Program Director, GO Virginia

UVA Health•Wise, VA

2d•$65,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise is accepting applications for a Program Director. The Program Director directs the operations of the GO Virginia Region One Council. As the support organization for the Commonwealth’s GO Virginia program, UVA Wise Office of Strategic Engagement and Government Relations is responsible for supporting the work of the Region One Council, which includes the implementation of the Growth and Diversification Plan, grants management, constituent relations and adherence to the freedom of information act regulations. This position is responsible for the coordination, direction, and implementation of the council activities in the thirteen county/three-city region and assists in the management of the annual budget preparation and program review. Partnerships formed to support these efforts are diverse: representing government, education, industry, non-profits, entrepreneurs, chambers of commerce, and private foundations. Operating since 2017, GO Virginia is a statewide program. This position is fully grant funded and focuses on the Southwestern region of the Commonwealth. GO Virginia has been funded by the general assembly since 2017 and the most recent biennial budget runs through the end of June, 2028. The position will continue as long as funding is available.

Requirements

Some - up to 4 years
Significant experience building alliances and leading high impact teams, projects, and programs in a matrixed environment
Knowledge of academic and industry environments and cultures, and ability to translate and match needs and capabilities
Significant experience working with C-suite executives, university leaders, legislators, and government agencies to influence and impact business investment and economic development decisions
Demonstrated experience with public-private partnerships, economic development initiatives, and pan-University initiatives
Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills
Excellent oral, written, presentation and facilitation skills with ability to serve as an interface between academia, industry, and government
Ability to work collegially within a large, complex system and to negotiate with a wide range of constituencies
Ability to project a clear message on the College’s and GO Virginia’s role in economic development with faculty, staff, students, community, corporate, and government leaders
Ability to develop compelling value proposition statements and related materials and incorporate them into a broader communication strategy
Ability to identify opportunities, assess situations, assemble multi-party initiatives, find mutually beneficial areas for collaboration, and communicate to all stakeholders
Project management for complex, rapidly developing initiatives that may be ambiguous and with shifting participants
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution

Nice To Haves

Considerable 4-7 years
Significant experience working with senior executives, higher education leaders, and state agencies to influence and impact business investment and economic development
Significant experience partnering with local, regional, and state economic and workforce development organizations
Experience in managing grant funding operations
Master’s degree in business, economics, or another related field

Responsibilities

Manage the development and review of the Growth & Diversification Plan through stakeholder engagement, data analysis, and strategic planning
Advance strategies contained within the Growth and Diversification Plan as approved by the Regional Council
Develop and cultivate alliances and partnerships with regional stakeholders
Adhere to GO Virginia State Board and Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development guidelines
Provide staff support to regional council by coordinating regional council meetings, ensuring adherence to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Conflict of Interest Act (COIA) guidelines are met
Develop and oversee the execution of an operational budget and fund management
Administer the GO Virginia Region 1 application and review process, providing technical grant assistance to prospective applicants, supporting project development, proposal refinement, and alignment with guidelines
Oversee the implementation and performance of funded projects by monitoring grant progress, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, and tracking performance metrics and outcomes
Prepare required reporting to include quarterly, annual, project monitoring reports and progress related to the Growth and Diversification Plan
Provide management support to the GO Virginia administrative team
Implement quality and continuous improvement principles and eliminate duplicative services
Identify and secure additional resources to include bridging opportunities across multiple regional councils for competitive grant funds
Oversee the implementation of an outreach and communication strategy for the GO Virginia Region One Council to include communication tools such as newsletters, social media, marketing collateral, presentation material and the Council website
Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders including funders, employers, localities, education/workforce entities in SWVA as well as other regional councils throughout the Commonwealth
Coordinate and provide staff support for GO Virginia subcommittees focused on advancing regional GO Virginia priorities