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Community Economic Development Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Director, Utility Development

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$175 - $190/hr

Experience developing relationships across utilities, regulators, engineering firms, economic development agencies, and community leaders. * Ability to translate technical engineering concepts and ...

Public Affairs Manager

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$108K - $120K/yr

Demonstrated experience of building relationships with industry groups, economic development and community organizations * Experience shaping and supporting advocacy agendas, campaigns, coalition ...

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Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$108K - $120K/yr

Demonstrated experience of building relationships with industry groups, economic development and community organizations * Experience shaping and supporting advocacy agendas, campaigns, coalition ...

Tourism Program Manager

Stafford, VA ยท On-site

$96K - $169K/yr

... drive visitation and economic impact throughout the community. The ideal candidate is a ... and development. Examples of Duties Develops, implements, manages, and markets, programs that ...

Showing results 21-40

Community Economic Development information

See Virginia salary details

$30.7K

$102.1K

$153.7K

How much do community economic development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for community economic development in Virginia is $102,137.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,800.00 and $123,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is community economic development?

Community economic development (CED) is a process where local communities take action to stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life for their residents. This involves initiatives such as supporting small businesses, creating jobs, developing affordable housing, and fostering local leadership. CED often emphasizes collaboration among residents, local organizations, and government to address economic challenges and create sustainable, inclusive growth. The goal is to empower communities to drive their own economic futures while addressing social, environmental, and economic needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in community economic development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Community Economic Development, you need expertise in economic analysis, project management, and stakeholder engagement, often supported by a degree in economics, urban planning, or public administration. Familiarity with data analysis software, GIS tools, and grant writing platforms is typically required. Strong communication, cultural competency, and leadership skills distinguish top professionals in this field. These qualifications enable effective collaboration and sustainable solutions that drive economic growth and community well-being.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in community economic development roles and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Community Economic Development often encounter challenges such as limited funding, balancing diverse stakeholder interests, and navigating complex regulatory environments. Success in this role requires strong communication and negotiation skills to build consensus among community members, local businesses, and government agencies. Proactively seeking out grant opportunities, fostering collaborative partnerships, and staying informed about economic trends can help address these challenges and drive sustainable development projects.

What is the difference between Community Economic Development vs Economic Development Specialist?

AspectCommunity Economic DevelopmentEconomic Development Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in urban planning, public policy, or related fieldsSimilar credentials, often with additional certifications in economic analysis or project management
Work EnvironmentFocuses on local communities, nonprofits, government agenciesWorks in government, consulting firms, or economic development agencies
Employer & IndustryLocal governments, community organizations, non-profitsMunicipalities, economic development agencies, consulting firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in community-focused projectsExploring careers in economic growth strategies

Community Economic Development and Economic Development Specialist roles share similar credentials and work environments but differ in focus. Community Economic Development emphasizes local community projects and nonprofit collaborations, while Economic Development Specialists often work on broader economic growth strategies for municipalities or agencies. Both roles aim to promote economic prosperity but target different scopes within the industry.

Is community economic development a good career path?

Community economic development is a viable career that involves planning and implementing strategies to improve local economies and quality of life. It often requires skills in project management, policy analysis, and community engagement, with opportunities in government agencies, non-profits, and consulting firms. Job stability and growth depend on regional funding and economic conditions.
Infographic showing various Community Economic Development job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,137 per year, or $49.1 per hour.

Director of Investor Relations

Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance

Norfolk, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance (HREDA) assists international and domestic companies with investment projects, expansion and relocation.
Job Description
The director leads the Investor Relations program and is responsible for raising private sector money to fund the economic development program of work. The director is also responsible for supporting all elements of the public sector funding support base. The director will work to identify, attract and retain private corporations as financial supporters of the Alliance. The director is responsible for managing a variety of organizational initiatives designed to increase the level of private sector and public sector Alliance funding. The initiatives include:
  • Nurture and retain current investor companies and public sector partners.
  • Develop new prospects, coordinate outreach and meetings and, when possible, close deals
  • Develop and update investor communications and sales tools.
  • Prepare and deliver presentations to the Alliance Board of Directors, Executive Committee, the Investor Relations Committee and others as may be appropriate.
  • Represent the Alliance at key community functions for the purpose of sharing the Alliance story and recent successes with existing and target investors.
  • Organize, manage and coordinate Alliance events necessary to promote the Alliance mission locally/regionally for the purpose of advancing the organization's financial success.

Successful integration and collaboration with other Alliance business units to achieve the overall organizational mission is critical. The director collaborates with the CEO and other managers to develop the work plan of the Investor Relations Committee and the Investor Relations Department.
Duties and Responsibilities
Advisory Committee : The director is responsible for effectively managing and coordinating the Investor Relations Committee which is made up of Alliance investors and chaired by an Alliance officer (TBD). The group meets on a regular basis to support the Alliance fundraising efforts.
Management Team : The director is a member of the management team. The director is expected to contribute input relevant to organizational matters and actively participate in the development and implementation of the organization's goals, objectives and strategic plans. The director enforces policies and procedures and is responsible for the department's revenue generation and cost controls.
Fundraising : The director is responsible for monitoring, following and determining trends in not-for-profit financial management and fund-raising strategies. The director will work to ensure that the Alliance employs fund-raising protocols and procedures that are appropriate and consistent with those employed by leading nonprofits. The director will routinely analyze investor programs and develop targeted initiatives designed to attract new private sector investment and to retain current investors. The director is responsible for managing existing programs designed to ensure a minimal loss of investors and for developing new products, benefits and services that will attract new Alliance investors. The director will be responsible, with CEO and management team guidance, for all aspects of annual and multi-year fund-raising pledge drives including management of the process, identification and selection of consultants and volunteers, assisting in the determination of campaign objectives and the coordination and management of Alliance resources allocated to the campaign.
Events : The director is responsible for the overall financial and operational administration of Alliance events and functions that support the investor and stakeholder relations program, and for developing internal support and volunteers to assist during such events.
Business Plans & Budgets : The director is responsible for the development and implementation of the annual business plan for investor fundraising and events along with the related team's individual work plans. In addition, the director is responsible for the preparation and presentation of monthly private sector forecasts and results. The director is responsible for the development and monitoring of the department budget, timely billing and invoicing Alliance investors, and for regularly reporting on the status of progress towards financial goals to the CEO and management team. The director is also responsible for monitoring and managing investor accounts receivable and for following up with investors as necessary to ensure that all pledges are collected. The director is responsible for actively seeking new ways to reduce expenses and to increase private sector funding. The director also supports the development and implementation of other business strategies and plans in cooperation with the CEO and the management team.
Investor Information : The director is responsible for the maintenance of the Alliance investor data, and for providing investor company updates for the Alliance CRM system. The director also provides content for the Alliance website and annual report. The director is responsible for the accuracy and integrity of the investor database and all investor information that is published by the Alliance.
Community Relations : The director will develop and maintain professional relationships with key contacts in local private and public entities. The director is expected to utilize these relationships to promote Alliance initiatives and accomplishments throughout the region. Contacts include corporate executives as well as elected and appointed government officials and their professional staff, educational institutions, professional business associations, and other similarly aligned community and business development organizations.
Conduct : The director is expected to maintain the confidentiality and trade secrets of the Alliance and its clients at all times. To the greatest extent possible, the director will be responsible for protecting information relevant to projects pursuant to the client's request and all provisions of Virginia statutes.
COMPENSATION : Salary and compensation will be based on experience, qualification and salary history.
Job Type: Full-time
Job Location:
  • Norfolk, VA 23510

Required education:
  • Bachelor's

Required experience:
  • Fundraising: 5 years
  • Sales: 5 years
  • Development: 4 years
  • Marketing: 4 years

Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Four-year college degree required, master's degree preferred.
  • Five years of progressive experience in economic or community development, sales, marketing, or fundraising with a combination of public, non-profit and private sector experience preferred.
  • Experience in managing and coordinating the work of staff and staff teams is preferred.
  • Proven ability to engage confidently with high level corporate, political and community leaders.
  • Proven ability to handle a high-paced work environment, to prioritize a heavy workload, to manage multiple assignments and to meet deadlines.
  • Proven ability to work with other managers and team members.
  • Motivated self-starter, with an entrepreneurial spirit and a proven adherent of a team-driven philosophy.
  • Outstanding oral and written communication skills and technically savvy.
  • Must be able to travel frequently throughout the Hampton Roads region and periodically outside the region for up to one week.

Additional Information
Only applicants with significant experience with raising funds for non-profits with the public and private sector will be considered.