The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking a Sr. Vice President of Policy and Strategic Partnerships (SVP). This position is responsible for managing the following divisions: Economic Competitiveness, External Affairs, Real Estate Solutions, and Regional Talent Solutions and Business Outreach. In addition to managing these four divisions, the SVP serves as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, providing regular counsel and support to the President & CEO and other leadership team members on a variety of activities.

This full-time position reports to the President & CEO and requires strong leadership and management experience with a proven track record of collaborating with diverse partners and constituents to achieve mutually beneficial goals and objectives. VEDP offers a dynamic, collaborative, high-profile, fast-paced professional environment where a strategic, integrated, action-oriented approach is the standard. 

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for division programs and initiatives for which SVP is responsible

• Provide clear direction and clearly communicate goals of VEDP to staff, external stakeholders, and clients

• Ensure all budget and legislative requests are submitted, tracked, and implemented timely with necessary input from stakeholders

• Engage regularly with Administration officials and General Assembly members

• Provide advice on politically sensitive matters

• Provide strategic leadership for partner relations activities 

• Monitor major workstreams for Economic Competitiveness and Real Estate Solutions ensuring timelines are met

• Work with President & CEO to advance and administer special projects

• Speak to external groups about VEDP mission, initiatives, activities, and results

• Monitor team progress and metrics to ensure annual goals are met

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required, with a Master’s degree and/or equivalent combination of training and experience preferred

Required experience, knowledge, and expertise

• At least ten years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience in high-performance organization(s) including substantial experience with legislative and external relations

• Working knowledge of and experience with the Virginia legislative process and state government

• Development of research/white papers, studies, legislative reports, talking points, guidelines, and position statements

• Ability to develop goals, plan and implement projects, work with others to negotiate issues effectively, and formulate and communicate recommendations

• Management of internal direct reports and indirect reports with a track record of developing people and building successful teams

• Effectiveness in implementing an organizational structure with clear roles and accountability, and fostering a culture that generates productivity, innovation, and success

• Division/department management, resource allocation, and project delegation

• Project leadership and management, working within external/internal cross-functional teams

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Public speaking expertise

• Operational performance management and reporting

• Budget/contract preparation and administration

• Ability to develop and lead a strong team environment

• Solid understanding of economic development principles and processes

• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Word and PowerPoint

Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. VEDP uses the E-Verify system and does not provide sponsorship. All candidates must apply through our website https://www.vedp.org/careers. Applicants must submit a résumé and a cover letter. Application deadline: Open until filled.