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The differences between directors of economic development and development directors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a director of economic development and a development director. Additionally, a director of economic development has an average salary of $107,578, which is higher than the $107,044 average annual salary of a development director.
The top three skills for a director of economic development include business development, project management and real estate. The most important skills for a development director are digital marketing, oversight, and patients.
| Director Of Economic Development | Development Director | |
| Yearly salary | $107,578 | $107,044 |
| Hourly rate | $51.72 | $51.46 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 55,938 | 63,008 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An economic development director develops and spearheads the implementation of economic development programs in a city. They usually work for the city government, although there are some who work for private companies. It is their responsibility to perform market research and analysis, developing strategies to help the city in building positive relationships with businesses and potential economic partners. Moreover, as an economic development director, they are also responsible for managing and directing staff, encouraging them to reach project goals while implementing policies and standards.
A development director is an individual who is responsible for securing funds and sponsors for non-profit organizations. Development directors must actively seek new business partners and develop relationships with volunteers and donors. They meet with members of the development team to help advertise and promote brand awareness and funding. Development directors must possess skills and experience in managing human resources, marketing, and budgeting functions. They must also obtain a bachelor's degree in business management, public relations, or related field.
Directors of economic development and development directors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Director Of Economic Development | Development Director | |
| Average salary | $107,578 | $107,044 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $180,000 | Between $64,000 And $177,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Jersey City, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | AstraZeneca | Cornerstone Research |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | - |
There are a few differences between a director of economic development and a development director in terms of educational background:
| Director Of Economic Development | Development Director | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between directors of economic development' and development directors' demographics:
| Director Of Economic Development | Development Director | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 64.1% Female, 35.9% | Male, 50.2% Female, 49.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 5.1% White, 74.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 6.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 5.1% White, 74.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 16% |