Development Director

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking a Development Director to join its Real Estate Solutions Division. This position will leverage state funding sources to advance the readiness of Virginia’s real estate portfolio. The Development Director will coordinate with a statewide group of development partners to market and develop real estate packages for prospective companies.

This position will join a high-impact team that broadly focuses on analyzing, developing, and implementing real estate solutions for economic development projects across Virginia. The team collaborates and coordinates with partners (e.g., local and regional economic development organizations, utilities, state funding partners) and third-party private entities to strategically develop and maintain a comprehensive, statewide portfolio of project-ready industrial sites and other real estate options for the full range of economic development project types and sizes considering Virginia and its regions.

Responsibilities:

• Support the development of the Virginia Statewide Real Estate Portfolio of 2,000 properties totaling over 85,000 acres.
• Assess Virginia’s sites and buildings products and share with stakeholders/partners as appropriate. Identify critical gaps in product type, size, and regional location; utilize appropriate external industry expertise to develop the analysis.
• Support VEDP’s initiative to bridge gaps in the availability of properties to improve Virginia’s competitiveness in attracting and retaining companies.
• Manage the execution of projects in the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP) including monitoring scope, schedule, budget, risk, and change management.
• Assist with administrating the Virginia Business Ready Sites Acquisition Program (VBRSAP) and evaluating applications for the Virginia Brownfields Restoration and Economic Redevelopment Assistance Fund (VBAF).
• Produce program and portfolio reporting and implement continuous improvement to increase efficiency and impact of programs
• Assist localities in identifying new properties or the reuse of existing properties aligning with the community’s strengths and VEDP’s targeted industries.
• Evaluate the adequacy of Virginia’s real estate product offerings for the various sectors and regions of Virginia and work through grant programs and development community to address gaps.
• Engage with economic development projects to identify and recommend compelling real estate solutions in response to client inquiries.
• Participate in project consultations, prospect meetings or presentations as necessary in order to make appropriate site/building and/or community/region recommendations.
• Conduct a community visitation program to counties, cities, and regional marketing organizations to gain community and product knowledge.
• Counsel community and regional partners, as requested, on issues related to market preferences, economic development trends, site and building development, and other issues as appropriate.
• Build relationships with local and regional partners, other state agencies, commercial real estate agents, and developers to implement site development strategies and projects.

Skills:

• Relevant experience in positions of progressive responsibility at a construction management, industrial real estate, engineering and/or public organization.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple large-scale construction projects and organize a schedule to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of commercial real estate or development, project management fundamentals, and local government is preferred.
• Impeccable presentation and communication skills (verbal and written) and experience conveying complex content to stakeholders.
• Strong motivation to sharpen analytical skills and bring new and innovative ideas to the team.
• Advanced knowledge of PowerPoint and Excel.
• Strong organizational skills and experience managing multiple projects.

Experience:

• 5-7 years’ experience in engineering, construction management, or real estate management.
• Experience with grant administration.
• Management experience.

Highly competitive applicants will also have one or several of the following:

• Substantial experience with site development associated with manufacturing and other industrial facilities.
• Knowledge of economic development or regional/urban planning.
• Familiarity with Virginia’s economy.

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. A valid driver’s license and some overnight travel are required. Applicants must provide a résumé and a short cover letter. Work samples may be requested of short-listed applicants. Salary Minimum: $125,000. Application deadline: Open until filled.

VEDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or against otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities. VEDP intends 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.