The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking an Associate Business Manager to provide professional services to the Knowledge Work team. This role will support the execution of lead generation and pipeline development strategies to promote Virginia to targeted corporate executives and consultants as the preferred location for new and expanding business facilities, as well as ecosystem development initiatives. This individual will work within the Knowledge Work team, which is responsible for the Aerospace & Defense Innovation, Business Services, Cybersecurity, Financial Services, and Software industries, which represent some of the Commonwealth's largest potential job growth opportunities.
Responsibilities:
Support VEDP’s lead generation programs to prospective companies, site selection consultants, and commercial real estate brokers
Support the development of VEDP’s annual lead generation calendar by recommending lead generation activities for assigned industries
Identify projects in market through conducting lead generation campaigns, attending call trips, trade shows and events, and developing client relationships
Identify and build strong working relationships across industry stakeholders, including business decision makers, trade associations, government organizations, affiliated economic development allies, higher education institutions, and other key stakeholders
Communicate insights from industry engagements to inform industry strategy
Support the development of industry initiatives that generate new inquiries and prospects for the Knowledge Work team
Assist with preparing memos, pitch decks, briefings, and marketing presentations
Maintain strong relationships with VEDP’s economic development partners, clients, and other stakeholders
Enhance ecosystem development efforts by identifying new and better ways to leverage Virginia’s resources, including higher education institutions, businesses, business groups, transportation assets, and other state-related entities, resulting in greater lead generation and project opportunities
Skills:
Demonstrated ability to operate in a team environment and leverage partners in public and private sectors, including higher education partners, and local and regional economic development partners
Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Strong organizational skills and ability to plan and successfully manage multiple tasks
Work well under pressure and within tight deadlines
Make decisions based on logical analysis and sound judgement
Proficiency in MS Office suite required
Experience with Salesforce is a plus
Strong relationship management skills and ability to quickly develop trusting working relationships
Demonstrated ability to sell and develop deals, while providing client support, is a plus
Ability to telecommute and discipline to work independently from a home office
Frequent in-state and out-of-state travel required
Experience:
At least two years of relevant experience, preferably supporting Knowledge Work sector clients
Marketing and project management experience in a local or regional economic development office is preferred
Participation and experience with government agencies and industry trade organizations is a plus
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. Applicants must submit a résumé and a cover letter. A valid Virginia’s driver’s license and ability to obtain a passport is required. Salary minimum: $60,000. Application deadline: November 13, 2024.
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. It is VEDP’s intent 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.
The leader of the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program has direct responsibility for four core areas:
Leadership of the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program: Manage the Talent Accelerator team, leveraging their insights and ideas as well as those offered by clients and stakeholders to advance the program’s capabilities, efficiencies, and effectiveness. Ensure consistent engagement with VCCS on all manufacturing projects, and identify collaboration opportunities with other state, local, and regional workforce support organizations.
Business expansion and recruitment support: In coordination with Business Investment and various other divisions within VEDP, as well as with local/regional EDOs, assist with the development and execution of business development efforts designed to increase VEDP’s success in securing significant business expansions and recruitment wins for Virginia, with a particular focus on rural regions and smaller metro areas. Additionally, the Talent Accelerator leader will serve as a strategic thought partner to other VEDP leaders and partners in crafting systemic talent solutions where the Talent Accelerator plays a key role.
Leadership and administration: Serve as an active, collaborative member of VEDP’s executive team, including active participation in key leadership meetings. As requested, attend external and legislative meetings on behalf of the CEO, delivering key messages and perspectives of VEDP as appropriate. As requested, develop analyses and proposals to support decision-making efforts related to human capital development. Provide strong leadership to other staff members within the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program. Ensure that all relevant HR and statutory responsibilities are consistently followed.
Partnerships and collaborations with workforce-related organizations: Due to the important role that the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program plays in Virginia’s workforce development ecosystem, the leader will play a key role as a collaborator with higher education institutions, workforce development boards, trade associations, and other groups. While VEDP does not have responsibility for these other organizations, we offer a unique perspective and platform through which to make recommendations for how the system’s effectiveness could be improved.
Knowledge and Experience
At least 10 years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience in a high-performance workforce development organization
At least five years as a leader in one of the country’s top-ranked state custom workforce development programs
Significant experience with assessing, developing, and delivering custom training programs in rapid succession
Management of internal direct reports and indirect reports
Division/department management, resource allocation, and project delegation
Project leadership and management, working within external/internal cross-functional teams
Verbal and written communication expertise
Operational performance management and reporting
Support of organization-wide efforts
Budget/contract preparation and administration
Preferred Experience
Substantial experience in economic development with a track record of success
Substantial private-sector experience working in and/or with large, multinational firm(s)
Significant contacts with international firms, countries and/or trade promotion officers
Personal Attributes
Excels under pressure, in a fast-paced, high-profile work environment
Enjoys meeting needs/deadlines of internal and external customers
Operationally-minded manager, who can identify and capture efficiency, quality, and effectiveness improvements
Bachelor’s degree required, ideally in a relevant field; master’s degree and/or other advanced degree(s) a plus, but not required
Compensation
Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.
References and Background Information
It is VEDP's policy to complete an extensive background and reference check of candidates. Once strong mutual interest has been established, candidates are asked to provide a list of references that should include, but not be limited to, a supervisor, a peer, a development client and a subordinate, as applicable. Candidates will be asked to sign an authorization to release Information for the purpose of background investigation, which may include verification of education, credit check, criminal, and driving records. Should an offer be extended prior to the completion of these checks, the offer will be made contingent on the successful completion of the reference and background checks.
Application Process
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. Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter. A valid Virginia driver’s license and ability to obtain a passport is required. Application deadline: November 1, 2024.
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. It is VEDP’s intent 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.