Deputy Director of Economic Development

City of Fairfax•Va 22030, VA

About The Position

The Deputy Director of Economic Development serves as principal deputy to the Economic Development Director of Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED), providing executive leadership, strategic direction, and daily management of the City’s economic development portfolio under the Director’s general direction. The Deputy Director shares responsibility with the Director for the agency’s strategic work plan, budget, performance, and staff, and serves as Acting Director when designated. The role supervises senior managers and specialists responsible for business investment, marketing and communications, and tourism and placemaking, and provides executive oversight of the programs, entrepreneurship, and small business portfolios. The Deputy Director works with the City Manager’s Office, City departments, the Economic Development Authority (EDA), regional partners, and the business community. The position works under general direction and exercises independent judgment in planning and carrying out agency programs within organizational policies. Major activities are reported to the Director through conferences and reports. The Deputy Director may represent FCED before City Council, the EDA, public audiences, media, businesses, and community members, and represents the Director on the City’s Senior Leadership Team when the Director is absent.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, economics, communications, community development, planning, real estate, or a closely related field.
Six years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, public administration, business development, or closely related work.
At least three years of experience in a supervisory or management capacity.
Comprehensive knowledge of economic development principles, practices, and incentive tools.
Thorough knowledge of municipal government operations, budgeting, and public policy.
Ability to plan, direct, and evaluate the work of professional staff.
Ability to develop and carry out strategic plans and measure results.
Ability to analyze complex problems, evaluate programs, and recommend sound solutions.
Ability to work cooperatively with elected officials, boards and commissions, City officials, and regional partners.
Ability to make effective oral presentations and prepare written reports.
Ability to exercise a high level of discretion and confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
IEDC Certified Economic Developer (CEcD).
Valid driver’s license and passport are preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide executive leadership for FCED’s business investment, programs, marketing and communications, tourism and placemaking, and small business portfolios, ensuring alignment with the strategic work plan and City Council priorities.
Assist the Director in developing and carrying out the five-year strategic work plan, annual goals, and performance measures; evaluate results and recommend adjustments.
Serve as Acting Director when designated, directing staff and making operational decisions on the Director’s behalf.
Assist the Director in developing and administering the Economic Development Department and EDA budgets; monitor expenditures, grants, and incentive performance; and review contracts, agreements, and consultant engagements.
Supervise, evaluate, and develop senior management and professional staff; recommend hiring, discipline, and staffing changes to the Director; and promote workforce development and succession planning.
Oversee development and administration of the business investment program, including business attraction, retention, and expansion; review incentive packages and performance-based agreements for compliance and return on investment.
Oversee the programs portfolio, including business programming, special events, and community partnerships, through assigned staff.
Assist the Director in developing policies on incentives, commercial zoning tools, redevelopment areas, and strategic corridors; coordinate with Community Development and Planning, Public Works, Finance, and the City Manager’s Office.
Establish and maintain management controls for administrative, programmatic, and fiscal procedures; review investment data, performance metrics, and periodic reports.
Lead research, market analysis, and evaluation of new economic development methods and service delivery approaches.
Develop and maintain partnerships with major employers, brokers, developers, property owners, universities, and regional organizations, including NOVA EDA, VEDP, Mason Enterprise Center, SBDC, and the SBA.
Prepare and present reports to City Council, the EDA, and public audiences; represent FCED on boards, commissions, and regional working groups; and represent the Director on the City’s Senior Leadership Team when the Director is absent.
Serve as a senior spokesperson for FCED to the media, businesses, and the community.