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.

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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.

Market Intelligence Report

Economic Development Director is part of the Program Management category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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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

Review current strategy documents and refresh priorities for the next 12 to 24 months

Create a target industry list based on local strengths and workforce availability

Build a pipeline tracker for active projects and set weekly follow ups

Meet the top local employers to understand expansion barriers and support needs

Audit available incentives and define clear guidelines for use

Identify grant opportunities that match priority projects and prepare a calendar

Strengthen partnerships with colleges and training providers for talent programs

Publish a quarterly performance update with outcomes and next steps

Join a regional economic development association and attend one site selection focused event