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Economic Development Director Jobs in Seattle, WA

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Economic Development Director information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$55.2K

$141K

$229.9K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Seattle, WA is $141,038.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,900.00 and $174,700.00 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 Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Seattle, WA? For Economic Development Director jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,038 per year, or $67.8 per hour.

Economic Development Manager

Puget Sound Energy

Bothell, WA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Puget Sound Energy rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Puget Sound Energy is looking to grow our community with top talented individuals like you!  With our rapidly growing, award winning energy efficiency programs, our pathway to an exciting and innovative future is now.

PSE's Customer Engagement team is looking for qualified candidates to fill an open Economic Development Manager position!


Specific details regarding the work arrangements for this position will be discussed in further detail during the interview process.

Job Description

The Economic Development Manager (EDM) coordinates and manages processes related to feasibility assessments for new large load requests, while exploring non-wires solutions (e.g., Distributed Energy Resources and Demand Response) and other initiatives to support customer and community energy needs. This role oversees the feasibility inquiry process and partners with internal and external stakeholders to gather requirements, develop solutions, and align strategy. Work efforts may originate from various sources and can evolve into infrastructure projects and system upgrades. 

The EDM supports customers across a broad range of needs, including capacity planning, load growth, and overall system feasibility. This role leads cross-functional coordination on behalf of customers, collaborating with account managers and key internal partners such as Engineering, Real Estate, Environmental, Permitting, System Planning, Products and Services, Government Affairs, Community Engagement, and Energy Resources. Responsibilities also include facilitating communication across teams, representing PSE and the Economic Development team in customer engagements and external forums, and supporting internal efforts related to tracking, forecasting, and executing infrastructure growth and capacity planning. 

Upholds the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE’s operating and/or field procedures related to work responsibilities. Promotes and supports a culture of total safety. 

 Demonstrates commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically and consistent with our core values and Code of Conduct.  Ensure duties are performed in accordance with all regulatory compliance obligations.

Job Responsibilities
  • Coordinates activities and processes in support of Economic Development:
      • Assembles and leads multi-disciplinary project teams.
      • Identifies the scope of an assigned inquiry and decides logical action to meet inquiry requirements and deadlines.
  • Provides ongoing customer support and coordination:
      • Facilitates communication between service providers and internal customers/departments, which may include technical support.
      • Responds to customer concerns and works with appropriate parties for resolution.
      • Coordinates and manages feasibility request processes for customers.
      • Understands the general costs, rate structure, feasibility, and estimates pertaining to the schedule and budget development, for projects and inquires.
  • Partners across PSE to facilitate process and technical solution:
      • Feasibility inquiries may involve new construction, upgrades and modifications of the electric distribution and transmission system; substations; gas pipelines, district regulators and other gas facilities.
      • Feasibility inquiries may also include the addition of new generation facilities and modifications, upgrades to existing facilities, and an exploration of new or different technologies to find a solution to customer energy needs.
      • Work in partnership with internal departments, service providers, and external entities to coordinate feasibility inquiries and obtain appropriate resources.
      • Facilitates technical assistance to internal and external customers. Applies general rules, standards and guidelines to specific technical problems. Understand and communicate technical information effectively – written and oral communication – with internal and external audiences including the ability to translate technical information to a variety of audiences, and customer questions and concerns to PSE technical teams.
  • Responsible for oversight of feasibility processes and providing ongoing internal and external customer support:
      • Supports activities related to feasibility inquiries.
      • Reports on feasibility inquiries’ progress as directed.
      • Ability to organize and track information.
      • Gathers, consolidates and analyzes facts in relation to feasibility requirements.
  • Provides support and response during storms and emergencies.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Business Administration, Project Management, Engineering or related discipline and/or related work experience.
  • At least 5 years relevant work experience coordinating tasks while partnering with customers to support energy needs and/or other relevant customer needs.
  • Experience coordinating and/or leading projects directly related to supporting customer energy capacity and feasibility and/or other relevant customer needs.
  • Demonstrated strong written and verbal communications skills and ability to work as part of a team.
  • Knowledge and experience in scheduling, estimating, accounting and finance principles.
  • Strong customer focus with the ability to partner with customers to resolve issues, understand needs and strategize solutions.
  • Ability to work with a variety of teams in a collaborative way.
Desired Qualifications
  • 7 years’ experience managing feasibility infrastructure projects and customer inquiries.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills and techniques to bring about agreement between divergent points of view.
  • Ability to write clear, concise and direct narrative and reports.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving and conceptual skills for single of multiple technical areas.
  • Negotiating and critical thinking skills.
  • Knowledge of utility methods, techniques and procedures involved in budgeting, procurement and contract administration.
  • Advanced Project Management Training and Project Management or Construction Management Certification from an accredited institution (PMI or College).
  • General knowledge of techniques used to involve community members in development of projects affecting their community.
Additional Information

At PSE, we value our employees and provide them with opportunities to excel. We offer a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package. To learn more about why PSE is a great place to work, see our Employee Value Proposition, which highlights our commitment to employee growth, work-life balance, and meaningful career opportunities in the energy sector.

The pay range for this position is $82,000.00 - $136,300.00, and this position is eligible for annual goals based incentive bonuses. 

PSE offers a suite of benefits to our employees. Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic life, and short- and long-term disability insurance.  There are additional voluntary options of supplemental life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent daycare, and an Employee assistance program (EAP).  For long term savings, PSE offers a 401(k) investment option and a cash balance retirement plan.  Employees will also receive Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays throughout the calendar year. Detailed benefit overviews can be found on our Career page - Why Work For Us (pse.com). 

Families and businesses depend on PSE to provide the energy they need to pursue their dreams. Our steadfast commitment to serving Washington communities with safe, dependable and efficient energy started in 1873. Today we're building the Northwest's energy future through efforts like our award winning energy efficiency programs and our leadership in renewable energy. 

Puget Sound Energy is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status or presence of a disability that with or without reasonable accommodation does not prevent performance of the essential functions of the job, or any other category prohibited by local, state or federal law.

Should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources Staffing department at jobs@pse.com or 425-462-3017.

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