ASSOCIATE BUSINESS MANAGER

ASSOCIATE BUSINESS MANAGER

Statewide Virginia

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking an Associate Business Manager to provide professional services to the Strategic Projects and Lead Generation (SP&LG) team. This role will support the execution of lead generation and pipeline development strategies across a diversified portfolio of industry sectors, promoting Virginia to targeted corporate executives as the preferred location for new and expanding business facilities. This individual will work within the Strategic Projects and Lead Generation team, which is responsible for the Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing, Ag Tech, Batteries, Data Centers, Electric Vehicles, MRO, Nuclear Energy, Offshore Wind, Quantum Computing, Semiconductors, Automotive, and Wood Products Industries.

Responsibilities:

• Support VEDP’s lead generation programs to create new leads from prospective companies, industry associations, and commercial real estate brokers

• Identify new site selection projects through conducting desktop research, participating in lead generation campaigns, attending call trips, trade shows and events, and developing client relationships in partnership with Business Managers
• Conduct cold outreach to secure meetings with target accounts
• Support the development of VEDP’s annual lead generation calendar by recommending lead generation activities
• Identify and build strong working relationships across industry stakeholders, including business decision makers, trade associations, government organizations, affiliated economic development partners, higher education institutions, and other key stakeholders
• Communicate insights from industry engagements and research to inform industry strategies

• Support the development of industry initiatives that generate new inquiries and prospects for the team
• Assist with preparing memos, pitch decks, briefings, and marketing presentations
• Maintain strong relationships with VEDP’s economic development partners, clients, and other stakeholders

Skills:

• 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
• Familiarity with sales cycle including prospecting, outreach, value proposition development, etc.
• Skilled in initiating and nurturing relationships through cold outreach
• 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
• Proficiency in MS Office suite required
• Experience with Salesforce is a plus

• Demonstrated ability to sell and develop deals, while providing client support, is a plus
• Ability to telecommute and discipline to work independently from a home office
• Frequent in-state and out-of-state travel required

Experience:

• At least two years of relevant experience, preferably supporting a sales team in a B2B environment
• Marketing and project management experience in a local or regional economic development office is desirable
• Participation and experience with government agencies and industry trade organizations is a plus
• Valid Virginia’s driver’s license and ability to obtain a passport required

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 résumé and a cover letter indicating their interest and experience for this specific position.

Salary minimum: $60,000.

Application deadline: August 15, 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.

recblid rxmcttzfoiti7ugyiajd625kco0gmv