Assistant Economic Development Director

City of Williamsburg, Virginia; Williamsburg (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Williamsburg is seeking an Assistant Economic Development Director to lead high-level economic development initiatives and BRE programs. The role develops strategies to expand the commercial tax base, attract investment, and retain existing enterprises.

Under the Deputy City Manager, you will coordinate major redevelopment and market intelligence efforts, while collaborating with regional partners to align initiatives with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and council goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, Economics, or closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day economic development initiatives and manage BRE programs.
• Serve as primary staff liaison to Williamsburg EDA and coordinate redevelopment opportunities.
• Collaborate with municipal departments, regional organizations, and state agencies to align initiatives with the Comprehensive Plan and Council goals.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, Economics, or closely related field

5–7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in economic development, commercial real estate, planning, or local government operations

Equivalent education and experience

Job description

The City of Williamsburg is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Assistant Economic Development Director. This position is responsible for performing high-level professional, analytical, and strategic work to expand the City of Williamsburg’s commercial tax base, foster business investment, and retain existing enterprises. Under the Deputy City Manager's administrative direction, the Assistant Economic Development Director leads day-to-day economic development initiatives and manages business attraction, retention, and expansion (BRE) programs.

The position serves as a primary staff liaison to the Williamsburg Economic Development Authority (EDA), coordinates major commercial redevelopment and prospect opportunities, and oversees commercial real estate and market intelligence data systems. The incumbent collaborates closely with municipal departments, regional organizations, and state agencies to align economic development initiatives with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Council goals, and regional partner strategies.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, Economics, or closely related field; and
• A minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in economic development, commercial real estate, planning, or local government operations, with demonstrated experience leading major projects or initiatives or
• Any combination of equivalent education and experience.

Special Qualifications

• Valid Virginia driver’s license
• Willingness and ability to attend evening City Council and EDA meetings, participate in early morning or weekend community events, and travel occasionally for prospect recruitment or state conferences.
• Acceptable criminal background check and drug screen results

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Business, or Economics, supplemented by professional certification such as Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through IEDC or Virginia Economic Development Association (VEDA) professional development.

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The City of Williamsburg is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.