City of Hampton, VA
Hampton, VA, USA
Nov 29, 2023
Full Time
Hampton, Virginia (pop. 134,510) Seeks a passionate professional to lead the city’s Economic Development Department. Hampton is the seventh largest city in Virginia and part of the Hampton Roads MSA, the 37th largest in the US.
Located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Hampton is graced with miles of shoreline and breathtaking water views. The city is literally in the heart of the Hampton Roads region and the center of the East Coast. Stroll the streets of their vibrant, waterfront community and you will quickly see what makes Hampton a beautiful place to live, work and play.
Established in 1610, Hampton is one of America’s oldest cities rich in history with small- town charm. Hampton has been recognized by Money Magazine as one of the best places to live, as well as a national model for youth development and civic engagement. Hampton is a city of firsts - the first English-speaking settlement was established there, America’s first free public education was offered there, and NASA trained its first astronauts in Hampton.
The city features a wide array of businesses and industrial enterprises, retail and residential areas, historic sites, and other points of interest, such as a NASCAR short track, the oldest Anglican parish in the Americas (1610), and a moated, six-sided, historical bastion fort.
The Economic Development Director will lead a team of Economic Development professionals and will be a vital part of the City’s leadership team. The Director will report to an Assistant City Manager and will work closely with other department heads and community leaders. The Economic Development Director will make regular presentations to the City Council.
The Economic Development Department is primarily responsible for attracting new businesses to locate in the community and retain existing businesses. The department also administers the workforce development program and works with businesses and industries to recruit and train employees.
As a historic city 95% of the city is built out so the director will need to be experienced in redevelopment of existing buildings. The Director also needs to have experience working with high-tech and high security sector development.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or related field; Master’s Degree Preferred.
Six (6) to nine (9) years of progressive managerial experience in economic development and/or planning, or commercial economic development with a minimum of five (5) years at a manager/supervisory or administrator level.
Experience redeveloping building and sites
Experience working with existing industries to retain and expand jobs.
Thorough knowledge and experience with workforce development programs.
Experience working with Small Women and Minority (SWaM) own businesses programs.
Passion for creativity in community development, clean and safe strategies, urban design, city planning, and economic development programs.
Strong working knowledge of budget management, contract negotiation, and fiduciary responsibilities.
Entrepreneurial, imaginative, well organized, high energy, and capable of functioning effectively and working collaboratively with other departments within the organization.
Ability to listen and work with community and government leaders and advocates.
Capable of creatively managing multiple tasks successfully and exercising sound judgment in evaluating and making decisions to manage sensitive issues with diplomacy and confidentiality.
Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation a plus
Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s)
In addition to the minimum qualifications set out in the job description, the candidate selected for the role of Economic Development Director will have demonstrated the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Leadership: A demonstrated record for integrity, professionalism, sound judgment, and leadership. Candidates who have shown a forward-thinking and motivational approach to leadership will be prioritized. Energetic, with optimism, in developing innovative ideas to increase the BID with additional members as well as enhanced services.
Collaboration: Maintains strong public-private partnerships among stakeholders including businesses, funders, elected officials, community groups, and others. Works in partnership with the city and key stakeholders in downtown improvement and beautification projects. Continues to improve on the communications between the BID, stakeholders, and the city.
Community relations: Experience in community relations and outreach with the demonstrated ability to build strong, independent working relationships with diverse constituents and community representatives. Experience raising funds through sponsorships and grants.
Management: Knowledge of organization and management practices and methods, including goal setting, program development and implementation, employee supervision, personnel management, employee relations, team building, budget development and fiscal management.
Visibility/Interactions: Ongoing visibility in the district including weekends and evenings providing face to face interaction. Developing and managing a marketing and communications plan for the district and continuing to improve on the current events offered while also establishing new ones to attract greater audiences to the downtown area.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The salary will be based on candidates experience and qualifications. The city offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, pension, and more. The successful candidate is required to reside within the Hampton City Limits within twelve (12) months of assuming the position and must continue to do so for the tenure of the position.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com by January 2, 2024, with cover letter, resume, and a list of five professional references. Only electronic applications will be accepted. Any questions should be directed to W. Lane Bailey, Senior Vice- President, GovHR USA (847) 380-3240 ext. 140.
The City of Hampton, VA is committed to compliance with the American Disability Act and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity and inclusion are critical to their success. They seek to recruit the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool and encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
