Economic Development Manager

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER – City of Newport News, Newport News, VA.

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for proactively executing initiatives and activities to facilitate business attraction, expansion, and retention when appropriate. Oversee project management and implementation activities in support of the Department of Development. Reports to the Assistant Director of Development.

• Engage with company leadership as it evaluates location, growth, and expansion opportunities.
• Conduct outreach visits, provide strategic assistance, and maintain ongoing relationships with prospective new businesses as well as expanding existing businesses.
• Facilitate deals resulting in new tax revenue, job creation, and community support.
• Develop contacts and relationships with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), Hampton Roads Alliance, Port of Virginia, and other strategic partners including commercial and industrial developers, brokers, and contractors.
• Respond to requests for information from businesses, consultants, site selectors, VEDP, and HR Alliance, and strategize work jointly with these partners.
• Meet and host business prospects for tours of the City while explaining the features and benefits of locations in Newport News.
• Market and sell the City as a favorable location for business through outreach and travel to target market areas, including marketing missions, conferences, and trade shows.
• Coordinate and prepare reports for Executive Management of the City, EDA/IDA, and others as required; create presentations as required.
• Supervise assigned staff, including selection, training, performance management, employee relations, prioritizing and assigning work and related activities.
• Coordinate effectively with Development and City Staff to advance projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through behaviors demonstrating the City’s values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

• Economic Development – Thorough knowledge of economic development principles, strategies, and practices, including business finance, accounting, economics, marketing, and business development.
• City Development Processes – Knowledge of city processes related to development activities, including planning, zoning, ordinance administration, and site plan review.
• Government Programs – Knowledge of state, regional, and local programs used to support economic development.
• Customer Service – Considerable knowledge of principles and practices for providing excellent customer service, setting and meeting quality standards, and evaluating customer satisfaction.
• Supervision – Knowledge of leadership techniques, principles, and procedures to manage staff, assign work, schedule, supervise, train, and evaluate the work of assigned staff.

• Interpersonal Relationships – Ability to develop, build, and maintain cooperative professional relationships with a wide array of individuals from within Development, other city departments, EDA Board of Directors, and other organizations and agencies, including executives, colleagues, elected and/or appointed officials, and the public.
• Computer Skills – Utilizes a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet, and related software to effectively complete a variety of tasks with reasonable speed and accuracy.

• Communication – Excellent ability to effectively communicate ideas and proposals verbally and in writing, make presentations, and prepare reports; effectively listen…