Regional Economic Development Director

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation; Wisconsin; Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first environment

Generous PTO

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Comprehensive benefits (health, dental

Wisconsin Retirement System

Job summary

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) seeks a Regional Economic Development Director to lead strategic regional growth across multiple Wisconsin counties. The role advises communities, identifies opportunities, and manages a portfolio of regional accounts with a focus on financing strategies and resource deployment.

You will collaborate with partners, monitor project performance, and represent WEDC at meetings and events while traveling statewide.

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+ years of experience in economic development or related field.
• Must reside within the assigned region in Wisconsin.
• 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 and valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Project management

Relationship building

Customer service

Analytical thinking

Communication

Multitasking

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)

Location: Remote (Wisconsin-based)

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

Reports To: Senior Economic Development Director

About WEDC

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) works with businesses, communities, and partners statewide to foster innovation, support job creation, and strengthen Wisconsin’s competitive position. Driven by a mission to make Wisconsin the best place to live, work, and build a business, WEDC is a purpose-driven organization that values integrity, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions, and invests in its people so they can help invest in Wisconsin’s future.

WEDC is a Wisconsin-based organization with a remote-work-first environment. Remote work is expected to be performed in the state of Wisconsin.

Role Overview & Key Responsibilities

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 Brown, Calumet, Door, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marquette, Menominee, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara, and Winnebago 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

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 Brown, Calumet, Door, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marquette, Menominee, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara, and Winnebago 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

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.