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Economic Development Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Golden

Economic Development Specialist

Golden, CO · On-site

$62K - $75K/yr

Assists with direct business retention and attraction efforts, and coordinates with other City economic development, sustainability, public art, and healthy communities programs affecting the entire ...

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$48.5K

$123.9K

$202K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in the United States is $123,934.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,500.00 and $153,500.00 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 cities are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs are:
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What states have the most Economic Development Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Economic Development Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs are:
Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,934 per year, or $59.6 per hour.

Director of Economic Development

City of Rowlett, TX

Rowlett, TX • On-site

$125K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Salary : $125,638.60 - $157,048.25 Annually
Location : Rowlett, TX
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-00140
Department: Economic and Community Engagement
Division: Economic Development
Opening Date: 03/18/2026
FLSA: Exempt
Description
Job description statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.
Under administrative direction, this position is responsible for leading the City's economic development and tourism initiatives, including office, industrial, and retail development as well as business recruitment and retention. The Director actively participates in the development and implementation of departmental goals and objectives designed to support the strategic priorities and values of the City Council and City Manager. This position regularly interacts with the public, development community, City departments, boards and commissions, and the City Council.
Essential Job Functions
Develops and implements policies and procedures supporting the City's comprehensive economic development program.
  • Initiates, develops, and maintains programs that encourage businesses and industries to locate, expand, and remain in the City.
  • Develops and administers programs to research, collect, and provide information and materials regarding the City's location advantages to companies considering relocation or expansion.
  • Creates, implements, and manages the marketing and positioning strategies to promote the community to prospective companies through direct outreach, events, presentations, electronic marketing, and other targeted campaigns.
  • Builds and maintains relationships with the local, regional, and national development and brokerage community to promote economic development opportunities and increase awareness of the City's growth potential.
  • Visits out-of-town business prospects and consultants to promote relocation and expansion opportunities as appropriate. Meets with local businesses to identify operational concerns and support expansion opportunities.
  • Develops and maintains strong working relationships with other economic development organizations representing the local, regional and state-wide levels, such as utility companies, the Dallas Regional Chamber and the Governor's Office of Economic Development.
  • Manages departmental operations and prepares and administers the annual department budget.
  • Ensures effective operational and financial management through forecasting, review of budget submissions, procurement oversight, and monitoring expenditures.
  • Makes presentations regarding economic development activities of the City of Rowlett.
  • Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential.
  • Serves as the staff liaison for the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB).

Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field from an accredited school or university required. Master's degree preferred.
  • A minimum of seven years' experience in an economic development discipline, public affairs, banking, business development, real estate brokerage, retail development, public administration, planning, or related area.
  • Three or more years of supervisory experience.
  • Any combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities may be considered.
  • Valid driver's license required. Must maintain a good driving record in accordance with the driving standards established by the City of Rowlett. Must report all traffic citations to his/her supervisor or his/her designee within two working days of receipt.
  • Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) preferred.

Knowledge of:
  • Market research methodologies and public relations principles/practices.
  • Common business, government, and real estate and development terminology/practices
  • Economic development practices including current innovations, data resources, and pertinent federal, state, local laws, codes and regulations with focus on tax abatement.
Abilities:
  • Effectively lead and supervise personnel as assigned.
  • Develop, implement and lead strategic plans for the functional area or department.
  • Establish a professional rapport and elicit cooperation from co-workers, the business community, and citizens while maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted.
  • Exceptional communication skills both orally and in writing to concisely articulate matters effectively and with technical competence in understandable terms based on audience in a group setting or an individual basis.
  • Conduct, analyze, and utilize general research and statistical data preparing related reports, maps and/or planning documents.
  • Interpret and apply department policies and procedures.
  • Utilize time management principles and resources effectively.
  • Proficient computer skills and expertise including word processing, databases, GIS and spreadsheet applications.
  • Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and project consequences of proposed actions.

Other Requirements
Work is performed primarily in climate-controlled office environment. Physical demands consist of sedentary in nature requiring little physical effort in working with light, easy to handle (up to 25 lbs.) materials.
The City of Rowlett is proud to support a healthy work/life balance by offering a 4-day work week, with standard business hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., depending on departmental schedules
We offer a comprehensive benefits packagethat includes vacation, holiday, and sick leave, along with medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, life insurance, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance.
To support our employees' long-term financial goals, the City participates in the Texas Municipal RetirementSystem (TMRS), featuring a generous 2:1 match.
For a more detailed overview of our benefit package, please visit our
01
Do you currently have a driver's license? (Your driving record will be considered to the extent that you will drive a City vehicle or conduct City business in your personal vehicle).
  • Yes
  • No

02
If you do not currently have a valid Texas driver's license, are you able to obtain one within 60 days of hire?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited College or University?
  • Yes, in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or a closely related field.
  • Yes, in a different field
  • No

04
If yes, please specify your degree.
05
Do you have at least seven (7) years of professional experience in economic development, public affairs, banking, business development, real estate, retail development, public administration, planning, or a related field?
  • Yes
  • No

06
If yes, please briefly describe your experience, including years and areas of responsibility.
07
Do you have three (3) or more years of supervisory or management experience?
  • Yes
  • No

08
If yes, please describe your supervisory experience, including number of employees supervised and responsibilities.
09
Do you currently have a certified Economic Development (CEcD) certification?
  • Yes
  • No

10
Please provide 3 examples of successes you have had in business creation in a prior city.
Required Question

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