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Economic Development Director Jobs in Spokane, WA

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Economic Development Director information

See Spokane, WA salary details

$49K

$125.3K

$204.2K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Spokane, WA is $125,312.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,500.00 and $155,200.00 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 Spokane, WA?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Spokane, WA are:

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For Economic Development Director jobs in Spokane, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Spokane, WA are:

What cities near Spokane, WA are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs?

Cities near Spokane, WA with the most Economic Development Director job openings:

Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Spokane, 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 $125,312 per year, or $60.2 per hour.

Youth Development Coordinator - Central

YMCA of The Inland Northwest

Spokane, WA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

OUR CULTURE:
At the Y, you can channel your passion into a lifelong career helping to deliver positive change. Every day, our staff – of all ages and from all walks of life – work to bridge the gaps in community needs by nurturing the potential of youth and teens, improving our community’s health and well-being, and providing support to our neighbors, by serving others, building strong relationships, and incorporating our YMCA values into our everyday work.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Under the supervision of the Youth Development Director, the Youth Development Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Child Watch and Family Activity Center and providing exemplary member service, creating a friendly and courteous atmosphere for youth and families. In addition, the Youth Development Coordinator will act as the point person during operating hours, address staff and member concerns, supervise Child Watch and Family Activity Center staff, and reinforces policies in a professional and courteous manner.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  1. Directs the overall Child Watch, Youth Enrichment Programs and Family Activity Center operation, ensuring proper implementation of procedures and protocols with emphasis on exceptional service.
  2. Develops innovative programs that engage youth and families and drive continuous program improvement.
  3. Ensures all programs are mission-driven, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with YMCA goals and standards.
  4. Responsible for ensuring safety and supervision of youth and leading developmentally appropriate activities in the Child Watch and Family Activity Center.
  5. Recruit and hire Child Watch, Youth Enrichment and Family Activity Center staff, maintain training and development programs, reviews and evaluates staff performance, and develops strategies to motivate and retain staff, while ensuring appropriate staffing levels for regular shifts and substitute coverage.
  6. Maintains accurate and complete participant attendance logs within the program, also ensuring positive participant engagement.
  7. Ensures the Child Watch, Youth Enrichment Programs and the Family Activity Center have adequate supplies for operations, maintains program equipment, and makes recommendations for repairs.
  8. Assists the Youth Development Director in planning and executing special events, activities, and scheduling.
  9. Knows, reviews, and applies all safety, emergency, and child abuse prevention policies and procedures, responding to emergency situations in accordance with YMCA protocol.
  10. Participates as a member of assigned committees, attends regular staff meetings, and promotes the YMCA throughout the local community.
  11. Provides and welcomes ongoing dialogue with families about their child’s participation in activities, behaviors, and related topics, connecting families to the YMCA.
  12. Addresses member and staff concerns, providing exceptional member service and elevating issues to the Youth Development Director as appropriate.
  13. Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the mission and goals of the YMCA.

Note: This position includes multiple locations. The responsibilities below apply only to the North Branch Youth Development Coordinator and are assigned in addition to the general responsibilities listed above.

Additional Responsibilities – North Branch Only:

  • Oversee the Safe Sitter Program for the Association.

Additional Compensation:
These additional responsibilities are compensated for through additional work hours and do not impact base pay or title.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A minimum of 2 years’ experience working with children ages 6 weeks to 12 years of age
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and build positive, authentic relationships with staff, parents and children
  • Management and supervisory experience preferred.
  • Displays strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Utilizes computer skills and has experience with standard business software.
  • Completion of YMCA Program-specific trainings upon hire
  • Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community


WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to move the body through bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to communicable diseases, thus engaging in frequent handwashing and us of disinfectant products
  • The employee is regularly required to remain stationary, upright, and alert for several hours at a time.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee must regularly interact with youth through oral comprehension and expression, as well as active listening and speech recognition
  • The employee is frequently required to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight
  • The employee must occasionally lift and carry supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision and the ability to adjust
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

The YMCA of the Inland Northwest commits to being an inclusive organization for all. Driven by our mission and values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility we actively work to close equity gaps for marginalized and underserved groups. We are inspired to elevate social justice issues facing our community, remove systemic barriers, welcome cultural diversity, and create equity for those in greatest need. Through collaboration with our diverse community partners together we work to effect meaningful change. In all things, we are dedicated to ensuring our Y is a safe, welcoming place for all people to be, belong, and become. The YMCA of the Inland Northwest provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants.

STARTING PAY: $20.00/hr

WHAT YOU GET FROM WORKING AT THE YMCA:

  • Frequent opportunities to makes a difference in the lives of youth, adults, and senior members
  • Free individual YMCA membership (<19 hours/week) with YMCA program discounts available
  • Paid sick time accruing at 1 hour every 40 hours worked
  • Up to two hours of Child Watch services per day, per child while employee is on site and working
  • Flexible schedules that work for YOU
  • Something new and exciting to learn and work with every day
  • Retirement plan with 8% employer contribution after 2 years of service (1,000 or more hours worked required in each anniversary year)

The happiest and most fulfilled Y staff are motivated to help others and want to be a part of something larger than themselves. Join our team! Come be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us.

Apply today!