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Vice President, Existing Business Engagement

Virginia Economic Development Partnership · Richmond, VA · 3 days ago
Hybrid$165k–$190k/yrFull-time

Position Overview

VEDP seeks a Vice President of Existing Business Engagement to drive corporate engagement, business retention and expansion, workforce alignment, and aftercare to new businesses in Virginia. Reporting to the Chief of Talent and Workforce Strategy, this role leads VEDP’s Regional Talent Solutions and Business Outreach team.

About the Role

This role operates at the intersection of economic development, workforce strategy, education alignment, industry engagement, and public-sector collaboration. The Vice President combines strategic leadership, operational rigor, analytical judgment, and people management to execute high-impact initiatives, strengthen organizational performance, and oversee a broad portfolio of concurrent priorities.

Core Responsibilities

  • Lead a focused statewide business engagement strategy that strengthens relationships with key Virginia employers, priority growth sectors, and companies with significant expansion potential.

  • Maintain executive-level relationships with business leaders and serve as a trusted connector to VEDP leadership, regional partners, elected officials, and the Governor’s Administration.

  • Oversee Regional Talent Solutions and Business Outreach Managers by setting clear outreach priorities, engagement standards, and performance expectations.

  • Ensure company engagement is disciplined, coordinated, and consistently delivered across all regions of the Commonwealth.

  • Shape employer-driven regional talent strategies that support business attraction, expansion, retention, and long-term competitiveness.

  • Lead VEDP’s statewide aftercare approach, ensuring companies announcing new or expanding operations in Virginia receive coordinated support from project announcement through production and long-term growth.

  • Promote concierge-level service and proactive issue resolution so companies experience Virginia as a responsive, committed partner.

  • Monitor project progress, employer needs, and emerging risks, and coordinate timely follow-up with internal teams, regional partners, and state leadership as appropriate.

  • Work closely with other VEDP teams who work on talent, such as Virginia Talent Accelerator, Virginia Office of Education Economics, InternshipsVA, and sector teams.

  • Serve as a senior liaison to regional and local economic development organizations, workforce partners, and industry associations to align business needs with responsive supports and referrals.

  • Develop executive-level briefings and strategic recommendations for VEDP leadership, partner agencies, and the Governor’s Office based on employer insights, regional intelligence, and emerging business risks.

  • Strengthen regional ecosystems by connecting businesses to scalable solutions that support growth, retention, and workforce competitiveness.

Qualifications

  • At least 10 years of relevant experience in positions of progressive responsibility in economic development, workforce strategy, business operations, public policy, or related fields.

  • Experience leading teams and statewide initiatives.

  • Demonstrated success building high-value partnerships across business, education, workforce, and government sectors.

  • Strong executive communication, stakeholder management, and relationship-building capabilities.

  • Track record of translating strategy into operational execution and measurable business outcomes.

  • Ability to operate effectively in a highly matrixed environment where responsibility and ownership are often shared across teams.

Preferred

  • Knowledge of Virginia's economic development and workforce ecosystem.

  • Experience in business retention, expansion strategy, and employer-facing talent solutions.

  • Experience briefing executive leadership and elected officials.

Success Measures

  • Growth, quality, and strategic value of business engagement activity.

  • Business retention, reinvestment, and expansion outcomes.

  • Employer satisfaction, responsiveness, and relationship strength.

  • Utilization, reach, and business impact of VEDP talent programs.

  • Effectiveness of regional partnerships and cross-sector collaboration.

  • Talent pipeline performance and workforce outcomes aligned to business demand.

  • Adoption and impact of business intelligence, strategic insights, and executive recommendations.

Leadership Characteristics

  • Strategic, market-aware, and externally focused leader.

  • Credible relationship builder and trusted executive advisor.

  • Effective connector across regions, sectors, and stakeholder groups.

  • Data-informed and outcomes-oriented decision-maker.

  • Execution-focused problem solver with sound business judgment.

  • Collaborative leader with an entrepreneurial and performance-driven mindset.

Compensation

Salary range: $165,000-$190,000. Salary commensurate with experience.

References and Background Information

VEDP’s policy is to complete an extensive background and reference check of candidates. Once strong mutual interest has been established, candidates are asked to provide a list of references that should include, but not be limited to, a supervisor, peer, subordinate, and client/stakeholder reference, as applicable. Candidates will be asked to sign an authorization to release information for the purpose of background investigation, which may include verification of education, credit check, criminal, and driving records.

Application Process

To apply, please visit our careers page at https://www.vedp.org/careers. Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter. A valid Virginia driver’s license and ability to obtain a passport is required. The application deadline is July 31, 2026. VEDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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