Program Director, GO Virginia

The University of Virginia's College at Wise is accepting applications for a Program Director.

The Program Director directs the operations of the GO Virginia Region One Council. As the support organization for the Commonwealth's GO Virginia program, UVA Wise Office of Strategic Engagement and Government Relations is responsible for supporting the work of the Region One Council, which includes the implementation of the Growth and Diversification Plan, grants management, constituent relations and adherence to the freedom of information act regulations.

This position is responsible for the coordination, direction, and implementation of the council activities in the thirteen county/three-city region and assists in the management of the annual budget preparation and program review. Partnerships formed to support these efforts are diverse: representing government, education, industry, non-profits, entrepreneurs, chambers of commerce, and private foundations. Operating since 2017, GO Virginia is a statewide program.

This position is fully grant funded and focuses on the Southwestern region of the Commonwealth. GO Virginia has been funded by the general assembly since 2017 and the most recent biennial budget runs through the end of June, 2028. The position will continue as long as funding is available.

• At the direction of the Region One Council, execute strategies contained within the Growth and Diversification Plan.
• Assist the Council with the "deep thinking" required to address the economic challenges facing the region.
• Recommend feasible strategies that have been vetted, are supported by data, and will benefit Region One.
• Coordination among constituent groups of GO Virginia including the GO Virginia State Board and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development
• Foster relationships with local governments, educational institutions, industry partners, and economic development organizations to identify and advance GO Virginia funding opportunities.
• Support collaborative planning, economic and workforce development activities, conduct economic impact analysis, review best practices and recommend projects to the Regional Council.
• Develop and maintain a robust GO Virginia project pipeline by identifying, cultivating, and supporting potential projects aligned with regional economic development priorities.
• Oversee the operations including accounting practices, grant administration, project management, as well as tracking and reporting of performance metrics and audit protocols.

There are three categories of programmatic and administrative responsibilities for operation of the GO Virginia Program for Region One.

• Manage the development and review of the Growth & Diversification Plan through stakeholder engagement, data analysis, and strategic planning
• Advance strategies contained within the Growth and Diversification Plan as approved by the Regional Council
• Develop and cultivate alliances and partnerships with regional stakeholders
• Adhere to GO Virginia State Board and Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development guidelines

• Provide staff support to regional council by coordinating regional council meetings, ensuring adherence to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Conflict of Interest Act (COIA) guidelines are met
• Develop and oversee the execution of an operational budget and fund management
• Administer the GO Virginia Region 1 application and review process, providing technical grant assistance to prospective applicants, supporting project development, proposal refinement, and alignment with guidelines
• Oversee the implementation and performance of funded projects by monitoring grant progress, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, and tracking performance metrics and outcomes
• Prepare required reporting to include quarterly, annual, project monitoring reports and progress related to the Growth and Diversification Plan
• Provide management support to the GO Virginia administrative team
• Implement quality and continuous improvement principles and eliminate duplicative services
• Identify and secure additional resources to include bridging opportunities across multiple regional councils for competitive grant funds

• Oversee the implementation of an outreach and communication strategy for the GO Virginia Region One Council to include communication tools such as newsletters, social media, marketing collateral, presentation material and the Council website
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders including funders, employers, localities, education/workforce entities in SWVA as well as other regional councils throughout the Commonwealth
• Coordinate and provide staff support for GO Virginia subcommittees focused on advancing regional GO Virginia priorities

Some - up to 4 years

• Significant experience building alliances and leading high impact teams,…