Director, Life Sciences

Virginia Economic Devel Partnership•Richmond, VA

6h•$110,000

About The Position

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking an experienced industry or economic development professional to manage industry growth as part of the Manufacturing Sector Team with an emphasis on ecosystem-building, sector expertise, and business development within targeted high-growth sectors. Life sciences represents one of the Commonwealth’s largest potential job growth opportunities.

Requirements

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, among others
Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Excellent strategic analysis and problem-solving skills
Excellent computer proficiency, particularly with spreadsheet (Excel) and presentation (PowerPoint) development
Support of organization-wide efforts as facilitator
Strong organizational skills and ability to plan and successfully manage multiple tasks
Ability to work under time pressure
At least seven years of relevant experience in positions of progressive responsibility
Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment.
Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter.
A valid driver’s license and ability to obtain a passport is required.

Nice To Haves

Participation and experience with government agencies, industry organizations, and manufacturing-related research and development partnerships
Experience in manufacturing innovation centers and/or developing university and industry partnerships
Ideally experience in the life sciences manufacturing sector (i.e., biopharma, medical devices, etc.) or in a manufacturing sector professional services firm (e.g., economic development, site selection, strategy consulting), including in-depth understanding of location decision factors for manufacturing sector companies

Responsibilities

Develop a comprehensive lead generation strategy that utilizes corporate intelligence, research, and data analytics to target corporate prospects for assigned industries
Be knowledgeable about the communities and regions of Virginia to support VEDP’s lead generation strategy specifically through engagement and community visits with local and regional economic development organizations to learn their unique assets and value propositions
Design and execute VEDP’s Fiscal Year lead generation calendar by recommending lead generation and outreach activities with clear goals and objectives for assigned industries as part of the fiscal year planning process, typically due by March 31
In collaboration with Economic Competitiveness, Business Investment, Research, Marketing & Communications, and others, develop tailored value propositions for target accounts and all lead generation activities
Develop deep sector insights to enhance economic development activities and anticipate trends to inform project response and to identify growth opportunities
Understand the business drivers, key players and needs related to VEDP’s Manufacturing industries
Lead research and intelligence gathering efforts across industry sector, engaging in routine check-ins, briefings, and information-sharing with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
Collaborate with Economic Competitiveness, Business Investment, Research, Marketing and Communications, and other divisions to share industry trends, generate new ideas, support policy and programmatic decisions that impact sector ecosystems, and enhance Virginia’s value proposition for assigned industries
Develop industry insights feedback loop to inform sector strategy, pipeline development, and after-care to aid in identifying opportunities for additional lead generation activities, projects, or ecosystem development activities
Promote continuous improvement, develop new skills, generate new ideas, and adapt to changing trends, engaging as a team player to achieve organizational and team goals.
Coordinate efforts to build a thriving ecosystem capable of attracting new talent and spurring business growth by cultivating long-term relationships with appropriate stakeholders to gain buy-in for, and execution of, ecosystem and sector strategies
Cultivate relationships with government stakeholders and routinely check-in and share relevant information
Routinely convene key stakeholders and partners across the industry network to drive growth in sector priority areas
Support strategic initiatives, working closely with stakeholders across all of government and helping to ensure metrics are met