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Raftelis · 3 months ago

City of Virginia Beach, VA - Director of Economic Development

Virginia Beach, VA, United States

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$180K/yr - $220K/yr

6+ years exp

Raftelis is seeking a highly ethical and visionary Director of Economic Development for the City of Virginia Beach. The role involves serving as the chief economic strategist, guiding a well-funded department through a pivotal expansion phase while fostering relationships with various stakeholders to drive job creation and capital investment.

ConsultingFinancial Services

Growth Opportunities

Responsibilities

Build trust and strong working relationships with the VBDA, City Council, and the business community

Update and implement the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan, with emphasis on the Industrial Park Expansion and 700 acres of new redevelopment opportunity created by the ITA expansion

Represent Virginia Beach as a dynamic ambassador for business attraction and investment, both nationally and internationally

Partner with the Convention & Visitors Bureau to align tourism, resort development, defense, and agriculture as key drivers of the local economy

Strengthen regional collaboration with partners such as the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance and state agencies to advance shared economic prosperity

Lead and empower the Economic Development team by filling vacancies, mentoring emerging leaders, and promoting a collaborative, high-performing culture

Qualification

Economic DevelopmentCapital InvestmentPublic-Private PartnershipsWorkforce DevelopmentBusiness AttractionLeadershipStrategic ThinkingCommunication SkillsRelationship Building

Required

Master's degree in business administration, public administration, marketing, economics, or a related program

Six years of management/leadership experience; or a higher-level education and experience equivalent to twelve years in the field, including five years of higher-level program management or administrator experience

Proven record of success in redevelopment and business attraction

Ability to navigate complex projects involving zoning, incentives, and partnerships

Understanding of both greenfield and redevelopment opportunities

Ability to translate Virginia Beach's assets, its industrial expansion, ITA redevelopment area, and diverse economic base into tangible outcomes for residents and businesses

Excellent communication skills and credibility as an advocate

Ability to represent the City on regional, state, national, and international stages

Ability to build bridges between the City, the business community, and partners such as the VBDA, City Council, and the Convention & Visitors Bureau

Ability to foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence

Ability to mentor and empower staff

Ability to fill key vacancies and champion professional growth

Preferred

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