VICE PRESIDENT, ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS

VICE PRESIDENT, ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS

Richmond, Virginia

Position Overview

VEDP seeks a Vice President of Economic Competitiveness to provide primary staff leadership for developing and implementing strategies to improve the foundations of state, regional, and local economic growth. The Vice President will lead a team of eight to accomplish the following:

Competitiveness Research and Solution Development: Collaborate with VEDP’s senior leadership team to identify opportunities to improve Virginia’s business climate relative to competitor states (e.g., talent and workforce development, site development and infrastructure, tax and incentive policy, etc.), develop potential solutions to address identified gaps or enhance existing strengths, and engage stakeholders to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of the solutions.

As part of the broader portfolio of competitiveness research and solution development, the division is responsible for collaborating with VEDP’s Marketing and Communications division to regularly and comprehensively evaluate state business climate rankings to proactively develop and implement recommendations to improve Virginia’s standing.

Strategic and Operational Planning: Lead the process for developing VEDP’s annual Operational Plan and five-year Strategic Plan (updated every two years), including project and stakeholder management, research and analysis, and supporting VEDP staff in developing initiatives.

Business Development Strategy Support: Support VEDP’s business development efforts including sector and industry strategies, generating insights from past activities to inform strategic priorities, and collaborating on initiatives to improve competitiveness for core sectors.

Special Projects and Initiatives: Lead and support discrete projects and workstreams for the organization and external partners as needed, including transformational economic development projects, General Assembly requests and Executive Directives, cross-divisional or cross-agency initiatives, and support for research or strategic questions posed by VEDP’s external stakeholders. 

In addition to the above responsibilities, the VP of Economic Competitiveness is expected to serve as an active, collaborative member of VEDP’s executive team and attend external meetings on behalf of VEDP, delivering key messages and perspectives of VEDP as appropriate. The position reports to VEDP’s Senior Vice President for Strategic Partnerships.

Knowledge and Experience

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in positions of progressive responsibility, including at least five years of strategic planning experience, preferably in economic development

• Proven ability to generate unique insights and strategic recommendations through quantitative and qualitative analysis

• Demonstrated experience leading operational and strategic planning processes to achieve stakeholder alignment around a clear vision with specific objectives and metrics

• Demonstrated success in managing complex projects with cross-functional teams and large groups of external stakeholders 

• Management of internal direct reports and indirect reports with a track record of developing people and building successful teams

• Excellent relationship development and stakeholder management skills

• Highly skilled in Microsoft Excel and Power Point

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker

• Results-oriented implementer

• Excellent communicator (verbal and written)

• Strong attention to detail

• Creative and entrepreneurial

• Leads by example

• Highly collaborative

• Strong work ethic

• Able to delegate (trust and verify), prioritize, and make tradeoffs

• Highly skilled multitasker

• Able to work under time pressure

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., business, economics, marketing) is required. Graduate degree 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 websitehttps://www.vedp.org/careers. Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter. A valid Virginia driver’s license and ability to obtain a passport is required. Application deadline: July 2, 2025.

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 VEDP’s 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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