Innovation Program Manager (Management Analyst III)

Fairfax County•Fairfax (Eh05), VA

19h

About The Position

The Department of Economic Initiatives seeks an Innovation Program Manager within the Small Business and Economic Competitiveness Division. The role manages a portfolio of entrepreneurship, innovation economy, and economic competitiveness programs, working with small businesses, entrepreneurs, early-stage technology startups, and private, academic, and nonprofit partners to support a thriving innovation ecosystem. The position also contributes to the county’s broader economic development strategy by evaluating proposals and investments, researching best practices, and supporting policy recommendations intended to diversify and strengthen Fairfax County’s economy. The position’s assigned functional areas are project management, data analysis, and policy development. The successful candidate will plan and manage projects from initiation through completion; develop and monitor performance measures; analyze economic development proposals and investments; research policy gaps and best practices; engage with ecosystem stakeholders; prepare written materials and presentations; and contribute to marketing, outreach, forums, meetings, and events. A criminal background check must be completed to the employer’s satisfaction. Selection is by panel interview and may include an exercise.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a field related to the assigned functional area, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
Four years of professional work experience within the functional area, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
Considerable knowledge of the mission, goals, and objectives of the assigned organizational unit, program, or activities.
Considerable knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques related to business operations and functional areas such as personnel, budgeting and financial management, and contract administration and management.
Knowledge of principles and techniques governing management, organization, operations, and programmatic services.
Ability to identify possible solutions to business problems and evaluate proposals and solutions by benefits, costs, and overall impact.
Ability to make oral presentations to department management, other departments, or the public.
Ability to write detailed, accurate reports, grants, or solicitations for relevant administrative areas.
Ability to use word-processing and presentation software, as well as spreadsheet and statistical-analysis software to store, manipulate, analyze, and present data.
Ability to supervise and train staff and lead assigned employees.
Ability to lift up to 15 pounds; read data on a computer monitor; operate keyboard-driven equipment; drive or access public transportation; and communicate individually and in front of groups. Duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
Complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.

Nice To Haves

Five years of demonstrated experience in relevant functional areas, such as innovation-based economic development, technology commercialization, or a consulting environment, with strong analytical skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to multitask, work as a team player, and be flexible and adaptable to change.
Experience securing stakeholder engagement.
Experience conducting professional-level research and analytics, including policy development and evaluation of public-sector funding programs.
Familiarity with the entrepreneurial development process and resources available in Virginia.
Demonstrated project management experience managing multiple concurrent projects, deliverables, timelines, and budgets.
Bilingual ability in English and another language is encouraged.

Responsibilities

Plan, execute, and manage entrepreneurship, innovation economy, and economic competitiveness projects from initiation through completion, ensuring deliverables, timelines, and budgets are met.
Develop program metrics and performance measures, track progress and outcomes, and prepare reports or presentations for leadership.
Support the evaluation and development of economic development proposals, funding applications, processes, policies, and investments through analysis, feasibility and impact assessment, and recommendations.
Research best practices and identify policy gaps or barriers that impede economic competitiveness and entrepreneurship; contribute to policy recommendations with department leadership.
Build relationships with entrepreneurs, startups, and private, academic, and nonprofit partners; identify needs, connect businesses to county and regional resources, and align efforts.
Prepare clear, well-researched written materials, including policy papers, issue briefs, Board agenda items, and program materials for broad or individual audiences.
Contribute to departmental marketing and outreach, convene forums, and represent the department at meetings and events.
Design, develop, and coordinate department programs and special projects.
Conduct or oversee studies and research to assess program quality, unmet needs, and program effectiveness.
Provide guidance, recommendations, and advice to departmental managers; participate in committees, task forces, and management teams evaluating administrative systems.
Write, edit, and finalize reports and presentations, and present findings and recommendations to senior managers.
Coordinate and manage project work, including day-to-day activities and, where applicable, the work of administrative, paraprofessional, or professional staff.
Plan and coordinate changes to policies, procedures, or processes related to administrative functions.
Lead assigned employees by delegating and reviewing work, providing coaching and guidance, monitoring performance, and supporting training and development planning.