Development Process Specialist

Loudoun County Government; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Loudoun County Department of Economic Development (DED) exists to help businesses start, grow, and thrive, and an important part of that mission is helping businesses navigate County processes with clarity and confidence. Zoning, permitting, land use, and development requirements can be complex.

For a business owner trying to open, expand, or invest in Loudoun, understanding those processes can make the difference between moving forward and getting stuck.

Qualifications

• Customer-facing role requiring strong communication and adaptability across stakeholder groups.
• Ability to analyze land use applications and planning and zoning procedures and synthesize information for diverse audiences.
• Travel and irregular hours (early morning, evenings, weekends) as required.

Responsibilities

• Respond to requests for assistance involving zoning, permitting, land use, and development processes.
• Review and provide analysis on agency referrals; support coordination of guidance to businesses.
• Lead Business Assistance Team meetings to bring County experts together for coordinated guidance.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Urban/Regional Planning, Economics, or related field

Job description

Loudoun County Government has been named one of Forbes' 2025 Best Large Employers! We're proud to be recognized nationally for our commitment to employee satisfaction and excellence in public service. At Loudoun County, we bring together talented professionals from all backgrounds to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic, growing community - that's The Loudoun Difference.

Welcome and thank you for your interest in employment with Loudoun County Government!

Job Summary

The Loudoun County Department of Economic Development (DED) exists to help businesses start, grow, and thrive, and an important part of that mission is helping businesses navigate County processes with clarity and confidence. Zoning, permitting, land use, and development requirements can be complex. For a business owner trying to open, expand, or invest in Loudoun, understanding those processes can make the difference between moving forward and getting stuck.

We are looking for a positive, proactive, and solutions-oriented Development Process Specialist who can help make government easier to navigate and help create the clarity and predictability that support a strong business environment.

DED is recognized as one of the top economic development organizations in the country. Our team works every day to strengthen and diversify Loudoun's economy while supporting the unique character and economic vitality of our communities, including Loudoun's vibrant rural economy.

As a Development Process Specialist, you will serve as a bridge between businesses and the County processes that affect their ability to operate, grow, and invest in Loudoun.

You will work directly with businesses to understand what they are trying to accomplish, identify potential challenges, connect them with the right County resources, and help them understand the path forward. The goal is not simply to explain a process. It is to help customers successfully navigate it.

Responsibilities will include responding to requests for assistance involving zoning, permitting, land use, and development processes; reviewing and providing analysis on agency referrals; and helping lead Business Assistance Team meetings that bring the appropriate County expertise together to provide coordinated guidance to businesses.

This position will have a particular focus on businesses operating or seeking to operate in Loudoun's rural areas, where land use regulations, business needs, and the County's commitment to preserving a strong rural economy often intersect.

You will also support legislative initiatives and serve as a DED liaison in policy discussions and County processes affecting rural land uses and development standards, helping ensure that the business perspective is understood as policies and procedures are considered.

Hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Urban/Regional Planning, Economics, or related field; two (2) years of related work experience including professional research and analysis; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

This is a customer-facing position that requires strong communication skills and the ability to adjust to a variety of contexts when working with businesses, government officials, and citizens. This position will require a strategic thinker capable of analyzing land use applications and planning and zoning procedures, and the ability to synthesize information and communicate it clearly to both internal and external audiences. Travel, early morning, evening, and weekend work as required.

Job Contingencies and Special Requirements

Successful candidate must undergo and complete a criminal background and DMV check.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Loudoun County Government prides itself on fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that promotes employee wellness and work-life balance. As an equal opportunity employer, we consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process should call Human Resources directly at 703-777-0213 or email Human Resources.