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Director of economic development vs director of advancement

The differences between directors of economic development and directors of advancement 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 director of advancement. Additionally, a director of advancement has an average salary of $117,155, which is higher than the $107,578 average annual salary of a director of economic development.

The top three skills for a director of economic development include business development, project management and real estate. The most important skills for a director of advancement are analytics, professional development, and project management.

Director of economic development vs director of advancement overview

Director Of Economic DevelopmentDirector Of Advancement
Yearly salary$107,578$117,155
Hourly rate$51.72$56.32
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs55,93811,473
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

What does a director of economic development do?

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.

What does a director of advancement do?

The director of advancement plays an important role in the management of a development program that has the potential to advance a company's goals and mission. The typical duties for this role include leading employee communication functions, establishing asset level budget across the portfolio, and working closely with other departments, including compliance, investor relations, and tax/accounting. Additionally, you will be responsible for implementing an online solution for event management and email communication. As the director of the advancement, you should be understanding of employee needs and operational goals.

Director of economic development vs director of advancement salary

Directors of economic development and directors of advancement have different pay scales, as shown below.

Director Of Economic DevelopmentDirector Of Advancement
Average salary$107,578$117,155
Salary rangeBetween $64,000 And $180,000Between $74,000 And $184,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MAMenlo Park, CA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsNevada
Best paying companyAstraZenecaFirst Republic Bank
Best paying industryHealth CareTechnology

Differences between director of economic development and director of advancement education

There are a few differences between a director of economic development and a director of advancement in terms of educational background:

Director Of Economic DevelopmentDirector Of Advancement
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Director of economic development vs director of advancement demographics

Here are the differences between directors of economic development' and directors of advancement' demographics:

Director Of Economic DevelopmentDirector Of Advancement
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 64.1% Female, 35.9%Male, 54.6% Female, 45.4%
Race ratioBlack 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, 9.1% Asian, 5.1% White, 74.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between director of economic development and director of advancement duties and responsibilities

Director of economic development example responsibilities.

  • Lead and manage the implementation of the Medicaid network contract optimization initiatives.
  • Manage domestic and international travel arrangements including transportation, lodging, and logistics for individuals and groups utilizing travel management systems.
  • Serve as interim Texas Medicaid CFO for several months until a replacement CFO are hired.
  • Manage domestic and international travel arrangements including transportation, lodging, and logistics for individuals and groups utilizing travel management systems.
  • Develop and coordinate program operations compliant with federal TANF and local program requirements.

Director of advancement example responsibilities.

  • Program development includes managing and building strong relationships with corporate and affinity partners to secure sponsorship and career enhancement for alumni
  • Raise millions of dollars for ACS through tax-advantage charitable remainder trusts, gift annuities, and bequests.
  • Generate major gifts, including bequests and charitable gift annuities, by cultivating relationships with Eskaton residents.
  • Coordinate among cross-functional business departments including investor relations, risk, trading desk, compliance, tax/accounting, and portfolio administration.
  • Work with administrative leadership with community relations, including promotional events and media communication.

Director of economic development vs director of advancement skills

Common director of economic development skills
  • Business Development, 12%
  • Project Management, 12%
  • Real Estate, 8%
  • Global Health, 7%
  • Community Development, 7%
  • Economic Development, 5%
Common director of advancement skills
  • Analytics, 22%
  • Professional Development, 12%
  • Project Management, 7%
  • Alumni Relations, 5%
  • Strategic Plan, 4%
  • Donor Relations, 4%

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