Economic Development Director Jobs
Economic Development Director jobs are open across government agencies, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, universities, and regional planning bodies, from senior manager to vice president level, with specializations in business attraction, workforce development, and community investment. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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JOB SUMMARY
The Economic Development Project Manager is responsible for coordinating recruitment and retention efforts for the City of Prattville’s Economic Development Department and surrounding areas. FLSA status is Non-Exempt.
MAJOR DUTIES
The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or logical assignments for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions in this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for this particular position.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING (40%)
Assists in coordinating economic development initiatives and strategies, prospect visits, existing industry and business expansions, and product management.
Assists in industrial recruitment and retention.
Build relationships with the other economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, education institutions, governments, and business leaders on local, state, and federal levels to enhance the economic development environment of the community.
Serve as the liaison to stakeholders, coordinating with government agencies and managing capital projects.
Develop, promote , and manage the Striplin Center Business incubator.
Implement small business programs for façade improvements and investment plans for the furture.
Maintains website needs and available real estate options throughout the City of Prattville.
Provide research, data, and appropriate guidance to local, state, and federal business and government leaders regarding the impact of economic development on the local tax digest.
Serve as a team builder and facilitator between all local, state, and federal officials as well as local and statewide utility and infrastructure vendors that impact the community.
Assists in developing and nurturing relationships with existing companies to maintain current investments in the area. This shall include, but not be limited to:
Develop and maintain programs that encourage the expansion of existing businesses for job maintenance, creation, and additional investments.
Communicates relevant news and information via social media.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (30%)
Engage with educational institutions to build and attract a strong talent development program for existing businesses.
Communicate talent development programs with local businesses on a consistent basis.
Assists with maintaining a database of current workforce development programs.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (20%)
Serve as a leader and innovator in building a strong and viable business environment through pro-business legislation that will impact the overall success of businesses in the community.
Operate as a resource and catalyst for affordable housing in the area that will create jobs and encourage the continued growth of the local economy.
Engage within the community and attend various events.
OTHER REALTED DUTIES (10%)
Assists with organizing Economic Development related meetings and travel.
Perform other duties that may be assigned by the Economic Development Director relating to economic development.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree, preferably in Business Administration,
Economic Development, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Marketing, or a closely related field from an accredited university, or equivalent experience in economic development or a similar field.
Two years of experience in economic development, business, government, or non-profit sector, or a combination of these fields.
An innovative, creative and strategic thinker who has experience in developing relevant programs and goals to enhance the quality of life in the City of Prattville.
Experienced team builder and leader who will effectively represent the City of Prattville in many environments.
A proven track record of successfully working with an economic development organization, governments, and community stakeholders.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the essential functions of this job, employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, drive a vehicle, use hands or fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk or hear, taste or smell.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and is required to ask for help in lifting more than 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to weather conditions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Position requires the ability to move throughout the City of Prattville's service area and to meet with various constituents in their respective locations.
This is a diversified job requiring sustained mental effort related to public contacts, organizational issues, mediation, planning, and technical areas as well as travel, public speaking, and non-standard business hours.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
City of Prattville employees are required to obtain knowledge of the City of Prattville Policies and Procedures, and knowledge of their specific department rules, policies, and procedures. This job description does not necessarily include all the duties which may be required of individual employees in the classification. Job descriptions may be revised as needed.
Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures, and relevant federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations.
Knowledge of city personnel policies and guidelines.
Ability to develop and nurture value-added relationships with diverse business, government, community groups, and individuals.
Ability to make oral presentations to persuade others to accept a specific opinion, action, and/or provide information or explain procedures, policies, etc.
Excellent written communication and marketing skills that will enhance the development initiatives of the City of Prattville.
Outstanding listening skills to clearly understand positions and instructions.
Sound understanding of budgets, income statements, and balance sheets.
Possess a clear understanding of revenue bonds and their positive impact on business growth opportunities; real estate financing; grant writing and administration; and governmental agreements, including but not limited to intergovernmental agreements and public/private contracts.
Clear concept of how public funds may be expended.
Proficient with word processing, PowerPoint or Prezi, and Excel skills to prepare business correspondence and reports with speed and accuracy.
Clear grasp of current social media best practices, including implementation.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Must provide proof of your legal right to work in the United States.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Willing to work on-call.
Willing to cooperate with the workload of the department.
Willing to attend continuing education courses.
Willing to comply with City of Prattville rules and regulations.
Must submit to drug screenings for this safety-sensitive position.
Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
EEOC COMMITMENT:
The City of Prattville is committed to maintaining equal employment opportunity by considering job applicants and employees for hiring and advancement on the basis of job-pertinent individual differences and not on the basis of extraneous factors such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetics, status as current or former uniformed service member, or any other classifications protected by law.JOB SUMMARY
The Economic Development Project Manager is responsible for coordinating recruitment and retention efforts for the City of Prattville’s Economic Development Department and surrounding areas. FLSA status is Non-Exempt.
MAJOR DUTIES
The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or logical assignments for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions in this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for this particular position.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING (40%)
Assists in coordinating economic development initiatives and strategies, prospect visits, existing industry and business expansions, and product management.
Assists in industrial recruitment and retention.
Build relationships with the other economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, education institutions, governments, and business leaders on local, state, and federal levels to enhance the economic development environment of the community.
Serve as the liaison to stakeholders, coordinating with government agencies and managing capital projects.
Develop, promote , and manage the Striplin Center Business incubator.
Implement small business programs for façade improvements and investment plans for the furture.
Maintains website needs and available real estate options throughout the City of Prattville.
Provide research, data, and appropriate guidance to local, state, and federal business and government leaders regarding the impact of economic development on the local tax digest.
Serve as a team builder and facilitator between all local, state, and federal officials as well as local and statewide utility and infrastructure vendors that impact the community.
Assists in developing and nurturing relationships with existing companies to maintain current investments in the area. This shall include, but not be limited to:
Develop and maintain programs that encourage the expansion of existing businesses for job maintenance, creation, and additional investments.
Communicates relevant news and information via social media.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (30%)
Engage with educational institutions to build and attract a strong talent development program for existing businesses.
Communicate talent development programs with local businesses on a consistent basis.
Assists with maintaining a database of current workforce development programs.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (20%)
Serve as a leader and innovator in building a strong and viable business environment through pro-business legislation that will impact the overall success of businesses in the community.
Operate as a resource and catalyst for affordable housing in the area that will create jobs and encourage the continued growth of the local economy.
Engage within the community and attend various events.
OTHER REALTED DUTIES (10%)
Assists with organizing Economic Development related meetings and travel.
Perform other duties that may be assigned by the Economic Development Director relating to economic development.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree, preferably in Business Administration,
Economic Development, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Marketing, or a closely related field from an accredited university, or equivalent experience in economic development or a similar field.
Two years of experience in economic development, business, government, or non-profit sector, or a combination of these fields.
An innovative, creative and strategic thinker who has experience in developing relevant programs and goals to enhance the quality of life in the City of Prattville.
Experienced team builder and leader who will effectively represent the City of Prattville in many environments.
A proven track record of successfully working with an economic development organization, governments, and community stakeholders.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the essential functions of this job, employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, drive a vehicle, use hands or fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk or hear, taste or smell.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and is required to ask for help in lifting more than 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to weather conditions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Position requires the ability to move throughout the City of Prattville's service area and to meet with various constituents in their respective locations.
This is a diversified job requiring sustained mental effort related to public contacts, organizational issues, mediation, planning, and technical areas as well as travel, public speaking, and non-standard business hours.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
City of Prattville employees are required to obtain knowledge of the City of Prattville Policies and Procedures, and knowledge of their specific department rules, policies, and procedures. This job description does not necessarily include all the duties which may be required of individual employees in the classification. Job descriptions may be revised as needed.
Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures, and relevant federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations.
Knowledge of city personnel policies and guidelines.
Ability to develop and nurture value-added relationships with diverse business, government, community groups, and individuals.
Ability to make oral presentations to persuade others to accept a specific opinion, action, and/or provide information or explain procedures, policies, etc.
Excellent written communication and marketing skills that will enhance the development initiatives of the City of Prattville.
Outstanding listening skills to clearly understand positions and instructions.
Sound understanding of budgets, income statements, and balance sheets.
Possess a clear understanding of revenue bonds and their positive impact on business growth opportunities; real estate financing; grant writing and administration; and governmental agreements, including but not limited to intergovernmental agreements and public/private contracts.
Clear concept of how public funds may be expended.
Proficient with word processing, PowerPoint or Prezi, and Excel skills to prepare business correspondence and reports with speed and accuracy.
Clear grasp of current social media best practices, including implementation.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Must provide proof of your legal right to work in the United States.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Willing to work on-call.
Willing to cooperate with the workload of the department.
Willing to attend continuing education courses.
Willing to comply with City of Prattville rules and regulations.
Must submit to drug screenings for this safety-sensitive position.
Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
EEOC COMMITMENT:
The City of Prattville is committed to maintaining equal employment opportunity by considering job applicants and employees for hiring and advancement on the basis of job-pertinent individual differences and not on the basis of extraneous factors such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetics, status as current or former uniformed service member, or any other classifications protected by law.See All 130+ Economic Development Director Jobs
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Find JobsEconomic Development Director Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Science & Research
- Government & Public Sector
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in economic development director jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in public administration, urban planning, economics, or business
- Five or more years of experience in economic development, planning, or a related public-sector field
- Demonstrated experience managing business attraction, retention, and expansion programs
- Familiarity with tax increment financing, opportunity zones, and economic incentive structures
- Experience writing and administering federal or state economic development grants
- Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential from the International Economic Development Council
Tips for Your Economic Development Director Job Search
Quantify your economic impact concretely
Hiring panels for economic development directors want to see numbers tied to your work. Cite jobs created, capital investment attracted, grants secured, and businesses retained under your leadership, not just the programs you managed or supported.
Tailor your resume to the entity type
A county economic development authority, a state commerce department, and a private-sector community development organization each want different things. Adjust your resume to emphasize public-private partnerships for governments, deal flow for private entities, and grant management for nonprofits.
Highlight your stakeholder network explicitly
Economic development directors are hired for who they can convene, not just what they know. Name the types of stakeholders you've worked with, such as site selectors, utility executives, state agency leads, and industry associations, so hiring managers can picture your network in action.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists economic development director openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare a portfolio of economic development wins
Many interview panels ask you to walk through a past project end to end. Have a one- or two-page project brief ready that covers the challenge, your strategy, the stakeholders involved, and the measurable outcome, whether that was a new facility, a tax incentive deal, or a workforce pipeline.
Negotiate scope alongside compensation
Economic development director roles vary widely in authority. Before accepting an offer, clarify your budget authority, staff size, board reporting structure, and whether you have direct control over incentive programs. Misaligned scope is a common reason directors leave within two years.
Economic Development Director Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most economic development directors?
The most active employers for economic development directors right now are Meta, Amazon, and University of Tennessee, and the most openings are in Texas, New York, and California, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. County and regional economic development authorities tend to post the highest volume of director-level openings throughout the year.
How many economic development director jobs are remote?
About 43% of economic development director openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though fully remote roles remain uncommon because the job requires in-person relationship-building with local stakeholders. Policy, grants management, and research-focused positions within larger economic development organizations are the most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements.
How do you become an economic development director?
Start with a degree in public administration, urban planning, economics, or business, then build experience in a junior economic development, planning, or government relations role. Develop a track of tangible wins in business recruitment, workforce programs, or incentive deal structuring. Earn the Certified Economic Developer credential to signal professional standing. Director roles typically require managing cross-agency projects and presenting to elected boards, so seek out those responsibilities early.
Can you get an economic development director role without direct economic development experience?
Some candidates move into economic development director roles from adjacent fields such as commercial real estate, workforce development, government affairs, or municipal finance. The key is demonstrating that you've managed public-private relationships, administered complex programs, and delivered measurable community or business outcomes. Smaller municipalities and regional organizations are more likely to consider candidates with strong transferable experience and leadership credentials than large state agencies.
What does the economic development director interview process look like?
Most processes begin with an application review and a screening call with HR or a search committee member, followed by a panel interview with elected officials, board members, or department heads. Many employers include a presentation round where you outline a vision or respond to a hypothetical development challenge. Final-round candidates often meet separately with key community stakeholders. The full process typically runs several weeks from first interview to offer.
Where can I find and apply to economic development director jobs?
You can find and apply to economic development director jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your experience level, sector preference, and location, then apply directly to each listing that fits your background.
See All 130+ Economic Development Director Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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