Economic Development Director

Career Guide
An Economic Development Director leads efforts to grow jobs, business activity, and investment in a city, county, region, or organization. The role balances strategy, partnership building, and project execution, often working with government leaders, employers, developers, schools, and community groups.

Key Responsibilities

  • Set an economic development strategy and measurable goals
  • Build relationships with existing employers to support expansion and retention
  • Attract new businesses through outreach and site selection support
  • Lead incentive planning and negotiate economic development agreements
  • Manage redevelopment and placemaking initiatives that support business growth
  • Coordinate workforce and talent programs with education and training partners
  • Oversee grant strategy, applications, and compliance for funded programs
  • Develop marketing materials to promote the region to businesses and investors
  • Prepare reports and briefings for elected officials and boards
  • Manage budgets, vendors, and internal staff for economic development programs
  • Engage community stakeholders to align growth with local priorities
  • Track outcomes such as jobs created, wages, and private investment

Top Skills for Success

Strategic Planning
Stakeholder Management
Public Speaking
Negotiation
Program Management
Budget Management
Economic Analysis
Real Estate Development Knowledge
Workforce Development Knowledge
Incentive Structuring
Grant Writing
Business Retention Strategy

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Deputy Economic Development Director
Economic Development Director
Downtown Development Director
Redevelopment Director
Business Attraction Manager
Workforce Development Director
Transition Opportunities
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Chief Operating Officer
Public Affairs Director
Real Estate Development Executive
Regional Development Executive

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Incentive NegotiationGrant ComplianceReal Estate Finance BasicsData ReportingCommunity EngagementProject Pipeline Management
Development SuggestionsBuild experience by supporting one end to end project such as a business expansion or a redevelopment site. Strengthen credibility by learning incentive policy, grant rules, and basic deal finance. Create a simple results dashboard that tracks jobs, wages, investment, and project timelines, then share it regularly with stakeholders.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 90,000 to 120,000
Mid LevelUSD 120,000 to 170,000
Senior LevelUSD 170,000 to 240,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand. Hiring is strongest in fast growing regions, areas pursuing downtown redevelopment, and communities expanding industry and workforce partnerships.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
City GovernmentsCounty GovernmentsRegional Economic Development OrganizationsChambers of CommercePort AuthoritiesRedevelopment AgenciesState Economic Development AgenciesPublic Private PartnershipsEconomic Development Consulting FirmsLarge Nonprofit Community Development Organizations
Industry Sectors
Public SectorLocal GovernmentRegional DevelopmentCommunity DevelopmentReal Estate DevelopmentInfrastructureNonprofitConsulting

Recommended Next Steps

1
Review current strategy documents and refresh priorities for the next 12 to 24 months
2
Create a target industry list based on local strengths and workforce availability
3
Build a pipeline tracker for active projects and set weekly follow ups
4
Meet the top local employers to understand expansion barriers and support needs
5
Audit available incentives and define clear guidelines for use
6
Identify grant opportunities that match priority projects and prepare a calendar
7
Strengthen partnerships with colleges and training providers for talent programs
8
Publish a quarterly performance update with outcomes and next steps
9
Join a regional economic development association and attend one site selection focused event