What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of Economic Development position at City of Lynchburg?
The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The Assistant Director of Economic Development is responsible for executing the City’s economic development strategy, ensuring initiatives move from planning to action. This role focuses on implementation, project management, and results-driven execution. Reporting to the Director of Economic Development, the Assistant Director will oversee business attraction, retention, expansion programs, workforce development efforts, site readiness, and marketing initiatives. They will supervise key staff, manage incentive programs, and drive measurable outcomes for Lynchburg’s economic growth.
Learn more about the Economic Development Team! https://www.opportunitylynchburg.com/
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
- Execution & Project Implementation
- Translate strategy into action by implementing the Annual Plan, Business Visitation Plan, Business Development Plan, and Marketing, Social Media, and Content Strategies, focusing on deliverables and deadlines.
- Ensure execution of programs related to business attraction, retention, and expansion, actively managing progress and troubleshooting roadblocks.
- Oversee workforce development and entrepreneurship programs, ensuring partnerships yield tangible results.
- Operational Oversight & Team Leadership
- Manage and direct staff, ensuring accountability for key performance goals, including 200 annual business visits and managing the Jobs Portal.
- Provide hands-on leadership, problem-solving, and performance oversight, focusing on operational efficiency rather than high-level strategy.
- Marketing & Business Engagement
- Drive execution of marketing initiatives, including website maintenance, LinkedIn strategy, content creation, and public outreach, ensuring on-time delivery of marketing campaigns.
- Maintain direct engagement with business leaders, site selectors, and industry stakeholders to accelerate investments and business growth.
- Oversee and execute the Business Visitation Program, ensuring timely follow-ups and issue resolution for local industries.
- Site Readiness & Investment Support
- Manage site readiness initiatives, ensuring commercial and industrial properties are fully prepared for investment, including infrastructure improvements and property marketing.
- Maintain up-to-date site databases, ensuring high visibility to prospects on platforms such as VEDP’s iVS Database and AEP Property Search.
- Grant & Incentive Management
- Identify, apply for, and administer federal, state, and private grants to fund economic development initiatives.
- Monitor and update city and Economic Development Authority incentives, ensuring businesses can access and leverage available resources.
- Performance Monitoring & Reporting
- Track and report progress on economic development initiatives, including business visits, site inquiries, workforce projects, and investment metrics.
- Prepare data-driven presentations and reports for stakeholders, including City Council and industry partners.
Additional duties and responsibilities, as assigned, may include the following:
- Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to businesses and citizens may be assigned.
- When unusual situations occur and/or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has supervisory duties.
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, economic development, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in economic development, business development, or related fields, including at least 2 years of supervisory experience.
- Proven track record of execution in workforce development, site readiness, business retention, and marketing.
- Technical proficiency in CRM tools (e.g., HubSpot), economic development software, and marketing platforms.
- Strong leadership and project management skills with a focus on measurable outcomes.
Telework is permitted only in emergencies.
Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and an acceptable driving record according to the City's driving criteria.
Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700, National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.
Salary : $65,666 - $121,846
