Senior Assistant Director for Business Invesment

The Sr. Assistant Director of Economic Development/ Business Investment Manager (SA/BI) will be responsible for overseeing and developing a framework for the business investment program, including but not limited to: business attraction, retention, and expansion projects, strategic projects that leverage the agency’s relationship with the Mason Enterprise Center – Fairfax (the FCED funded business accelerator), the SBDC, ICAP, APEX Accelerator, SBA, and NoVA Labs, Inc. The SA/BI will work to strategically position the City and the EDA before potential office tenants with a special emphasis on technology-based businesses, government contractors, financial services businesses, and health and life sciences businesses. 

This position will also manage the development of incentive packages (financial and other) along with the Economic Development Authority in conjunction with and at the direction of the Director and CEO. The SA/BI may also be required to perform other duties as assigned by the Director that support the mission of the Agency and advance the Economic Development goals of the City Council.

Internally, the SA/BI serve as most senior Assistant Director and will support the Director and CEO with the administration of FCED and staff, as well as continued development of the economic development vision and advancement of the FCED strategic work plan. The SA/BI will be expected to support the Director’s vision while supporting staff through policy development along with management and oversight of the office.

Development and Administration of the Business Investment Program (Business Attraction and Retention)

Along with the Director and other members of the FCED team, establish and maintain key relationships with property owners and managers, commercial brokers, executives, etc. to generate a list of existing and prospective businesses and upcoming potential tenant vacancies.

Develop an outreach cadence to tenants with expiring leases or tenants being displaced by redevelopment for retention, and welcoming new tenants to the City.

Leverage economic data to support the development of a marketing plan for FCED (with the support of the Marketing / Public Relations portfolio lead) that outlines a strategy to identify prospective businesses.

Provide support for relationship management to the Director, City Manager, and elected officials, where appropriate.

Work closely with the Director to identify special events, trips, speaking opportunities, and sponsorships that support the brand of the City as a prime and affordable location; plan, schedule, and attend prospect-related travel at trade shows or tech-centric conferences to generate prospect leads for out-of-area businesses looking to relocate to metro-DC/ Northern Virginia.

Oversee the development of incentive packages including, but not limited to, investment grants from the EDA and tax-based incentives (e.g. Technology Zone, Lease Incentive for Fairfax Tenants), etc.

Establish a calendar/schedule of meetings for non-retail commercial tenants for business retention conversations (to be determined on a quarterly basis by the SA/BI and the Director of Economic Development).

Represent City/Director before the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance (NOVA EDA) Business Development Committee and Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) when appropriate.

Manage Business Investment Staff and consultants as appropriate.

Reporting

Provide a weekly update to the Director and a monthly update to the Commissioners of the EDA; reporting includes, at a minimum, number of prospect meetings, metrics tied to investment, number of businesses attracted, number of businesses retained, jobs created, and an update on any outstanding business investment grants, etc.

When requested, provide updates either in person or in writing to the Mayor and City Council with or through the Director.

Strategic Partnerships

Provide City representation and serve as a liaison for a variety of meetings, boards, and/or other related groups. Serve as a liaison between property managers/owners, businesses, city staff, and others regarding specific economic development initiatives and programs.

Develop, maintain, and support the relationships with higher education institutions (including but not limited to George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College, and John Cabot University – Rome, Italy) in furtherance of economic development programs.

Develop partnerships with outside organizations and business/property owners and work effectively with the community to foster collaboration on economic development matters.

Administrative

Will be required to attend and present at monthly Economic Development Authority meetings, and when relevant, to work attend City Council meetings and present as directed by the Director. Monthly EDA meetings are generally on the first Wednesday of every month from 6-8pm, and City Council meetings occur on Tuesday evenings throughout the month.

Participate in the development of the FCED annual budget and financial strategies; forecast funds needed; and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and needed.

Exercise management and budgetary oversight of resources to meet the objectives of the agency.

Participate in the development and implementation of economic development goals, objectives, and priorities.

Support the Director’s vision while leading staff through policy development along with management and secondary oversight of the agency.

Special Projects

Coordinate and oversee the preparation and implementation of special projects, activities, and events for the business community as assigned.

Leverage existing and future resources (such as the Mason Enterprise Center – Fairfax, a project of the EDA) for business investment.

The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

A Bachelors Degree in real estate, economics, business management, public administration, or related, and 5 years of relevant experience or a similar bachelors and graduate degree in either business, public policy, public administration, law, or similar, and 3 years of relevant experience. Economic Development certifications are a plus.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Should be familiar with Northern Virginia (and know of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance). 

Should be self-starting with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team and should be comfortable partnering with multiple levels of government within the City and Commonwealth. 

Must be able to exercise discretion and confidentiality when working with stakeholders, must be comfortable with public speaking, and must have excellent writing and communication skills.

Attention to detail and ability to work independently is a significant component of this position’s work.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Slack, and either experience in BluDot (CRM) or the ability to learn it quickly.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

A state issued driver’s license is preferred but not required (employees will be given access to an agency vehicle for business tours and out-of-city meetings). A valid passport is required for international business investment trips.

The City of Fairfax offers comprehensive benefits to our employees. Read more about our Benefits here.