Director Economic And Business Development

As a key member of our Global Economic Development, Commerce & Government Relations (GECON) team, you will be co-responsible for coordinating and overseeing service to active economic development inquiries and projects. This includes providing research, analysis, guidance, and project management support to both current and prospective GECON clients. You will also play a pivotal role in sourcing, leading, and delivering practice group business development initiatives and opportunities.

In addition, you will lobby and support legislative activities on behalf of GECON clients. You will advise practice group lobbyists in our Richmond office and firm clients on legislative, budgetary, and regulatory issues-with a strong focus on economic, workforce, and infrastructure development. Your role will also encompass general government relations activities for clients throughout Virginia state and local governments.

Client Service Excellence: We prioritize building lasting relationships and delivering exceptional service to both internal and external clients. You will champion the firm's commitment to a seamless, responsive, and proactive client experience, ensuring needs are met and expectations exceeded at every stage of engagement.

Economic & Workforce Development: This role is dedicated to driving transformative growth through strategic economic development initiatives. You will lead efforts to attract, retain, and expand business investment, while advancing workforce development solutions that directly benefit clients, communities, and the region's economic vitality.

Legislative Advocacy & Public Policy Impact: You will play a key role in shaping public policy through direct engagement with legislative bodies and government officials. By supporting lobbying efforts and monitoring regulatory changes, you will help clients navigate complex government landscapes and advocate for policies that align with their strategic interests.

Strategic Business Development: Your work will focus on identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities for both the practice group and the firm. Through market analysis, relationship expansion, and targeted outreach, you will contribute to sustainable growth and position the firm as a leader in economic development and government relations.

Project Management Leadership: You will oversee multifaceted projects from inception to completion, managing resources, budgets, and timelines with precision. Your leadership will ensure that projects are delivered efficiently, within scope, and with measurable results that support client goals and advance firm initiatives.

Collaboration & Relationship Building: Success in this role hinges on your ability to foster strong, strategic partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders-including clients, government leaders, colleagues, and industry experts. You will cultivate a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, trust, and shared achievement.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Business, Public Administration, or a related field or commensurate experience required. CEcD certification preferred. Master of Business Administration with a focus in marketing, communications, or related fields preferred.

Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years of management experience in economic development practice and implementation, including business investment, attraction, expansion, and retention services, and work with private and public sector entities-preferably in a local, state, or regional organization, law firm, professional services, or other client relationship-based organization. Minimum of three (3) years of experience in local/state government, a government relations position, or equivalent private sector experience managing complex public relations, government relations/lobbying, and/or research analysis projects. Ability to write and summarize governmental documents and draft bill and budget language. Management experience in state government operations and programs and work with private and public sector entities in a local, state, or regional organization, law firm, professional services, or other client relationship-based organization preferred. Familiarity with the marketing approaches of a professional organization preferred.

Other Qualifications: Travel may be required. Availability and willingness to work hours as needed to meet critical deadlines. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications. Strong commitment to client service excellence and teamwork. Must possess the highest standards of ethical conduct and professionalism. Must act as catalyst for change, drive and own results. Creative and innovative. Excellent communication skills (oral, written and listening) and ability to collaborate effectively with diverse group of professionals. Sound judgment and flexibility. Ability to work well under pressure, patience, diplomacy, high stress tolerance, excellent interpersonal communication skills, ability to prioritize workload and adapt to changing conditions. Visual acuity needed to process and read extensive written communications. Ability to receive and convey detailed information through oral communication. Essential competency processes include language ability, reasoning and memory. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent must possess the abilities or aptitudes to proficiently perform each of the responsibilities and accountabilities described above, with or without reasonable accommodation.

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