Director, Air Cargo

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) seeks a Director for the Logistics Sector to lead and implement an air cargo gateway strategy leveraging Washington-Dulles International Airport to drive growth and investment in Virginia's logistics sector and attract investment from heavy air cargo use industries. This role focuses on expanding the air cargo logistics ecosystem, enhancing infrastructure efficiency, attracting cargo volume through Dulles cargo operations, developing KPIs to measure success, promoting innovation within the sector, and supporting investment in advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and other targeted growth sectors. The Director will leverage market intelligence and collaborate with key stakeholders to position Virginia as the premier choice for air cargo logistics operations.

This is a field-based position with direct engagement with senior leadership at prospective companies, existing businesses, and key stakeholders including the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA). This role is high visibility and requires significant self-direction and exceptional organizational skills. The Director is expected to actively represent VEDP in the logistics sector, driving initiatives and fostering relationships that promote economic growth, innovation, and investment in Virginia. Preference will be given to candidates with a successful track record in client acquisition, revenue growth, and participation in complex projects. 

Join us to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Virginia's logistics sector, working with a dynamic team committed to fostering economic growth in the best state for business.

Responsibilities Overview: 

The Director is responsible for leading the development of the air cargo ecosystem, with efforts across the following focus areas:

1. Operational capabilities, quality, and performance including KPI development
2. Promotion and awareness, and cargo attraction
3. On-airport cargo operations business attraction and expansion
4. Off-airport logistics ecosystem business attraction and expansion
5. On and off airport heavy air cargo use business investment 

The Director will successfully generate results to meet the Logistics Sector and VEDP performance metrics.

• Ecosystem Building: Lead efforts to build a thriving air cargo ecosystem, including expanded state-of-the art cargo operations at Dulles, capable of attracting and retaining business growth from moderate and heavy commercial air cargo use industries across the Commonwealth
• Developing Sector Expertise: Inform sector strategy and contextualize the latest market insights and analysis
• Lead Generation: Develop and execute a comprehensive lead generation strategy for assigned industries
• Pipeline Development: Develop and cultivate sector-specific project pipeline, with seamless transition to Business Investment Manager
• Ongoing Company Engagement: Follow-up and provide continued check-ins and support after project announcement for priority companies
• Coordinating Commonwealth Collaboration Approach: Lead coordination and response efforts to manage stakeholders to drive sector growth, including state, regional, and local partners.

Skills:

• Strong leadership skills, both in managing teams and collaborating across diverse stakeholder groups
• 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, among others
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills 
• Excellent strategic analysis and problem-solving skills
• Excellent analytical skills
• Excellent computer proficiency, particularly with spreadsheet (Excel) and presentation (PowerPoint) development
• Support of organization-wide efforts
• Strong organizational skills and ability to plan and successfully manage multiple tasks 
• Ability to work under time pressure
• Frequent in-state and regional travel and occasional long-distance travel is required

Experience:

• At least seven years of experience at a regional or global firm operating in logistics and supply chain management with a focus on air cargo, with a proven track record of success leading client acquisition and revenue growth
• Deep understanding of logistics infrastructure, multi-modal logistics, supply chain functions, and systems dynamics; active participation in complex project cultivation and execution preferred 
• Proven ability to drive strategic initiatives and measure their success through key performance indicators (KPIs) – combination of operations and client-facing performance preferred
• Working knowledge of supply design and network optimization concepts, including implementation of new concepts and strategies from a high-level leadership and communication perspective
• Demonstrated proficiency in facilitating the client journey from cultivation to successful acquisition; ability to marshal resources and support to drive desired results

Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. VEDP uses the E-Verify system and does not provide sponsorship.

A valid Virginia’s driver’s license and ability to obtain a passport is required. All candidates must apply through our website https://www.vedp.org/careers. Salary minimum: $110,000. Application deadline: March 28, 2025.

 VEDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, 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.