The Economic Development Manager is the department’s primary business development officer, responsible for generating and managing the City’s business retention, expansion, and investment pipeline.
This is a performance-driven role focused on measurable business development outcomes. The position requires high initiative, external relationship building, and disciplined CRM management. The Manager is expected to independently identify opportunities, anticipate business needs, and proactively cultivate growth.
The anticipated hiring range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000.
The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and encourages all qualified applicants to apply. CORE RESPONSIBILITIESBusiness Retention, Expansion & Recruitment- Lead and execute a strategic Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) program focused on actionable intelligence and measurable outcomes.
- Conduct targeted business engagement aligned with annual visitation goals, ensuring all interactions result in documented follow-through and issue resolution.
- Identify and cultivate new investment prospects aligned with priority industry sectors.
- Manage and maintain a qualified prospect pipeline within the CRM system.
- Prepare investor packets, data responses, and coordinate site tours for prospective businesses.
- Manage multiple concurrent projects and business engagements, ensuring consistent follow-through, timely communication, and accurate tracking within the CRM system.
Site Marketing & Data Management- Monitor commercial property inventory and proactively market strategic sites.
- Maintain and update commercial property listings and site data (including VEDP iVS), ensuring accuracy and readiness for prospect engagement.
Incentives, Grants & Board Support- Support incentive compliance and grant tracking with accuracy and timeliness, including documentation and reporting requirements.
- Deliver monthly performance metrics and quarterly KPI reports aligned with departmental goals.
- Support initiatives of the Economic Development Authority of the City of Lynchburg through project coordination, data tracking, and preparation of materials as assigned.
Candidate ProfileThe successful candidate will demonstrate:
- High initiative and comfort operating with autonomy in a results-driven environment.
- Confidence initiating outreach to business executives, site selectors, and regional partners.
- Professional maturity in cross-functional environments and the ability to navigate ambiguity.
- Strong organizational discipline, including consistent CRM usage and follow-through.
- Personal accountability for measurable outcomes.
- Strong project management discipline, including the ability to track, prioritize, and advance multiple initiatives simultaneously.
QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Minimum Qualifications- Three (3) to five (5) or more years of experience in economic development or a related field such as business development, sales, commercial real estate, workforce engagement, or client-facing roles.
- Demonstrated ability to initiate work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver measurable outcomes.
- Experience working directly with businesses, clients, or stakeholders in a relationship-driven environment.
- Familiarity with CRM systems or demonstrated ability to manage pipelines, track interactions, and follow through on commitments.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously with strong organizational and follow-through skills.
Operating EnvironmentWork is performed within the City’s established operational framework, including defined workflows, reporting structures, and decision authority. This role requires consistent use of CRM systems, adherence to project management processes, and alignment with departmental communication and coordination standards.Possession of valid driver's license issued by Commonwealth of Virginia and acceptable driving record according to City 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.
