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Economic Development Jobs in Virginia Beach, VA (NOW HIRING)

Emphasizes analytical rigor and connects economic theory to real-world policy debates, development challenges, and business strategy. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Emphasizes analytical rigor and connects economic theory to real-world policy debates, development challenges, and business strategy. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

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Cashier

Newport News, VA · On-site

$13 - $13.50/hr

A fast-growing area with daily economic development happening. Newly renovated and with state-of-the-art equipment and all the resource available to maximize your earning potential. Professional ...

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Economic Development information

See Virginia Beach, VA salary details

$29.4K

$97.8K

$147.1K

How much do economic development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development in Virginia Beach, VA is $97,769.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,300.00 and $118,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is economic development?

Economic development refers to the process by which the economic well-being and quality of life of a region, community, or country are improved. This typically involves efforts to create jobs, attract investment, support businesses, enhance infrastructure, and promote sustainable growth. Professionals in economic development work with government agencies, private sector partners, and community organizations to create strategies that foster economic opportunities and address local challenges. Their goal is to build resilient economies that benefit all residents.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an economic development professional?

To thrive as an Economic Development professional, you need a background in economics, public administration, or urban planning, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools, GIS software, project management platforms, and knowledge of relevant regulations or certifications like CEcD are essential. Strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are vital for successfully attracting investment, fostering sustainable growth, and collaborating with stakeholders to drive community prosperity.

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

Economic Development professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders, navigating complex regulatory environments, and securing funding for projects. Success in this field requires strong communication and negotiation skills to build consensus among government officials, business leaders, and community members. Proactively staying updated on policy changes, leveraging data-driven approaches, and building strong partnerships can help address these challenges and drive impactful outcomes.

What is the difference between Economic Development vs Urban Planner?

AspectEconomic DevelopmentUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in economics, public policy, or related field; often certifications in economic developmentBachelor's or master's in urban planning, geography, or related field; licensure may be required
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, economic development organizations, consulting firmsMunicipalities, government agencies, private planning firms
Industry UsageFocuses on economic growth, business attraction, and community developmentFocuses on land use, zoning, and urban design

While both roles aim to improve communities, economic development professionals focus on boosting local economies and attracting businesses, whereas urban planners concentrate on land use, zoning, and urban design to shape city landscapes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Virginia Beach, VA?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Virginia Beach, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Economic Development jobs in Virginia Beach, VA?

For Economic Development jobs in Virginia Beach, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Economic Development jobs in Virginia Beach, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Development jobs in Virginia Beach, VA are:

What cities near Virginia Beach, VA are hiring for Economic Development jobs?

Cities near Virginia Beach, VA with the most Economic Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Economic Development job openings in Virginia Beach, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 87% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,769 per year, or $47 per hour.

Director of Investor Relations

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 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.