Associate Director (Econ Dev & Community Vitality)

DHRM • Richmond, VA

3d

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development is hiring an Associate Director to lead and advance programs that strengthen local businesses, revitalize communities, and support economic growth across Virginia. The position oversees implementation and ongoing management of initiatives including Virginia Main Street, Community Business Launch, small business lending programs, the Industrial Revitalization Fund, and the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program.

The Associate Director oversees program operations and staff, manages financial and administrative resources, and ensures projects meet their objectives and comply with applicable requirements. The role contributes to program priorities, performance evaluation, service-delivery improvements, and strategic planning in coordination with the Deputy Director. It also builds partnerships to translate community needs into practical solutions. A valid driver’s license and ability to travel independently are required.

Requirements

• Knowledge of how state and local entities develop, implement, and administer community economic development, revitalization, entrepreneurial support, and small business advancement programs.
• Thorough understanding of place-based revitalization strategies, including Main Street historic preservation, real estate redevelopment, and capital access initiatives.
• Understanding of leadership principles, employee performance management, coaching, workplace safety requirements, and team development.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including preparing briefing materials, developing program applications, presenting to leadership, and communicating with communities, partners, and stakeholders.
• High-level proficiency with spreadsheets, databases, and related computer applications.
• Demonstrated experience leading, motivating, and directing diverse professional staff, including strategic involvement in talent and personnel management.
• Experience managing multiple revitalization programs, maintaining compliance with state regulations, and ensuring timely completion of program goals and requirements.
• Strong experience in program design, funding compliance, and policy development, including analyzing and evaluating program effectiveness.
• Considerable experience developing and coordinating operational work plans, performance systems, technical assistance processes, monitoring tools, and compliance mechanisms.
• Considerable experience conducting research and complex technical analysis, identifying emerging issues, and translating complex concepts into targeted presentations or reports.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel independently.

Responsibilities

• Monitor project portfolios for implementation progress, schedules, budgets, risks, resource utilization, and overall program performance.
• Identify implementation risks, barriers, and resource needs, and develop corrective action strategies.
• Oversee program and project managers responsible for grant administration, implementation, monitoring, and compliance.
• Direct program planning, policy analysis, performance evaluation, data collection, reporting, and continuous improvement.
• Foster a work environment that supports creative thinking, innovation, open exchange of ideas, and reasonable risk-taking.
• Ensure projects and programs comply with approved requirements, grant agreements, state and federal regulations, agency policies, and program objectives.
• Coordinate with Fiscal and Policy Divisions to support compliance with federal, state, and agency funding requirements.
• Oversee reporting frameworks, dashboards, implementation metrics, performance measures, and management reporting.
• Direct implementation and administration of assigned state- and federally funded programs, including Virginia Main Street, Community Business Launch, the Industrial Revitalization Fund, and the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program.
• Support strategic planning, team effectiveness, and partnerships that address community needs.

Benefits

• Eligible veterans hired into state positions may receive additional leave accruals based on total years of military, National Guard, or Reserve service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed