The dynamic and award-winning City of Newport News is seeking an accomplished Director of Economic Development to guide the next chapter of economic growth in one of Virginia’s largest and most strategically located cities. Home to approximately 186,247 residents and major maritime, shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, research, and defense industries, Newport News offers an exceptional opportunity for a visionary executive to promote investment, business growth, workforce development, and economic opportunity.
Working closely with City leadership and a broad network of business, industry, government, and higher education partners, the Director will lead a team of 28 professionals and oversee an annual departmental budget of approximately $2.6 million. The City’s commitment to economic development is further supported by an $18 million allocation in its five-year Capital Improvement Plan and funding for workforce development and the Newport News Opportunity Center.
This executive leader will serve as the City’s chief economic development strategist and advisor, leading business attraction, retention, and expansion; transformational redevelopment and placemaking; economic development finance and incentive programs; public-private partnerships; marketing; and City real estate initiatives. The Director will negotiate complex deals, cultivate cross-sector partnerships, strengthen the tax base, support entrepreneurship and high-wage job creation, and position Newport News nationally as a premier destination for innovation, advanced industry, logistics, and investment.
The City offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and a comprehensive benefits package including relocation assistance; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; an employer-sponsored health clinic; flexible spending accounts; short-term disability; an Employee Assistance Program; and retirement through the Virginia Retirement System.
First review of applications: Monday, August 10, 2026. Position open until filled; early applications are encouraged. Submit a cover letter, résumé, and six professional references to apply@executiverecruitmentsolutions.com. Confidential inquiries may be directed to Robert Burg at (805) 264-2663. Detailed brochure available at www.executiverecruitmentsolutions.com.
The ideal candidate is a dynamic, forward-thinking, and politically astute economic development professional with a demonstrated record of success in business attraction and retention, real estate development, deal structuring, redevelopment, and strategic growth initiatives. Candidates should bring exceptional leadership presence, communication and relationship-building skills, sound judgment, and the ability to unite diverse stakeholders around a shared vision while delivering measurable results.
Required qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, Urban or Regional Planning, Finance, Real Estate Development, or a related field, along with at least 10 years of progressively responsible relevant experience, including five years in a senior leadership role. A master’s degree is strongly preferred. Professional certifications such as CEcD, AICP, CCIM, or EDFP are highly desirable.
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