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Position Description

Director of Economic Development
Working Title Director of Economic Development
Department/Division Economic Development - Directors Office
Job Type Full Time
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Requisition ID:
42716
Work Location:
Economic Development - Town Center Offices
Pay Range:
Commensurate with experience
Starting Salary:
Depending upon Qualifications
Work Schedule:
Part Time Hours/Wk:
Job Open Date:
8/1/24
Application Deadline:

Job Duties:

Are you a visionary leader passionate about driving economic growth and development?

We are seeking a Director of Economic Development to spearhead our City's strategic economic initiatives. In this pivotal role, you'll lead a dynamic team and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including City agencies, private developers, and industry leaders, to shape and implement transformative economic strategies. You'll have the chance to influence local business growth, support entrepreneurial ventures, and foster strong community partnerships. If you're ready to make a significant impact and help guide our City's future, we invite you to apply for this exciting leadership opportunity.

The Director of Economic Development responsibilities include:

  • Develop economic development strategies, plans and programs to support growth of the local economy
  • Facilitate a results driven culture aligning established priorities with performance measures
  • Facilitate business startups and entrepreneurs by assisting with the identification of appropriate resources
  • Negotiate with industry stakeholders to encourage business attraction and retention in the City
  • Monitor legislation, regulations, and opportunities
  • Represent City's position to various state, federal and local agencies to establish collaborative partnerships promulgating the interests of the City
  • Identify economic opportunities and provide oversight of associated grant proposals and applications, contracts and other necessary documents
  • Oversee department budget, monitor the expenditures and forecast projections
  • Actively foster continual engagement and seek consensus with community partners
  • Constructs and maintains collaborative relationships with stakeholders to establish short and long term goals for community and economic development

The City offers a generous benefits package, which includes health, dental and life insurance, retirement and savings plans, holidays and Paid Time Off. 

To review a detailed hiring brochure for the Director of Economic Development, please click here.

    As a City Manager appointee, this position serves at the pleasure of the City Manager and is not considered part of the merit service as defined in City Code, section 2-75.

    Minimum Requirements:

    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: A masters degree in public administration, management, business administration, marketing, engineering, planning, or a similar program and 6 years management experience; or higher-level education and experience equivalent to 12 years in related field, including 5 years at the program management or administrator level.

    Additional Requirements:

    DMV Transcript:  Required
    CDL:  Not Required                                       
    DOT History:  
    Not Required                                                 
    CPS Check:  Not Required
    Physical:  Not Required    
    Respirator:  Not Required
    Polygraph Review:  
    Not Required
    Psychological Screening:  Not Required

    Attachments Required:  Resume and Cover Letter

    Preferences:

    The preferred candidate will have diverse experience and knowledge of economic development focused on capital investment, workforce development/job creation, incentives, entrepreneurial and business startups, business accelerators, public-private partnerships, business administration and economics.

    A masters degree in public administration, management, business administration, marketing, engineering, planning, or a similar program
    Ten years experience as an administrator or executive in the economic development field.
    Experience overseeing local and international economic development programs, such as workforce development, small business, and a vast array of industry sectors.
    Proven track record of overseeing the negotiating of development deals and attracting and retaining businesses for an entity
    Experience working with Boards/Commissions/City & State Government entities to accomplish economic development goals and objectives.

    Special Instructions:

    This position will be opened until filled with applicants being reviewed on an ongoing basis.

    • Please complete the application in its entirety and include your resume if required by the posting. 
    • Your responses to any "Supplemental Questions", if attached to this requisition, must be supported by the information you provide on your application and/or resume; or otherwise demonstrated during the hiring process.
    • You will not be able to access the details of this job ad once the closing date has passed.   If you would like to retain this information, please take a screen shot or print using your browser's printing capability.

    VRS Contribution:   All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.  

    Drug Free Workplace:  The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.

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