ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT

Statewide Virginia 

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking an experienced economic development or industry professional to support the Vice President, Knowledge Work (KW), in executing industry growth strategies and leading the KW sector team. The Assistant Vice President (AVP) will provide primary leadership for the KW lead generation staff and assist in staff leadership for the broader team, engaging in the development and implementation of strategies to enhance Virginia’s competitiveness in the KW sector. The AVP KW assists in growth efforts through a whole-of-government approach in close collaboration with state, regional, and local partners. The AVP KW has primary responsibility for and oversight of the development and implementation of lead generation campaigns, focused on net new growth efforts in KW industries and, secondarily, provides industry insights toward the development of ecosystem initiatives. This individual will work within the KW team, which is responsible for the Aerospace & Defense Innovation, Business Services, Cybersecurity, Financial Services, and Software industries, which represent some of the Commonwealth's largest potential job growth opportunities.  

Responsibilities: 

• Manage key projects and initiatives, tracking progress, and ensuring timely completion
• Assist in developing and implementing strategic growth plans
• Collaborate with Vice President, Knowledge Work, to ensure that leadership of and communications to the KW sector team represent integrated priorities and maintain a unified leadership voice
• Assist in the development of Knowledge Work lead generation strategies and campaigns 
• Effectively execute VEDP’s lead generation program to prospective companies, site selection consultants, and commercial real estate brokers
• Identify and build strong working relationships across industry stakeholders, including business decision makers, trade associations, government organizations, affiliated economic development allies, higher education institutions, and other key stakeholders
• Cultivate relationships with Virginia’s top Knowledge Work employers to identify expansion opportunities and communicate insights to strengthen sector strategies
• Prepare and deliver reports, presentations, and briefings for stakeholders
• Conduct research and analyze data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities, to support strategic decision-making and provide actionable insights to inform growth strategies
• Support the development of industry initiatives that generate new inquiries and prospects for the Knowledge Work team
• Enhance ecosystem development efforts by identifying new and better ways to leverage Virginia’s resources, including higher education institutions, businesses, business groups, transportation assets, and other state-related entities, resulting in greater lead generation and project opportunities

Skills: 

• Strong managerial and leadership abilities including cross-functional leadership, decision-making, and communication skills 
• Management of internal direct reports and indirect reports with a track record of developing people and building successful teams 
• Strong relationship management skills and ability to quickly develop trusting working relationships
• Proven history of strategic planning and lead generation
• Demonstrated ability to sell and develop deals, while providing client support
• Demonstrated ability to operate in a team environment and leverage partners in public and private sectors, including higher education partners, and local and regional economic development partners
• Participation and experience with government agencies, industry organizations, technology councils, and incubators 
• Strategic thinker who can synthesize large amounts of information quickly, with exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to balance progress on medium- and long-term projects with short-term deliverables 
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to plan and successfully manage multiple tasks
• Work well under pressure and within tight deadlines
• Make decisions based on logical analysis and sound judgement
• Passion for public sector impact 
• Proficiency in MS Office suite required
• Experience with CRM systems, preferably Salesforce 
• Ability to telecommute and discipline to work independently from a home office  
• Frequent in-state and out-of-state travel required

Experience:

• At least eight years of relevant experience at a global firm, preferably supporting Knowledge Work sector clients in a professional services sector practice, or in an economic development organization, in positions of progressive responsibility 
• Marketing and project management experience in a local or regional economic development office is preferred
• A valid Virginia’s driver’s license and ability to obtain a passport required