Assistant Economic Development Director

City of Williamsburg • Williamsburg, VA

2d

About The Position

The Assistant Economic Development Director performs high-level professional, analytical, and strategic work to expand the City of Williamsburg’s commercial tax base, foster business investment, and retain existing enterprises. Under the administrative direction of the Deputy City Manager, the position leads day-to-day economic development initiatives and manages business attraction, retention, and expansion (BRE) programs. It serves as a primary staff liaison to the Williamsburg Economic Development Authority (EDA), coordinates major commercial redevelopment and prospect opportunities, and oversees commercial real estate and market intelligence data systems. The role collaborates with municipal departments, regional organizations, and state agencies to align economic development initiatives with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Council goals, and regional partner strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, Economics, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in economic development, commercial real estate, planning, or local government operations, with demonstrated experience leading major projects or initiatives; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid Virginia driver’s license.
• Willingness and ability to attend evening City Council and EDA meetings, participate in early morning or weekend community events, and travel occasionally for prospect recruitment or state conferences.
• Acceptable criminal background check and drug screen results.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Business, or Economics.
• Professional certification such as Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through IEDC or Virginia Economic Development Association (VEDA) professional development.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day economic development initiatives.
• Manage business attraction, retention, and expansion (BRE) programs.
• Serve as a primary staff liaison to the Williamsburg Economic Development Authority (EDA).
• Coordinate major commercial redevelopment and prospect opportunities.
• Oversee commercial real estate and market intelligence data systems.
• Collaborate with municipal departments, regional organizations, and state agencies to align initiatives with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Council goals, and regional partner strategies.
• Attend evening City Council and EDA meetings, participate in early morning or weekend community events, and travel occasionally for prospect recruitment or state conferences.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior