Executive Vice President

Position Overview

VEDP is seeking to hire an Executive Vice President (EVP) who will play a central role in achieving VEDP’s transformational economic development goals by strategically leading the implementation and continuous improvement of the Innovative Framework operating model across VEDP’s lead generation, ecosystem building, project management, research, incentives, and marketing functions.

The EVP also will play a vital leadership role in collaborating with the President and CEO in leading VEDP’s overall strategy and operations to encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth in collaboration with state, regional, and local partners.

The EVP position reports to VEDP’s President and CEO and requires strong leadership and management experience with a proven track record of collaborating with diverse partners and constituents to achieve mutually beneficial goals and objectives.

Core Responsibilities

In close collaboration with the President and CEO, the Executive Vice President leads the development and execution of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s business development strategy. This position has direct responsibility for active leadership of six (6) core functional areas of VEDP and oversight of the activities of these functional areas.

1. Sector Teams develop and implement strategies to promote employment growth within VEDP’s core sectors of Knowledge Work (Software and Cybersecurity, Business and Financial Services, and Aerospace and Defense Innovation industries), Manufacturing (Advanced Materials, Food and Beverage, and Biopharmaceuticals), and Logistics. Sector Team responsibilities include business development to attract new companies to Virginia and ecosystem building to strengthen Virginia’s competitive position in core sectors. (~16 staff positions across 3 Sector Teams)Strategic Projects and Lead Generation focuses on high-profile engagements (foreign direct investment, site consultant cultivation, Governor-led marketing missions, transformational projects) and targeted lead generation for 12 other target industries that are not included within core sectors (~13 staff positions)
2. Business Investment coordinates and manages assigned projects, in collaboration with internal and external partners, to provide best in class service to our clients interested in relocating or expanding in Virginia. (~14 staff positions)
3. Research creates customized, relevant, and insightful analysis and data visualizations that promote a common understanding of Virginia’s full value proposition, with a central focus on fast-turn, high-priority, tailored client service (e.g., RFP responses, economic analysis) (~26 staff positions).
4. Incentives reviews, vets, tracks, and coordinates economic development incentives administered by VEDP and those offered by the Commonwealth or a locality in conjunction with VEDP. (~7 staff positions)
5. Marketing and Communications manages Virginia’s business brand (and VEDP’s) and builds awareness of the Commonwealth’s advantages among C-level executives nationally and globally. (~14 staff positions)

The Person

Experience required

• Minimum of 15 years total professional experience and 10 years of progressive leadership experience in successfully leading / managing organizations while cultivating an exceptional executive skill set, including significant people management responsibilities and ability to engage effectively with top-level executives
• Deep experience in developing and operationalizing an operating model for lead generation and executing the full life cycle of lead generation and project management across a range of industry sectors and geographical contexts with a consistent track record of delivering solutions that secure project wins
• Ability to develop organizational and individual performance metrics for lead generation and ecosystem development initiatives
• Ability to implement a reporting framework that provides insight into pipeline health, opportunity qualification and conversion to economic development projects, and identify risk in the pipeline regarding VEDP’s ability to meet its overall economic development goals
• Direct economic development experience, ideally at the state level with a variety of core functions
• Effectiveness in implementing an organizational structure with clear roles and accountability and fostering a culture that generates productivity, innovation, and success
• Highly professional management approach to planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing business development and/or economic development programs
• Demonstrated ability to identify key decision factors and differentiators for business development opportunities, and to craft marketing messages and customized, comprehensive solutions accordingly

Experience desired

• Track record of achieving success in new environments and/or amidst significant organizational change
• Significant engagement with state government operations and economic development partners at the local, regional, and state levels, ideally in Virginia

Education

Graduation from an accredited university with a bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., business, economics, marketing) is required. An MBA, MPA, or equivalent degree is preferred.

Personal Attributes

• Embodies VEDP’s values
• Strategic thinker
• Results-oriented implementer
• Excellent communicator
• Competitive and entrepreneurial
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Strong work ethic
• Highly responsive
• Impeccable character
• Leads by example
• Able to delegate (trust and verify) and prioritize the level of personal involvement
• Good instincts, flexible, and adaptive to change
• Promoter of talent development in direct reports and staff
• Strong relationship-building skills (natural, instinctive)
• Likable and comfortable in social settings
• Ability to adjust communication style to be effective with the audience/situation
• Understands and able to earn credibility in the dynamics of a multiple stakeholder position
• Apolitical yet politically savvy
• Passion for public sector impact

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. Candidate will be required to file a Statement of Economic Interest. More information can be found on the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council website.

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 driver’s license and ability to obtain a passport is required. Application deadline: Open Until Filled

EOE