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Economic Development Director Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

US Rail & Logistics

Sales Director

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$10K/mo

... at local industry and economic development meetings and eventsDiscovery of new opportunities and ventures for USRL to participate inRequirements3-5 years of sales or sales-related ...

Stafford County

Tourism Program Manager

Stafford, VA · On-site

$96K - $169K/yr

... a positive economic impact to the County. Works alongside the Director and Project Manager to ... and development. Examples of Duties Develops, implements, manages, and markets, programs that ...

US Rail & Logistics

Sales Director

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$10K/mo

Represent USRL at local industry and economic development meetings and events * Discovery of new opportunities and ventures for USRL to participate in Requirements * 3-5 years of sales or sales ...

US Rail & Logistics

Sales Director

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

Represent USRL at local industry and economic development meetings and events * Discovery of new opportunities and ventures for USRL to participate in Requirements * 3-5 years of sales or sales ...

City of Norfolk, VA

Director, The Slover

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$147K - $214K/yr

The Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for one of Norfolk's signature ... Expands opportunities for economic development through strategic partnerships and community ...

Locus

Director of Communications Strategy

Richmond, VA · On-site

The Director of Communications Strategy will report to the Chief External Affairs Officer and work ... economic development, banking, public policy, and related issues. * Support media engagement ...

Locus

Director of Communications Strategy

Henrico, VA · On-site

The Director of Communications Strategy will report to the Chief External Affairs Officer and work ... economic development, banking, public policy, and related issues. * Support media engagement ...

New

GovernmentJobs.com

Director of Transit

Roanoke, VA · On-site

Director Of Transit The Director of Transit is a senior leadership position responsible for ... use, and economic development efforts. * Address inquiries from elected officials, community ...

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All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Director JobsEconomic Development Director Jobs in Virginia

Economic Development Director information

See Virginia salary details

$48.1K

$122.9K

$200.3K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Virginia is $122,871.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,700.00 and $152,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectEconomic Development DirectorEconomic Development Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Economics, Business, or Public Administration; experience in economic planningSimilar credentials, often with less managerial experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership role in government agencies or economic development organizationsSupport role, assisting with projects and research
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, regional agencies, economic development firmsLocal government departments, economic development offices
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in economic developmentLearning about supporting roles in economic growth projects

The main difference between an Economic Development Director and an Economic Development Specialist lies in their level of responsibility and leadership. The Director oversees strategic planning and manages teams, while the Specialist focuses on supporting projects and research. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work within government or economic organizations, but the Director holds a higher managerial position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an economic development director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Economic Development Director, you need expertise in economic analysis, project management, and public policy, typically supported by a degree in economics, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with economic modeling software, GIS tools, and grant management systems is often required, along with certifications such as Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). Strong leadership, strategic communication, and relationship-building abilities help foster collaboration among public, private, and community stakeholders. These skills are crucial for identifying growth opportunities, securing funding, and driving sustainable economic progress in a community or region.

What are the main challenges economic development directors face when balancing community needs and business interests?

Economic Development Directors often need to align the interests of local businesses, government stakeholders, and community members, which can be challenging due to differing priorities. For example, attracting new businesses might conflict with preserving community character or addressing affordable housing. Success in this role frequently involves transparent communication, creative problem-solving, and building consensus through public engagement and strategic partnerships. Navigating these complexities requires adaptability and a strong understanding of both economic trends and local needs.

What does an economic development director do?

An Economic Development Director is responsible for creating and implementing strategies to promote economic growth within a community or region. They work to attract new businesses, support existing ones, and encourage job creation by collaborating with local government officials, business leaders, and community organizations. Their duties often include managing economic incentive programs, overseeing redevelopment projects, and conducting market research to identify opportunities for development. Ultimately, their goal is to improve the local economy and enhance the quality of life for residents.

What is an economic development director?

An economic development director is a city government employee who helps spur the city economy. Your two biggest responsibilities are to persuade new businesses to move into your town and to encourage existing businesses to expand. You attend fundraising events for civic and business groups and interact with donors to make connections with potentially valuable economic partners. Your duties include developing strategic programs for economic and financial growth, analyzing market trends, writing city tax policy proposals, and advising the city manager and the city council.

More about Economic Development Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Virginia? For Economic Development Director jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,871 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

Executive Director, Institute for Advanced Computing (IAC)

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$300 - $450/hr

Other

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Executive Director – Institute for Advanced Computing (IAC)

Virginia Tech invites nominations and applications for the inaugural Executive Director of the Institute for Advanced Computing (IAC). The role serves as the visionary and strategic leader responsible for shaping the Institute’s long‑term vision, expanding its partnerships, positioning it for national and international prominence, and ensuring operational and academic success.

Responsibilities
  • Guide the Institute’s strategic direction, enabling its operational and academic success.
  • Define priority areas for investment and partnership, positioning the Institute within key innovation ecosystems in the greater Washington, D.C. area and across Virginia Tech.
  • Act as the primary external representative, expanding research and educational collaborations.
  • Secure new sources of philanthropic investment, aiming for a fundraising goal of 250 million dollars.
  • Advance public‑private initiatives that contribute to economic development and workforce innovation in Virginia and beyond.
  • Lead an accomplished team, including the Managing Director who oversees day‑to‑day operations and academic programs, while focusing on external engagement, strategic growth, and institutional advancement.
Qualifications
  • Highly collaborative leader with a distinguished record of accomplishment in advanced computing or related fields.
  • Demonstrated leadership in positions of significant responsibility in academia, private, or public sectors.
  • Strong institutional leadership, fundraising, and partner‑engagement experience.
  • Capacity to translate strategic vision into operational success and deliver on complex initiatives.
  • Experience working effectively across diverse units and stakeholder groups in a distributed environment.
Compensation and Work Hours

Salary: 300,000 – 450,000 dollars. Hours: 40+ per week, Monday–Friday, with evenings and weekends as needed.

Legal and Equal Opportunity Statement

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or national origin, or any other basis protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Isaacson, Miller during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Additional Requirements

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

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