Economic Development Director

The Economic Development Director is appointed by the City Manager and oversees all development programs and initiatives for the Economic Development Department and the Economic Development Authority(EDA). The Director of Economic Development concurrently serves as the CEO of the EDA.

The Director of Economic Development is a public facing and strategic leader of Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED), a role that oversees all aspects of the City’s integrated economic development portfolio and serves as CEO of the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority (EDA). The Director reports to the City Manager and is a member of the City’s Senior Leadership Team.

This is a complex, fast‑paced, and client‑driven role ideal for a strategic thinker and energetic leader who thrives in an independent, collaborative environment.

The next Director will inherit a sophisticated economic development organization with a broad mandate to strengthen the city’s economy, support its business community, and position Fairfax City as a regional and international destination for investment, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

The Director also serves on the Board of Directors of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance as a representative of Fairfax City and the regional economic development effort.

FCED currently consists of 6.5 full‑time staff and additional consultants, vendors and contractors. The Director is responsible for recruiting and managing all team members, as well as overseeing the budgets of both the EDD and the EDA.

More information on Fairfax City Economic Development can be found at

The ideal candidate is a visionary, entrepreneurial leader with a passion for public service and a proven track record in economic development, business attraction, and building strategic partnerships.

They thrive in fast‑paced, collaborative environments and are adept at navigating relationships with business leaders, civic institutions, government officials, and creative professionals.

They are confident operating independently while upholding transparency, public accountability, and a client‑focused approach.

A strong candidate brings experience leading high‑performing teams, managing complex public budgets, and overseeing systems modernization and operational reform.

Familiarity with university partnerships, commercial development, public‑sector marketing, organizational leadership and intergovernmental collaboration is essential.

A strong candidate will be energized by working with a dynamic staff and leading an agile, mission‑driven organization.

Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) is composed of both the City’s Economic Development Department (EDD) and the Economic Development Authority (EDA), delivering a comprehensive, citywide economic strategy grounded in innovation, inclusivity, and place‑based growth.

Business attraction, expansion and retention.

Development and administration of incentive programs.

Strategic partnerships with property owners, developers, and anchor institutions/public private partnerships.

Small business and entrepreneurial support programming.

Private/public partnerships.

Place‑based retail initiatives (attraction and strategic development).

Citywide destination marketing and visitor engagement.

Management and promotion of cultural and community events and initiatives.

Placemaking initiatives that drive foot traffic and economic activity.

Strategic communications and media relations unique to economic development.

Branding and promotional campaigns.

Oversees storytelling and collateral creation to strengthen outreach that elevates the city’s economic brand.

Oversight of administrative, fiscal, and procurement functions.

Management of strategic initiatives, partnerships and interdepartmental coordination.

Governance support of the EDA and compliance with regulatory frameworks.

Serve as the chief executive of both the EDD and EDA, providing strategic direction and daily leadership across all portfolios.

Oversees the…