Economic Development Director

Responsibilities

IBTS is seeking an experienced and visionary Economic Development Director to lead efforts to attract, retain, and grow businesses; support workforce development; and enhance economic vitality. This is a unique opportunity to shape the economic foundation and identity of a rapidly growing community from the ground up. 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive economic development strategy aligned with the city’s vision, goals, and comprehensive plan.
• Foster a business-friendly climate by supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and large employers.
• Proactively market the city to attract new commercial, retail, and industrial investment.
• Identify and pursue economic development tools such as incentives, tax increment financing, and public-private partnerships.
• Build and maintain relationships with developers, site selectors, local businesses, chambers of commerce, higher education institutions, workforce agencies, and regional/state/federal partners.
• Oversee data analysis, demographic research, and market trends to inform strategies and decisions.
• Collaborate with planning, public works, and permitting departments to streamline development processes and reduce barriers to investment.
• Prepare and manage the department’s budget and secure grants or external funding for economic development initiatives.
• Develop and maintain marketing materials, economic dashboards, and web content that highlight the city's assets and opportunities.
• Provide regular updates and strategic recommendations to the City Manager, City Council, and other key stakeholders.
• Performs other duties as required by the Program Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in economic development or a related field, preferably within a municipal or regional setting.
• CEcD (Certified Economic Developer) or equivalent certification is desirable.
• Strong knowledge of economic development tools, policies, and funding mechanisms.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and public presentation skills.
• Ability to build consensus and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead strategic planning and project implementation. 

Key Skills/Competencies for this position 

• Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort with ambiguity in a start-up government environment.
• Passion for community building and equitable economic opportunity.
• Creative problem-solver who can balance economic growth with quality of life and sustainability.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Dependable, precise, punctual, and team-oriented.
• Valid driver’s license

Physical/Environmental Demands for this position, when such demands exist.

• May require occasional attendance at evening meetings and travel out-of-state

Personal QualitiesIBTS places a high value on certain personal traits that work toward creating a positive,professional, and supportive work environment, which is essential for working together and achieving success. We believe “how” you achieve your results is as important as what you achieve. The following highlights the personal traits key for success within the organization.

• Strong Work Ethic
• Teachable/Continuous Learner
• Reliable/Dependable
• Collaborative/Team Contributor

Company Overview

Bring your passion, expertise, and experience to IBTS, where we appreciate and are committed to our employees. We offer outstanding benefits, growth opportunities, and work hard to maintain a culture that values our employees. 

The Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization established to provide unbiased professional building code compliance services, while enhancing the communities in which we work. At IBTS, our mission is to deliver quality services to meet the challenges of governance at all levels while enhancing public safety, economic development, and the general welfare of the community. Our services include Building and Community Development, Energy and Sustainability Services, Disaster Planning and Recovery, Quality Assurance, as well as Compliance and Risk Monitoring.

IBTS is headquartered in Ashburn, VA, with additional offices in Louisiana, Missouri, New York, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC.

We are committed to building a community of experts with diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and perspectives who are passionate about our mission. IBTS is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer that maintains a diverse and inclusive workforce.  All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation. This opportunity is open to Section S3 Residents.  Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Explore the opportunities!