Director of Economic Development Authority

Frederick County Local Government•Winchester, VA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Frederick County is seeking a dynamic Economic Development Director to lead the County’s economic growth strategy and drive business expansion, tax base growth, and high-quality job creation. This highly visible leadership role oversees strategic initiatives in Site Readiness, Business Development, and Workforce Readiness, and builds strong partnerships with developers, businesses, and community stakeholders to turn opportunities into impactful projects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business, Real Estate, or related field
10 + years of leadership experience in economic development.
CEcD from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
Comprehensive knowledge of economic development principles and practices, with strong expertise in public-private partnerships, infrastructure financing, and incentive negotiation.
Advanced understanding of real estate development cycles and familiarity with state-level incentive programs and regulatory processes.
Proven ability to develop and communicate long-term economic strategies, supported by excellent public speaking, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Strong political acumen with experience working effectively with elected officials and diverse stakeholder groups while representing the community in public and professional settings.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead Frederick County’s economic development strategy, including long-range planning to support business growth, investment attraction, tax base expansion, and high-quality job creation.
Oversee the inventory, assessment, and advancement of commercial and industrial sites, with a focus on site readiness, infrastructure coordination, and accelerating speed-to-market.
Establish and manage public-private partnerships (P3s) to support site development and infrastructure improvements, while negotiating development agreements and incentive packages.
Serve as the primary liaison between developers, property owners, brokers, and County departments (planning, engineering, utilities) to streamline development processes.
Execute proactive business recruitment, retention, and expansion strategies, including direct engagement with site selectors, corporate executives, and local employers.
Manage inbound inquiries, RFP responses, prospect tours, and project pipeline activity while promoting Frederick County as a competitive investment location.
Collaborate with educational institutions, workforce partners, and regional organizations to align talent development with employer needs.
Maintain a highly visible presence in the business and development community through active engagement with industry partners, civic organizations, and regional economic development stakeholders.
Build and maintain strong partnerships with organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Winchester Regional Airport, Small Business Development Center, and the Winchester-Frederick County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Provide regular reporting to County Administration, the EDA Board, and the Board of Supervisors on project pipeline activity, BRE efforts, and site readiness status.
Manage all administrative aspects of the department, including personnel, budgeting, and County processes.