Deputy Director will oversee and provide training and guidance to professional level staff in the Economic Vitality Division.

Required Tasks

  • Supervises the work of professional, technical and clerical staff in the Economic Development Department, as assigned by the department director, to ensure that goals are set and met, staff turnover is minimal, and the department's reputation is second to none
  • Assists the department director with the development of annual project goals, target market plans, strategies and objectives for the Economic Development Department and the methods used to accomplish these goals
  • Assists with the preparation and management of the annual budget for the programs, projects, and activities of the department
  • Develops and implements new major economic development initiatives as delegated by the department director
  • Conducts personal visits to local groups, communities and businesses to identify their needs and provide information regarding available local, regional, state and federal economic development resources and programs
  • Represents Wayne County as a speaker at events and participates in regional and state-wide economic development committees, taskforces and boards.
  • Oversees and provides training and guidance to professional level staff in the department.
  • Cooperates with, and is knowledgeable of, the various business services of other development agencies and supports these activities to the extent possible
  • Participates in state and national professional associations related to economic development to remain abreast of key issues and economic development strategies

Educational/Experience Requirements

  • Possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Business Administration, Urban Planning, Economics, Public Administration, General Studies; or a closely related field.
  • Master's degree preferred
  • Have at least five (5) years of full-time professional work experience in the public, non-profit, or private sector in economic development, or a closely related area; AND
  • Have at least three (3) years of supervisory experience, preferably with teams of five or more

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