1

Economic Development Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

Emphasizes analytical rigor and connects economic theory to real-world policy debates, development challenges, and business strategy. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Emphasizes analytical rigor and connects economic theory to real-world policy debates, development challenges, and business strategy. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

College Economics Tutor

Durham, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes analytical rigor and connects economic theory to real-world policy debates, development challenges, and business strategy. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Technical Advisor, Lifting Futures

Durham, NC · On-site

$112K - $112K/yr

Bachelor's Degree or its International Equivalent in Workforce Education, International Development, Economic Development, Education, or a related field. * Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience ...

New

Counsel developers through municipal approvals, zoning variances, land use planning, and economic development agreements. * Entity Formation: Draft corporate resolutions, operating agreements, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Economic Development information

See Durham, NC salary details

$30K

$99.5K

$149.8K

How much do economic development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development in Durham, NC is $99,549.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,800.00 and $120,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is economic development?

Economic development refers to the process by which the economic well-being and quality of life of a region, community, or country are improved. This typically involves efforts to create jobs, attract investment, support businesses, enhance infrastructure, and promote sustainable growth. Professionals in economic development work with government agencies, private sector partners, and community organizations to create strategies that foster economic opportunities and address local challenges. Their goal is to build resilient economies that benefit all residents.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an economic development professional?

To thrive as an Economic Development professional, you need a background in economics, public administration, or urban planning, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools, GIS software, project management platforms, and knowledge of relevant regulations or certifications like CEcD are essential. Strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are vital for successfully attracting investment, fostering sustainable growth, and collaborating with stakeholders to drive community prosperity.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in economic development roles, and how can they be addressed?

Economic Development professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders, navigating complex regulatory environments, and securing funding for projects. Success in this field requires strong communication and negotiation skills to build consensus among government officials, business leaders, and community members. Proactively staying updated on policy changes, leveraging data-driven approaches, and building strong partnerships can help address these challenges and drive impactful outcomes.

What is the difference between Economic Development vs Urban Planner?

AspectEconomic DevelopmentUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in economics, public policy, or related field; often certifications in economic developmentBachelor's or master's in urban planning, geography, or related field; licensure may be required
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, economic development organizations, consulting firmsMunicipalities, government agencies, private planning firms
Industry UsageFocuses on economic growth, business attraction, and community developmentFocuses on land use, zoning, and urban design

While both roles aim to improve communities, economic development professionals focus on boosting local economies and attracting businesses, whereas urban planners concentrate on land use, zoning, and urban design to shape city landscapes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Durham, NC?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Durham, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Economic Development jobs in Durham, NC?

For Economic Development jobs in Durham, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Economic Development jobs in Durham, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development jobs in Durham, NC are:

What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Economic Development jobs?

Cities near Durham, NC with the most Economic Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Economic Development job openings in Durham, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,549 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina (hybrid/office as applicable)
Schedule: Monday and Friday remote, Tuesday-Thursday in office (based on business needs)
About EDPNC
At EDPNC, our mission is to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for all North Carolinians. In partnership with state, regional, local, and private sector leaders, we support North Carolina's growth through business recruitment, existing industry support, international trade and export assistance, small business counseling, and tourism promotion.
As a public-private partnership serving on behalf of the State of North Carolina, EDPNC operates at the intersection of public service and economic strategy. Our work helps attract investment, support employers, strengthen communities, and position North Carolina as one of the best places in the country to live, work, and do business.
We are a collaborative, mission-driven organization that values professionalism, initiative, responsiveness, and strong relationships. The work is fast-paced, meaningful, and highly collaborative, offering employees the opportunity to engage with leaders across business, government, and communities throughout the state. At EDPNC, team members are motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible impact while working alongside smart, dedicated people who care deeply about North Carolina's future.
About the Role
Position assists with lead generation effectiveness by providing support for the Business Development ("BD") team whose mission is to identify, develop, and secure new recruitment?opportunities. The individual would work with the BD and Marketing teams to help generate, nurture, and qualify leads; establish client relationships; and coordinate promotional activities. In addition, he/she would manage individual scheduling, and perform duties such as coordination of initial meetings at conference and tradeshows, direct communication outreach, campaign development and working on special projects that may contain confidential and sensitive information. He/she would also deal with a diverse group of important external clients and partners as well as internal contacts at all levels of the organization. Independent judgment is required to plan, prioritize, and organize a diversified workload.
What You'll Do
  • Coordinate lead qualification and business development activities including initial prospecting and response
  • Develop and maintain domestic target company lists for conference and tradeshow outreach
  • Serve as initial point of contact for individuals engaging via marketing campaigns seeking information about doing business in North Carolina, managing appropriate disposition of incoming inquiries.
  • Conduct initial calls and interactions for domestic lead traffic from marketing campaigns, using detailed knowledge of state program eligibility requirements to evaluate prospects' request to determine appropriate next steps and potential of leads. Provide BD questionnaire to vetted leads to be prepared for handoff to appropriate management.
  • Summarize details from calls/emails in Salesforce, EDPNC's Client Relations Management (CRM) system. Create Salesforce records including leads, contacts, and opportunities. Coordinate with Director, Business Development, to assign leads for management, based on BD Manager workload and related factors.
  • Work with partner organizations to maintain relationships, utilize knowledge, and streamline processes for BD team as prospects pertain to certain areas or sectors.
  • Work closely with Marketing & Research teams to assist development of e-marketing campaign content, sales collateral, presentations, and information requests from the Business Development team.
  • Provide Business Development input for optimizing efficiency of marketing campaigns and correctly qualifying and assigning leads based on individual prospect needs.

Other functions:
  • Work independently and within cross-functional teams on special nonrecurring and ongoing projects. Manage special projects which may include planning and coordinating multiple presentations, disseminating information, coordinating direct mailings, and creating content for brochures.
  • Maintain monthly Salesforce dashboard.
  • Create and develop visual presentations and other marketing materials with support of Business Development, Research, and Marketing team members.
  • Coordinate post-trade show and event drip campaigns with the Marketing team and serve as an initial point of contact for follow-up from said emails.
  • Input into Salesforce, schedule and organize meetings, post-event lead follow-up, drip campaigns, etc.
  • Cross-reference and synchronize multiple calendars and calls.
  • Develop research responses on items such as workforce, industry, population, and education as follow up as requested from calls. Coordinate heavily with research on additional materials requested and ensure timely delivery of requested materials to prospects.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements
What We're Looking For
Education and Experience Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree preferred
  • 1-3 years of business experience
  • 1-2 years' experience in a sales and marketing environment ideal, including internship experience
  • Knowledge of state economic development resources and issues is highly desired
  • Driver's license required

Key Competencies
  • Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
  • Customer service-focused attitude and behavior; proactive and results-oriented
  • Advanced proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel (e.g., pivot tables, complex formulas)
  • Ability to interface professionally with senior-level business and government executives
  • Ability to effectively plan, organize, and prioritize work
  • Proficiency in Salesforce preferred

We Invest in Our People-Professionally and Personally.
At EDPNC, our benefits are designed to support your career, well-being, and life outside of work.
  • Competitive compensation and performance incentives that reward impact and results
  • Hybrid work schedule that supports flexibility, and balance
  • Generous time off, including 4 weeks of PTO, 9 paid holidays, 3 sick and wellness days, and 3 flex holidays
  • 401(k) with a 5% employer match after six months to help you build long-term financial security
  • Paid parental leave, including 8 weeks of maternity leave and 4 weeks of paternal leave, because family matters
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with HSA and FSA options
  • Company paid short- and long-term disability coverage as well as 50K life insurance for added peace of mind
  • Employee Assistance Program that covers your entire household's wellbeing
  • Voluntary benefit options such as critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, life insurance and pet insurance
  • Corporate amenities such as paid parking, gym access and complimentary snacks
  • Family Forward Certified, reflecting our commitment to family-friendly workplace practices

Why Join EDPNC?
This is an opportunity to work with manufacturers across North Carolina and play a meaningful role in strengthening one of the state's most important industries. You'll collaborate with a statewide network of business, workforce, education, and economic development leaders while helping companies access resources that support growth, competitiveness, and long-term success.