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Economic Development Director Jobs in Waterloo, ON

MEDA

Impact & Knowledge Management Lead

Waterloo, ON · Remote

CA$82K - CA$90K/yr

Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) invites applications for an Impact & Knowledge ... The role supports the Director in operationalizing MEDA's IKM strategy on data integration ...

MEDA

Data Analyst

Waterloo, ON · Hybrid

CA$58K - CA$72K/yr

Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) invites applications for a Data Analyst tojoin our ... Reporting to the Director, Impact and Knowledge Management (IKM), the role contributes in planning ...

Wawanesa Insurance

Director, Total Rewards

Kitchener, ON · Hybrid

CA$135K - CA$180K/yr

Lead the development and delivery of recognition and reward programs that strengthen engagement ... Analyze market positioning and emerging economic, legislative and workforce trends; identify risks ...

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Economic Development Director information

See Waterloo, ON salary details

$38.7K

$75.7K

$131K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Waterloo, ON is $75,685.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,475.00 and $89,972.00 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 Waterloo, ON are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs?

Cities near Waterloo, ON with the most Economic Development Director job openings:

Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Waterloo, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 73% In-person, and 27% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $75,685 per year, or $36.4 per hour.

Organizational and Financial Strengthening Advisor, Industrial Sector - Spanish Required

Milton, ON • On-site

Cuso International
See more jobs at Cuso Internationalexternal

Full-time

This job post has expired 4 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Start Date: November 2026

Placement Length: 6 months

Language Requirements: Spanish Level 3, Intermediate

Please submit a Spanish Resume and Statement of Interest

Eligibility: Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada only

The Volunteer’s Role

Use your financial and strategic expertise to help an industry association build a stronger, more competitive future in Honduras.

Are you ready to turn financial insight into lasting economic impact? In this volunteer role, you will help partner organizations respond to evolving market realities, strengthen their value propositions, and become effective agents of economic development. Your contribution will support meaningful results such as job creation, improved competitiveness, supplier readiness, and new strategic partnerships.

Working alongside our partner organization, La Asociación Nacional de Industriales ANDI, you will provide practical guidance to strengthen organizational processes and update its strategic plan. You will help integrate the new pillars and priorities identified by ANDI’s membership into a forward-looking five-year plan.

You will also advise on the financial component of an initial diagnostic assessment, helping establish a clear baseline for measuring members’ progress against key financial indicators. This is an opportunity to apply your expertise while building local capacity and contributing to a more resilient industrial sector.

As a volunteer, you will:

  • Review ANDI’s organizational and financial processes and identify practical opportunities for improvement.
  • Support the development of a five-year strategic plan that reflects the priorities of ANDI’s membership.
  • Design the financial component of a baseline diagnostic assessment and recommend relevant indicators.
  • Analyze financial data and translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations for members.
  • Share tools and knowledge with staff to strengthen long-term planning, monitoring, and financial decision-making.

    • Essential Qualifications:

  • University degree in finance, economics, accounting, business administration, or a related field.
  • Master of Business Administration, Master of Finance, or a related graduate degree is an asset.

    • Essential Background:

  • Experience processing and analyzing financial data and presenting findings to diverse audiences.
  • Experience in organizational strengthening, strategic planning, or consulting within industrial or business sectors.
  • Strong critical-thinking, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.

    • What’s in it for YOU? A life-changing experience!

    About Us

    Cuso International (Cuso) is an international cooperation and development organization based in Canada that works to create social and economic opportunities for equity-deserving groups. Building on over sixty years of impactful work, we address global challenges by tackling the root causes of inequality. Working alongside our partners, we are focused on efforts to improve economic resilience, advance equity and inclusion for all, and deliver progress on climate action. We believe that by sharing skills, we can build better futures. Guided by our values of courage, inclusion, sustainability and accountability, Cuso combines innovative strategies and enduring partnerships to create lasting, meaningful change in communities across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada.
    Project: Sharing Canadian Expertise for Inclusive Development and Gender Equality (SHARE)


    Volunteer Support and Requirements

    Support Package

    Cuso International provides a comprehensive support package to ensure volunteers maintain a modest and healthy lifestyle aligned with local standards. This includes:

  • Monthly living allowance
  • Accommodation
  • Health insurance (including required vaccinations and antimalarial medication)
  • Round-trip airfare and visa/work permit costs
  • Pre-placement, in-country and reintegration training (along with access to self-directed materials and online resources)
  • Ongoing local support
  • Access to the Employee Assistance Program during and after placement

    • Selection and Screening

    If you are shortlisted, you will need to:

  • Confirm passport or permanent resident details for travel
  • Provide two professional references and one personal reference
  • Complete a language assessment during the initial phone interview
  • Pass a police check and medical clearance before departure
  • Comply with anti-terrorism checks
  • Agree to uphold the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) policy and Code of Conduct

    • Residency and Citizenship: Candidates are responsible for confirming how volunteering internationally may affect their citizenship or residency status. Canadian Permanent Residents should verify requirements with Immigration Canada before travel.

    Inclusion and Accessibility: Cuso International welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and equity-deserving groups. We provide reasonable accommodations throughout recruitment and placement. If you have accessibility needs, please contact us for support.

    Ready to Make a Difference? Apply to volunteer today!

    Apply