Vice President at Virginia Economic Development Partnership

Virginia Economic Development Partnership Overview

One of the wealthiest and most beautiful states in America, the Commonwealth of Virginia is fortunate to have exceptional talent, as well as distinctive geographic and infrastructure assets. Widely viewed as an attractive state for business, Virginia is home to a diverse array of leading private-sector firms, national labs, important military installations, and one of the most educated populations in the country.

For more than two decades, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) has served as Virginias state economic development authority and is regarded as among the best economic development organizations in the country. As a quasi-independent state authority governed by a board of directors that spans gubernatorial administrations, VEDP is a nonpartisan organization with stable leadership and nimble, creative, mission-focused operations. VEDP aspires to become Americas most effective and impactful state economic development organization (EDO).

VEDP offers a dynamic, collaborative, high-profile, fast-paced professional environment where a strategic, integrated, action-oriented approach is the standard.

Position Overview

The Vice President, Knowledge Work provides primary staff leadership for developing and implementing strategies to promote employment growth within the Business Services (including corporate headquarters), Software and Cybersecurity, Financial Services, and Aerospace and Defense Innovation industries in Virginia. Collectively, these industries represent some of the largest potential job growth opportunities for the Commonwealth.

This position will be responsible for leading Virginias economic development efforts for targeted sector growth through a whole-of-government approach in close collaboration with state, regional, and local partners. Key areas of responsibility include ecosystem building, strategy development, and implementation.

The Vice President, Knowledge Work will work with the CEO and EVP to lead a cross-functional economic development team and the strategy for economic development in key sectors. The Vice President will have a combination of direct reports and indirect support from functional teams.

The position offers the ability to take a key role in VEDPs Innovative Framework for Economic Growth by designing and developing sector strategies to take Virginias economic development efforts to the next level and foster greater economic growth. The position offers the opportunity to lead projects across all areas of economic development while providing frequent and in-depth thought partnership and engagement with leaders across state government, regional and local EDOs, and the private sector.

Core Responsibilities

The Vice President, Knowledge Work has direct responsibility for five core areas:

Strategy Development, Administration, and Implementation

• Lead development of sector strategies and actively manage the implementation of those strategies within whole-of-government approach, identifying course corrections as needed
• Set performance metrics with EVP/CEO and hold ultimate responsibility for achieving metrics
• Identify opportunities to improve Virginias competitiveness
• Develop deep sector insights to enhance economic development activities within VEDP and across the ecosystem
• Anticipate trends and impact on the economy and businesses to inform project response
• Develop strong partnerships with local, regional, and state officials to drive initiative progress
• Manage Knowledge Work team operations and provide leadership for other staff members within the team
• Serve as a collaborative member of VEDPs executive team, including active participation in leadership meetings to strengthen relationships and dialogue regarding sector expectations

Ecosystem Building

• Lead efforts to build a thriving ecosystem capable of attracting new talent and spurring business growth
• Cultivate long-term relationships with appropriate stakeholders to gain buy-in for, and execution of, ecosystem and sector strategies
• Convene key stakeholders and partners across industry network to drive growth in sector priority areas
• Spearhead management of strategic initiatives, working closely with stakeholders across all of government

Strategic Existing Business Engagement

• Cultivate relationships with Virginias top employers to proactively identify expansion opportunities and strengthen sector insights
• Be responsive to and elevate employer challenges to ensure retention and growth

Lead Generation

• Enhance lead generation through leveraging industry relationships and identifying high potential companies for growth
• Leverage sector strategies to execute lead generation activities promoting sector growth

Project Support

• Play a leading role to coordinate efforts for transformational projects (likely 2-3 per year)
• Provide solutions for issues that arise on other projects in VEDPs pipeline
• Identify and incorporate lessons learned into project management processes

Experience required

• At least seven years of relevant experience, in positions of progressive responsibility
• Strong managerial and leadership abilities including cross-functional leadership, decision-making, and communication skills
• Excellent strategic analysis and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills
• Management of internal direct reports and indirect reports with a track record of developing people and building successful teams
• Excellent computer proficiency, particularly with spreadsheet (Excel) and presentation (PowerPoint) development
• Division/department management, resource allocation, and project delegation
• Support of organization-wide efforts
• Ability to multitask
• Ability to work under time pressure

Experience desired

• At least 10 years of experience at a global firm that operates in the knowledge sector (e.g Business Services, Software and Cybersecurity, Financial Services, and Aerospace and Defense Innovation) or in a knowledge sector practice at a top-tier professional services firm (e.g., site selection, strategy consulting), including in-depth understanding of location decision factors for knowledge sector firms. In lieu of experience working directly in a global firm or top-tier professional services firm, candidates should have at least 5 years of experience leading large economic development projects with knowledge sector companies and a significant professional network across the knowledge sector.
• Participation and experience with government agencies, industry organizations, technology councils, and incubators
• Experience in tech startup ecosystems and/or launching new business ventures with mature companies

Personal attributes

• Strategic thinker who can synthesize large amounts of information quickly
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Excels under pressure, in a fast-paced, high-profile work environment
• Passion for public sector impact
• Enjoys meeting needs of internal and external customers
• Ability to balance progress on medium- and long-term projects with short-term deliverables
• Patience and collaborative instincts with stakeholders
• Impeccable character
• Relationship builder, motivator, and team player
• Positive attitude and energetic
• Innovator
• Inquisitive
• Sound judgment

Education

• Bachelors degree in social science (economics, public policy, or political science), mathematics, data analytics, business, or a related field
• Advanced degree in business (MBA), public policy (MPP), and/or other relevant fields preferred.

Compensation

Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

References and Background Information

It is VEDP's policy to complete an extensive background and reference check of candidates. Once strong mutual interest has been established, candidates are asked to provide a list of references that should include, but not be limited to, a supervisor, a peer, a development client and a subordinate, as applicable. Candidates will be asked to sign an authorization to release Information for the purpose of background investigation, which may include verification of education, credit check, criminal, and driving records. Should an offer be extended prior to the completion of these checks, the offer will be made contingent on the successful completion of the reference and background checks.

Application Process

Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. VEDP uses the E-Verify system and does not provide sponsorship.

All candidates must apply through our website https://www.vedp.org/careers. Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter. A valid Virginia drivers license and ability to obtain a passport is required. Application deadline: November 8, 2024.

VEDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or against otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities. It is VEDPs intent that its employment and personnel policies and practices conform to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Applicants requiring more information or requiring assistance may contact VEDP Human Resources at 1-804-545-5634 or vedphr@VEDP.org. TDD 1-800-828-1120.

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