Description
The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The Assistant Director of Economic Development is responsible for executing the City’s economic development strategy, ensuring initiatives move from planning to action. This role focuses on implementation, project management, and results-driven execution. Reporting to the Director of Economic Development, the Assistant Director will oversee business attraction, retention, expansion programs, workforce development efforts, site readiness, and marketing initiatives. They will supervise key staff, manage incentive programs, and drive measurable outcomes for Lynchburg’s economic growth.
Learn more about the Economic Development Team! https://www.opportunitylynchburg.com/
Essential Duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Include The Following
- Execution & Project Implementation
- Translate strategy into action by implementing the Annual Plan, Business Visitation Plan, Business Development Plan, and Marketing, Social Media, and Content Strategies, focusing on deliverables and deadlines.
- Ensure execution of programs related to business attraction, retention, and expansion, actively managing progress and troubleshooting roadblocks.
- Oversee workforce development and entrepreneurship programs, ensuring partnerships yield tangible results.
- Operational Oversight & Team Leadership
- Manage and direct staff, ensuring accountability for key performance goals, including 200+ annual business visits and managing the Jobs Portal.
- Provide hands-on leadership, problem-solving, and performance oversight, focusing on operational efficiency rather than high-level strategy.
- Marketing & Business Engagement
- Drive execution of marketing initiatives, including website maintenance, LinkedIn strategy, content creation, and public outreach, ensuring on-time delivery of marketing campaigns.
- Maintain direct engagement with business leaders, site selectors, and industry stakeholders to accelerate investments and business growth.
- Oversee and execute the Business Visitation Program, ensuring timely follow-ups and issue resolution for local industries.
- Site Readiness & Investment Support
- Manage site readiness initiatives, ensuring commercial and industrial properties are fully prepared for investment, including infrastructure improvements and property marketing.
- Maintain up-to-date site databases, ensuring high visibility to prospects on platforms such as VEDP’s iVS Database and AEP Property Search.
- Grant & Incentive Management
- Identify, apply for, and administer federal, state, and private grants to fund economic development initiatives.
- Monitor and update city and Economic Development Authority incentives, ensuring businesses can access and leverage available resources.
- Performance Monitoring & Reporting
- Track and report progress on economic development initiatives, including business visits, site inquiries, workforce projects, and investment metrics.
- Prepare data-driven presentations and reports for stakeholders, including City Council and industry partners.
Additional duties and responsibilities, as assigned, may include the following:
- Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to businesses and citizens may be assigned.
- When unusual situations occur and/or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This job has supervisory duties.
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
Minimum Education And Experience Required
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, economic development, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in economic development, business development, or related fields, including at least 2 years of supervisory experience.
- Proven track record of execution in workforce development, site readiness, business retention, and marketing.
- Technical proficiency in CRM tools (e.g., HubSpot), economic development software, and marketing platforms.
- Strong leadership and project management skills with a focus on measurable outcomes.
Additional Requirements
Residency in the City of Lynchburg within six months of hire.
Telework is permitted only in emergencies.
Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and an acceptable driving record according to the City's driving criteria.
Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700, National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.
The City offers an array of benefits combined with direct salary/wages in order to establish a total compensation package that supports the City's goals of attracting, rewarding, and retaining employees who are both representatives of the community and are also able to deliver exceptional services. - Employees in full-time positions are eligible for the following benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS); the City’s contribution is based on a rate determined bi-annually by the VRS Board and employees pay 5% of base pay (pre-tax) towards their VRS benefit
- Life insurance at no cost to the employee
- Optional benefits such as 457 deferred compensation, Roth IRA, flexible spending accounts, etc.
- Eligibility for parental leave and tuition assistance
- Paid Time Off
- Employees in hourly and part-time positions may be eligible for benefits depending on the position
Employees of the City of Lynchburg may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for federal student loans
Additional information about City benefits can be found on our website and in the Employment Policies & Procedures
01
This position requires a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record history. I certify that I have read the DMV Record Release Notice, and give the City of Lynchburg permission to obtain my Virginia Driving Record.
- Yes
- No
- I do not currently possess a Virginia Driver's License
02
If you answered in the above question that you currently possess a Virginia Driver's License, please provide your License Number.
03
(Current Out-of-State applicants and applicants who have had an Out-of-State Drivers License at any time in the last 3 years): I agree to provide, WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF MY APPLICATION, a copy of my driving record from that state where I am currently licensed or have been licensed within the past 3 years. I will contact Human Resources within 2 weeks if I am unable to obtain my out of state driving record in that time. I understand that my application may not be considered for this position until I submit my out of state driving record. Mail this information to Human Resources, 900 Church Street, Lynchburg VA 24504. Include the name of the position for which you are applying.
- Agree to provide record within 2 weeks of application date
- Do not agree (I understand I will no longer be considered for this position if I disagree.)
- Not applicable (I have not had an Out-of-State Driver's License during the past 3 years.
- Required Question
