Deputy Director of Economic Development, #JR

The Deputy Director of Business Development will plan, direct, and supervise the execution of the economic development business attraction and retention programs, including the marketing and communications strategies that accomplish the City Council's goals of growing our economy through business expansions, capital investment, and job creation. These activities result in expanding the City’s tax base and employment opportunities for its residents.

• Supervise business development staff; develop, monitor, and evaluate staff performance.
• Directly responsible for the coordination and administration of developing the business development division's marketing programs for both domestic and international business prospects that align with target industry sectors identified for enhancing the local economy. Effectiveness is evaluated annually through established performance indicators and metrics that measure economic impact.
• Direct the participation, representation, and advocacy for the City of Virginia Beach at meetings, conferences, and through face-to-face negotiations for domestic and international companies to consider the city for investment that will serve to grow the economy.
• Directly responsible for negotiations with prospects considering the City and preparing, when necessary, recommendations for an EDIP grant and presentation to the Virginia Beach Development Authority (VBDA), and at times City Council.
• Oversee the operations of the international offices and staff through personal contacts and reporting. Work directly with the Department Director, department staff, real estate professionals, City officials, City Council, and site location consultants to identify and effectively communicate and respond to the driving forces in the industry.
• Develop, direct, and oversee prospect visits and RFP submittals for prospect inquiries.
• Work and represent the City with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), and the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance regarding prospect visits and requirements for information for competitive analysis purposes.
• Create and manage the annual marketing travel calendar that outlines strategic initiatives for recruiting targeted industry sectors that meet goals to grow the economy.
• Direct advertising and marketing plan with PR/Ad agency that frames city communication strategy to various constituents.

The ideal candidate is a skilled professional with supervisory experience in a related field and a strong background working within a public sector municipal or government setting. Bringing expertise in collaborating directly with City Council-appointed boards, commissions, and state economic development agencies on incentive applications, as well as coordinating on prospect inquiries, requests for information, and domestic or international marketing missions.

Additionally, the candidate excels at developing comprehensive domestic and international marketing campaigns, overseeing business retention and expansion activities alongside small business resource programs, and successfully implementing strategic plans for the recruitment of targeted industry sectors. Proficiency in administering a customer relationship management system and ensuring its active use among direct reports is also essential.

The City offers a generous benefits package
, which includes health, dental and life insurance, retirement and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave, holidays and leave.

The City of Virginia Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer.