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 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

Where are you currently or where have you served as a Certified Law Enforcement Officer? Provide agency name and dates of service below. (If you do not have Law Enforcement experience do not complete this application).

What specialty skills, training or certifications as a Law Enforcement Officer do you possess? Please describe in detail.

Are you a citizen of the United States?

Have you previously applied with the Lynchburg Police Department? If so when, and for what position?

Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony? If yes please explain.

Are you willing to sign an agreement waiving the right to use all tobacco products both on and off duty?

DMV Release Notice - This position requires a valid driver's license with acceptable driving history. I hereby certify that I have read and understand the DMV Record Release Notice and give the City permission to obtain my driving record.

Please provide your driver's license number and the state where it was issued for your driving record to be obtained by the Department of Human Resources.

Law Enforcement Officer certification, academy transcript records, all certifications and all training records are required to be submitted to the Lynchburg Police Department after application review. Do you understand this requirement and agree to provide these records?

This Out of State Lateral Program for Officers requires you to attend an approved DCJS Option 5 (8-week) academy which may or may not take place outside of the Lynchburg region. If the Option 5 academy takes place outside of the Lynchburg region; lodging, transportation, and meals will be provided at the expense of the Department. Do you understand this requirement?

I certify that the information provided on this application is truthful and accurate to my knowledge. I understand that any intentional omission of information and dishonestly will eliminate me from further consideration of employment with the Lynchburg Police Department.

Please provide the last four digits of your Social Security number for verification purposes.

Do you have a High School Diploma or GED?

Have you used marijuana in the past 6 months? If so, when was the month and year of last usage?

Police Officers assigned to Patrol Operations work rotating 12-hour shifts. Are you willing to work any shift assigned which could include nights, weekends, and holidays?

This Out of State Lateral Program for Officers requires you to attend an 8-week academy. Do you understand this requirement?

You will be required to provide copies of your educational transcripts, birth certificate, DD 214 (if applicable) and DCJS Certification (if applicable). Please have these documents readily available to expedite the hiring process. Do you understand this requirement?

Have you ever been disciplined or punished for any violation related to lying, cheating, stealing, or something else that would bring your integrity into question? If yes, please explain.

Primary communication during the hiring process is done through the email address lpd.training@lynchburgva.gov. Please check your spam/junk folders on a regular basis in the addition to your inbox for communication from the Recruiting office. Do you agree to check your email?

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City of Lynchburg Office of Economic Development & Tourism jobs

Assistant Director of Economic Development