Director, Aerospace & Defense Innovation

Job Description

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking an experienced economic development or industry professional to manage VEDP’s Aerospace & Defense Innovation industry growth and business engagement strategies. This will include an emphasis on ecosystem-building, industry expertise, and lead generation. This individual will work within the Knowledge Work team, which is responsible for the Software & Cybersecurity, Business Services, Financial Services, and Aerospace & Defense Innovation industries, which represent some of the Commonwealth's largest potential job growth opportunities.

Responsibilities:

Ecosystem Building and Stakeholder Engagement

Coordinate efforts to build a thriving ecosystem capable of attracting new talent and spurring business growth

Cultivate long-term relationships with appropriate stakeholders to gain buy-in for, and execution of, ecosystem and sector strategies

Routinely convene key stakeholders and partners in the public and private sectors to align priorities and drive strategic efforts forward industry focus areas

Manage relationships with government stakeholders and serve as lead coordinator for government stakeholders for industry related projects

Lead Generation and Pipeline Development

Coordinate with sector team to develop and execute lead generation strategy for assigned industry

Identify projects in market through conducting lead generation campaigns, attending call trips, trade shows and events, and developing client relationships

Enhance ecosystem development efforts by identifying new and better ways to leverage Virginia’s resources

Cultivate and maintain ongoing relationships with priority companies and identify opportunities for targeted support

Sector Expertise

Develop deep sector insights to enhance economic development activities and anticipate trends to inform project response

Lead research and intelligence gathering efforts across industry sector

Share sector insights with partners to help inform priority initiatives and other efforts to develop regional ecosystems

Experience required:

At least ten years of relevant experience in marketing, business administration, economic development, or related field

Strong relationship management skills and ability to quickly develop trusting working relationships

Ability to sell and develop deals, while providing client support

Demonstrated ability to operate in a team environment and leverage partners in public and private sectors, including higher education partners, and local and regional economic development partners, among others

Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills

Excellent strategic analysis and problem-solving skills

Excellent computer proficiency, particularly with spreadsheet (Excel) and presentation (PowerPoint) development; experience with Salesforce is a plus

Strong organizational skills and ability to plan and successfully manage multiple tasks

Ability to work under time pressure

The successful applicant must have the ability to telecommute and the discipline to work independently from a home office

Frequent in-state and out-of-state travel required

Experience desired

At least ten years of experience at a global firm that operates in the Aerospace & Defense Innovation or similar industry or in a knowledge sector practice at a top-tier professional services firm (e.g., site selection, strategy consulting), including in-depth understanding of location decision factors for knowledge sector companies

Business development experience in the Aerospace & Defense Innovation

Participation and experience with government agencies, industry organizations, and technology councils, and incubators

Experience in tech startup ecosystems and/or launching new business ventures with mature companies

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of economic development, sales, business development, and lead generation

Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. VEDP uses the E-Verify system and does not provide sponsorship.

All candidates must apply through our website Applicants must submit a résumé and a cover letter. A valid Virginia driver’s license and ability to obtain a passport is required. Application deadline: May 31, 2024.

VEDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or against otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities. It is VEDP’s intent that its employment and personnel policies and practices conform to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Applicants requiring more information or requiring assistance may contact VEDP Human Resources at or . TDD .