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Economic Development Director Jobs in Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Contracts Manager

Fort Walton Beach, FL · On-site +1

$73K - $97K/yr

The position will support proposal development, contract negotiation and contract compliance ... Price and general knowledge of cost accounting structures for direct and indirect costs. * Ability ...

Manage sales director to ensure group bookings, LNRs, and SMERF business. Engage with guests at ... Employee Staffing and Development : Hire, train, and develop new employees. Delegate appropriate ...

Showing results 21-40

Economic Development Director information

See Santa Rosa Beach, FL salary details

$43.9K

$112.2K

$182.9K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Santa Rosa Beach, FL is $112,224.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $139,000.00 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 job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Santa Rosa Beach, FL look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Santa Rosa Beach, FL are:
What cities near Santa Rosa Beach, FL are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa Beach, FL with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Santa Rosa Beach, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,224 per year, or $54 per hour.

$49K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

The purpose of this position is to perform developmental assignments which are designed to provide the employee the application of common contracting methods and contract types, and to assist in the procurement of standard or specialized service; supply; and/or construction items, services, and/or materials primarily through formal advertising, or through limited use of negotiation techniques. The position is centrally managed and funded by the Headquarters Air Force Personnel Center.Qualifications:BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:
Basic: A bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees.
OR
A current member of the Armed Forces (not retired or separated) OR a current DOD employee that meets the following requirements: 1) served as a contracting officer with authority to award or administer in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold on or before 30 September 2000; 2) served, on or before 30 September 2000, in a position as either an employee in the GS-1102 series or as a member of the Armed Forces in a similar occupation specialty; OR, (3) is in the contingency contracting force.
In addition to meeting the basic requirements, applicants must have specialized experience:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GS-05) in one or more of the following: (1) soliciting, evaluating, negotiating, and awarding contracts; (2) administering contracts by assuring compliance with the terms and conditions; (3) terminating contracts by analyzing, negotiating, and settling claims and proposals; (4) analyzing and evaluating cost/price proposals and accounting systems; (5) planning, establishing, or reviewing contracts, programs, policies, or procedures; (6) formulating and administering policies and procedures to insure achievement of socioeconomic goals; (7) developing acquisition strategies and directing or managing procurements; and/or (8) providing functional staff advisory services within the contracting occupation. Duties performed are elementary assignments with strict adherence to clearly detailed and specific instructions or guidelines provided by a higher graded employee. Knowledge required may have been acquired through a pertinent bachelorette educational program or equivalent experience.
OR
Education: A bachelor's degree with SAA, or equivalent, of study from an accredited institution of higher education in any of the following disciplines: accounting, business finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, and organization and management. Note: Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) based on class standing; grade-point average; or honor society membership. Detailed SAA qualifications are described in OPM Qualification Standard located at this URL: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp. Or I have successfully completed one full year of graduate level education from an accredited university or college or law school. My graduate education includes one or a combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.
OR
Combination
of Education & Experience: Combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements.
THIS IS AN INDIVDUAL, SINGLE AGENCY QUALIFICATION STANDARD FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE POSITIONS: This standard implements requirements contained in Title 10, United States Code, Sections 1723 through 1733, as amended by Section 861(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92) and implemented on a policy exception basis by Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment memorandum, Exception to 24 Semester Hours Requirement for Contracting Positions, effective and dated August 2, 2020.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.Employment Type: OTHER