Economic Development Director Jobs in Vermont (NOW HIRING)

Grade:18

Non-Bargaining Unit

FLSA: Exempt

The Chief Redevelopment Officer provides strategic leadership for campus redevelopment, adaptive reuse, and community-based development initiatives that advance the mission of the Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS) while strengthening the communities served by its campuses. The position develops strategic partnerships and redevelopment opportunities that maximize System assets, support economic and workforce development, and enhance campus vitality.

Working collaboratively with System and campus leadership, municipalities, state agencies, legislators, private developers, and community partners, the Chief Redevelopment Officer identifies and advances redevelopment opportunities, aligns diverse stakeholders around shared objectives, and coordinates initiatives from concept through implementation. Through strategic alliances, innovative redevelopment strategies, and responsible stewardship of System resources, the Chief Redevelopment Officer helps position VSCS campuses as enduring educational, economic, and community assets for Vermont.

1. 1. Campus Revitalization Strategy (25%) Lead the development of long-range revitalization strategies for each campus that align academic programming, workforce development, community needs, and long-term institutional strategy.


2. 2. Community & Government Relationships (20%) Develop trusted relationships with:
   
   
   
   • legislators
   
   
   • municipalities
   
   
   • regional planning commissions
   
   
   • economic development organizations
   
   
   • nonprofit organizations
   
   
   • commercial developers
   
   
   • state agencies
   
   
   
   Identify and cultivate opportunities that strengthen the System’s campuses and their surrounding communities.


3. 3. Executive Coordination & Stakeholder Alignment (10%) Serve as the primary coordinator among System and campus leaders, municipalities, legislators, developers, and external parties to align priorities, resolve barriers, facilitate timely decision-making, and maintain momentum across campus revitalization initiatives.


4. 4. Strategic Real Estate Development (20%) Lead the evaluation and advancement of adaptive reuse, redevelopment, leasing, acquisitions, dispositions, public-private partnerships, financial feasibility analyses, and other strategic real estate initiatives.


5. 5. Project Advancement & Implementation (15%) Serve as the System's owner's representative for redevelopment initiatives by coordinating consultants, campus leaders, regulatory agencies, and external parties from concept through implementation while maintaining alignment with System priorities.


6. 6. Portfolio Governance & Performance (10%) Maintain a prioritized pipeline of opportunities, prepare executive recommendations, coordinate Board materials, and monitor outcomes.

General supervision is received from the Chief Financial and Operating Officer. The Director works collaboratively with the Chancellor, Vice Chancellors, campus leadership, and external stakeholders to advance campus and community revitalization initiatives and achieve shared institutional objectives.

No direct supervisory responsibility. Coordinates the work of cross-functional project teams consisting of System and campus leaders, facilities personnel, external consultants, architects, developers, municipal officials, and community partners.

• Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, planning, real estate, economic development, architecture, engineering, higher education administration, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience may be considered.


• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in one or more of the following: campus planning, real estate development, economic development, public administration, facilities planning, capital planning, strategic alliances, or related fields.


• Demonstrated experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.


• Experience developing and managing strategic alliances with governmental agencies, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, private-sector partners, or community organizations.


• Demonstrated ability to analyze and communicate complex business, financial, and development opportunities and present recommendations to executive leadership.


• Demonstrated ability to build consensus and lead initiatives through influence rather than direct authority.


• Demonstrated success advancing complex initiatives from concept through implementation by coordinating diverse stakeholders and achieving measurable outcomes.


• Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively throughout Vermont.

• Master's degree in a related field.


• Experience in higher education or another complex public-sector environment.


• Knowledge of Vermont land use, permitting, environmental, and development processes.


• Experience with public-private partnerships, adaptive reuse, or campus redevelopment.


• Experience working with state or local government, legislators, and economic development organizations.


• Familiarity with capital planning, real estate transactions, and public procurement.

• Working knowledge of campus planning, real estate development, adaptive reuse, and capital planning principles.


• Knowledge of public-sector procurement, contracting, and regulatory processes applicable to higher education and redevelopment initiatives.


• Knowledge of financial analysis, business case development, and evaluation of redevelopment and public-private partnership opportunities.


• Understanding of municipal planning, permitting, land use, and economic development processes.


• Understanding of institutional asset stewardship and strategic planning in a public higher education environment.


• Knowledge of organizational change management and collaborative decision-making practices.


• Knowledge of state government structures and legislation processes as they relate to public higher education initiatives.

• Strategic planning and opportunity identification.


• Building collaborative relationships and stakeholder engagement.


• Financial analysis and business case development.


• Project leadership and coordination of complex, cross-functional initiatives.


• Negotiation and relationship management.


• Clear written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.


• Preparation of executive-level reports, recommendations, and presentations.


• Facilitation of multidisciplinary teams and collaborative planning processes.


• Strategic influence and collation-building across organizations with diverse interests.


• Translating strategic priorities into measurable implementation plans and outcomes.

• Ability to identify and advance opportunities that strengthen the System while helping communities realize the full potential of their relationship with the System.


• Ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders with differing priorities.


• Ability to influence, coordinate, and lead initiatives without direct supervisory authority.


• Ability to analyze complex issues and exercise sound judgment in developing recommendations.


• Ability to manage multiple strategic initiatives while maintaining momentum and meeting critical deadlines.


• Ability to balance academic, community, financial, political, and operational considerations in decision-making.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.


• Ability to navigate complex governmental, regulatory, and political environments with diplomacy and sound judgment.


• Ability to foster productive working relationships across academic, administrative, governmental, and community organizations to advance strategic initiatives.


• Ability to identify innovative approaches to campus revitalization and organizational partnerships that align with institutional priorities.

• Ability to travel frequently throughout Vermont and occasionally beyond the state as required.


• Ability to conduct site visits to System facilities, redevelopment locations, and community sites, including walking across campus environments and navigating active project areas.


• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work is performed in a dynamic, multi-campus environment requiring regular collaboration with System and campus leadership, municipalities, government agencies, developers, and community organizations.

Frequent statewide travel is required, with occasional evening or weekend meetings to accommodate community engagement, legislative activities, or project milestones.

This is an FLSA-exempt position. Work hours may vary based on institutional priorities, project deadlines, and stakeholder needs.

This position may be based on any Vermont State Colleges System campus and requires regular travel among the Vermont State Colleges System campuses, state agencies, municipalities, and external organizations through Vermont.

40

The budgeted salary for this position is $140,000 to $160,000.

Exempt

G18

Unit Determination: Non Bargaining - Administrators