Economic Development Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Make a Global Impact We are seeking a visionary and strategic Vice President, Economic Opportunity to lead a dynamic global implementation portfolio focused on advancing economic opportunity and sustainable development. This executive leadership role is responsible for driving program excellence, ensuring technical quality, strengthening learning and impact, and advancing Economic Opportunity (EO) strategy, partnerships, positioning, and growth in collaboration with organizational leaders and stakeholders. The Vice President will provide senior leadership across a complex global EO portfolio, ensuring strong financial, technical, and programmatic performance while fostering innovation, learning, and measurable impact.

• Strategic Leadership Co‑lead with Strategic Resource Mobilization and other relevant institutional leaders the development and execution of a multi‑year Economic Opportunity strategy aligned with organizational priorities and growth objectives.
• Lead the evolution of technical approaches, evidence‑based programming, and learning agendas across the portfolio.
• Collaborate with institutional leaders to identify emerging trends, implementation insights, and opportunities in workforce development, market systems, education, international exchanges, and other EO‑related areas that inform portfolio learning, positioning, and growth.
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement to strengthen organizational impact and market positioning.

• Portfolio & Program Management Oversee a global EO portfolio of projects and programs, ensuring excellence in implementation, technical quality, financial stewardship, compliance, learning and impact.
• Provide strategic guidance on resource allocation, partnership priorities, and portfolio growth.
• Drive accountability for revenue targets, donor deliverables, and program outcomes.
• Support research collaboration and knowledge generation that advances the field of economic opportunity.

• Business Development & External Engagement Serve as a senior representative of FHI 360 with EO clients, partners, and implementation stakeholders, and contribute to broader institutional EO engagement in partnership with senior organizational leaders.
• Contribute technical leadership, portfolio evidence, implementation experience, and strategic insights to support resource mobilization, partnership development, and opportunity shaping.
• Support engagement with funders and strategic partners related to the EO portfolio and contribute to organizational relationship‑building efforts in collaboration with business development and institutional leadership.
• Represent FHI 360 in industry forums, global conferences, and thought leadership initiatives, elevating EO implementation experience, technical learning, and portfolio impact while advancing the organization’s visibility and influence.

• People Leadership Lead and mentor senior directors, directors, managers, and project teams across multiple countries and regions.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.
• Build organizational capacity and leadership pipelines to support future growth.
• Champion inclusive leadership and cross‑functional collaboration.

• Required Qualifications Master’s degree in international development, Economics, Economic Development, Workforce Development, Business Administration, Public Policy, Public Administration, or related field.
• 15+ years of progressively responsible experience managing complex national or international development programs and portfolios (or 12+ years with a PhD).
• At least 9 years of senior leadership experience managing large, complex portfolios and teams.
• Demonstrated success leading global teams and managing significant financial and human resources.
• Experience working within international NGOs or mission‑driven organizations.
• Strong expertise in project management, strategic planning, financial management, and organizational leadership.

• PhD or other advanced doctoral degree.
• PMP or equivalent project management certification.
• Experience engaging and partnering with U.S. Government donors, philanthropic organizations, and private‑sector partners to advance strategic priorities and growth objectives.
• Expertise in one or more of the following: Workforce development in an AI‑enabled economy, market systems development, public‑private partnerships, education systems development, blended finance, social enterprise, resilient value chains.
• Demonstrated success in advancing business development, donor engagement, external positioning, and portfolio growth.

• Executive leadership and strategic thinking
• Relationship building and stakeholder engagement
• Financial and operational management
• Change leadership and innovation
• Communication, influence, and diplomacy
• Cross‑cultural collaboration and team development
• Problem‑solving and decision‑making in complex environments

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of economic opportunity programming on a global scale. As Vice President, you will influence strategy, build partnerships that drive lasting impact, and lead a talented team dedicated to creating sustainable pathways to prosperity for communities around the world. If you are a collaborative, mission‑driven executive with deep expertise in economic development and a passion for advancing opportunities globally, we encourage you to apply.

The expected US‑based hiring salary range for this role is listed below. FHI 360 pay ranges represent national averages that vary by geographic location. When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 factors in multiple considerations, including but not limited to: relevant years of experience and education possessed by the applicant, internal equity, business sector, and budget. For internal candidates, salary placement will also follow FHI 360’s current promotional increase guidelines. Base salary is only one component of our offer. FHI 360 contributes 7% of monthly base pay to a money purchase pension plan account. Additionally, all US based staff working full‑time, which is calculated at 40 hours/week, receive 18 days of paid vacation per year, 12 sick days per year, and 11 holidays per year. Paid time off is reduced pro rata for employees working less than a full‑time schedule.

• US‑Based Hiring Salary Range: USD 185,000 - 210,000 annually
• International hiring ranges differ based on location

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct.

All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter‑Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

FHI 360 will never ask you for your career site username or password, and we will never request money, goods or services during the application, recruitment or employment process.

If you have questions or concerns about correspondence from us, please email CareerCenterSupport@fhi360.org.

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

FHI 360 is a global organization that mobilizes research, resources and relationships so people everywhere have access to the opportunities they need to lead full and healthy lives. To learn more, visit fhi360.org.