Regional Economic Development Director

State of Wisconsin Division of Personnel Management

$72K — $90K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in relevant field or equivalent experience
  • 10+ years in economic or community development
  • Reside within the assigned region
  • Experience with businesses and economic partners
  • Strong project management and customer service skills
  • Excellent analytical and communication abilities
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently
  • Frequent travel required (over 30%)
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation needed

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a trusted advisor to businesses and communities
  • Identify and support development opportunities
  • Manage portfolio of regional accounts and relationships
  • Review projects and provide investment recommendations
  • Assist with financing strategies and resource access
  • Monitor project performance and compliance
  • Collaborate with teams and external partners
  • Represent WEDC at meetings and public events

Benefits

  • Remote-first work environment promoting work-life balance
  • Generous paid time off (PTO)
  • Investment in professional development and training
  • Tuition reimbursement and support for certifications
  • Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System
  • Hybrid work allowance
  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
Full Job Description
Position Summary

The Regional Economic Development Director serves as the primary WEDC representative for communities and businesses within an assigned region of Wisconsin. This role helps drive economic growth by connecting organizations with resources, providing strategic guidance, managing development projects, and building strong partnerships with local, regional, and statewide stakeholders.

The assigned territory includes Eau Claire, Chippewa, Dunn, Barron, Polk, St. Croix, and Pierce counties.

In this role, you will:

  • Serve as a trusted advisor to businesses, communities, and economic development partners within the assigned region
  • Identify and support business and community development opportunities through strategic consultation and resource deployment
  • Manage a portfolio of regional accounts and build strong relationships with local stakeholders and partner organizations
  • Review projects and provide recommendations related to economic and community development investments
  • Assist businesses and communities with financing strategies, program implementation, and access to available resources
  • Monitor project performance and support ongoing compliance and reporting activities
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to advance regional economic development goals
  • Represent WEDC at meetings, conferences, public events, and speaking engagements throughout the region


Salary Information

$72,200.00-$90,300.00 Annually

Job Details

Benefits:

WEDC is committed to supporting the well-being and growth of our team. We offer a remote-first work environment that promotes work-life balance, supported by generous paid time off (PTO) and a culture that values flexibility. Professional development is a priority at WEDC, and we invest in our employees through dedicated training resources, internal learning opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and support for professional certifications. In addition to these development-focused offerings, employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System; a hybrid work allowance; and health, dental, vision, and life insurance.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in economics, urban and regional studies, urban planning, community development, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Ten or more years of experience in economic development, community development, or a related field
  • Must reside within the assigned region, which includes Eau Claire, Chippewa, Dunn, Barron, Polk, St. Croix, and Pierce counties
  • Experience working with businesses, communities, financial partners, and economic development organizations
  • Strong project management, relationship-building, and customer service skills
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment
  • Frequent statewide travel, including overnight travel (more than 30%)
  • Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation required


How To Apply

Apply on our website at wedc.org or using the following link: https://secure2.entertimeonline.com/ta/7760.careers?ApplyToJob=872559814&full_apply=&jobid=872559814

Deadline to Apply

Application deadline is August 31, 2026.

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