Deputy Director of Economic Development

The Deputy Director of Economic Development serves as principal deputy to the Economic Development Director of Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) and provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and daily management of the City’s economic development portfolio under the general direction of the Director. The Deputy Director shares responsibility with the Director for the agency’s strategic work plan, budget, performance, and staff, and serves as Acting Director when designated.

The incumbent supervises the senior managers and specialists responsible for business investment, marketing and communications, and tourism and placemaking, and provides executive oversight of the programs, entrepreneurship, and small business portfolios. The Deputy Director works with the City Manager’s Office, City departments, the Economic Development Authority (EDA), regional partners, and the business community.

This job/class works under general direction, exercises independent judgment in planning and carrying out agency programs within organizational policies, and reports major activities to the Director through conferences and reports.

Provides executive leadership for FCED’s business investment, programs, marketing and communications, tourism and placemaking, and small business portfolios; ensures the portfolios operate in line with the strategic work plan and City Council priorities.

Assists the Director in developing and carrying out the five-year strategic work plan, annual goals, and performance measures; evaluates results and recommends adjustments.

Serves as Acting Director in the Director’s absence when designated, with the authority to direct staff and make operational decisions on the Director’s behalf.

Assists the Director in developing and administering the budgets of the Economic Development Department and the EDA; monitors expenditures, grants, and incentive performance; reviews contracts, agreements, and consultant engagements.

Supervises, evaluates, and develops senior management and professional staff; recommends hiring, discipline, and staffing changes to the Director; promotes workforce development and succession planning.

Oversees development and administration of the business investment program, including attraction, retention, and expansion; reviews incentive packages and performance-based agreements for compliance and return on investment.

Oversees the programs portfolio, including business programming, special events, and community partnerships, through assigned staff.

Assists the Director in policy development on incentives, commercial zoning tools, redevelopment areas, and strategic corridors; coordinates with Community Development and Planning, Public Works, Finance, and the City Manager’s Office.

Establishes and maintains management controls for administrative, programmatic, and fiscal procedures; reviews investment data, performance metrics, and periodic reports.

Leads research, market analysis, and evaluation of new economic development methods and service delivery approaches.

Develops and maintains partnerships with major employers, brokers, developers, property owners, universities, and regional organizations, including NOVA EDA, VEDP, Mason Enterprise Center, SBDC, and the SBA.

Prepares and presents reports to City Council, the EDA, and public audiences; represents FCED on boards, commissions, and regional working groups, and represents the Director on the City’s Senior Leadership Team in the Director’s absence.

Serves as a senior spokesperson for FCED to the media, businesses, and the community.

The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in public administration, business, economics, communications, community development, planning, real estate, or a closely related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Requires six years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, public administration, business development, or closely related work, including at least three years in a supervisory or management capacity.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Comprehensive knowledge of economic development principles, practices, and incentive tools.

Thorough knowledge of municipal government operations, budgeting, and public policy.

Ability to plan, direct, and evaluate the work of professional staff.

Ability to develop and carry out strategic plans and measure results.

Ability to analyze complex problems, evaluate programs, and recommend sound solutions.

Ability to work cooperatively with elected officials, boards and commissions, City officials, and regional partners.

Ability to make effective oral presentations and to prepare written reports.

Ability to exercise a high level of discretion and confidentiality.

Additional Desirable Qualification:

IEDC Certified Economic Developer (CEcD).

Special Certifications and Licenses:

A valid driver’s license and passport are preferred.