Regional Economic Development Director

Regional Economic Development Director
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
Location: Remote (Wisconsin-based)
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 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

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

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.