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Virginia Economic Development Partnership

VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Richmond, Virginia, United States, 23214

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VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Richmond, Virginia

Position Overview The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) seeks a Vice President, Marketing & Communications to lead the Commonwealth’s efforts to promote Virginia as a Top State for Business. This position oversees integrated marketing strategies that showcase Virginia’s competitive advantages, including digital branding, trade show engagement, and site consultant outreach. The role collaborates with all VEDP divisions, local, regional, and state partners, and site selection consultants, frequently leveraging resources to achieve division objectives and support VEDP’s overall mission.

Core Responsibilities Leadership

Develop and communicate the Marketing & Communication strategy, setting clear goals for staff and stakeholders.

Provide staff oversight, performance management, and encourage independence while fostering teamwork.

Deliver constructive performance feedback and address deficiencies promptly.

Execute effective budgets and allocate resources efficiently.

Engage employees as a leader and team player, building trust and encouraging two-way feedback.

Offer professional development opportunities and promote collaboration across VEDP units.

Identify growth opportunities within the division and VEDP to support employee retention and long‑term success.

Branding & Advertising

Collaborate across VEDP, state agencies, and partners to position Virginia as the best place to live, invest, and grow.

Assess changes in the competitive landscape and adjust positioning and messaging accordingly.

Lead Virginia’s value proposition, creating primary messaging focused on differentiated value.

Integrate messaging into marketing materials and enhance the Commonwealth’s brand.

Direct web and mobile strategies to raise awareness of Virginia’s business advantages.

Oversee marketing collateral and brand outreach programs.

Develop a social media strategy to position VEDP as a trusted knowledge base for economic development.

Coordinate content development for VEDP’s Virginia Economic Review and Annual Report.

Manage third‑party agency relationships and budgets.

Support talent attraction strategy in partnership with VEDP’s Sr. Vice President for Talent and Workforce Strategy.

Site Consultant Cultivation, Outreach Marketing, Ecosystem Awareness, and Lead Generation

Lead Virginia’s site consultant cultivation strategy and execution.

Conduct proactive outreach in partnership with leadership and related divisions.

Identify, target, and engage customer segments, incorporating primary messaging into pitches and presentations.

Coordinate lead generation initiatives across divisions, developing relationship cultivation strategies with key accounts.

Analyze Salesforce CRM data to improve client engagement.

Develop and implement targeted media campaigns.

Plan high‑quality events, including trade shows and site tours, to build rapport with site selectors.

Leverage resources of Team Virginia for programming, events, and content development.

Coordinate with state agency partners to build ecosystem awareness and retain talent in the Commonwealth.

Communications Management and Media Relations

Direct earned media communications and partner with state agencies to maximize exposure in major publications.

Support VEDP-Governor press releases and media events.

Assist Governor’s Call and Mission programs with key messaging and event planning.

Support industry‑focused media tours twice per fiscal year.

Develop an internal communications strategy to improve information sharing across divisions.

Experience Required

At least 15 years of progressive marketing and communications leadership (e.g., managing director, assistant VP, VP level).

Strong managerial and cross‑functional leadership, decision‑making, and communication skills.

Excellent strategic analysis and problem‑solving abilities.

Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal skills.

Experience managing direct and indirect reports and building successful teams.

Computer proficiency, particularly PowerPoint and Excel.

Ability to manage division resources, allocate budgets, and delegate projects.

Support organization‑wide efforts and multitask effectively.

Deliver results under time‑sensitive conditions.

Preferred Experience

Experience with economic development, government agencies, or industry organizations.

Personal Attributes

Innovative, strategic thinker with rapid synthesis of large information sets.

Exceptional attention to detail, excels under pressure, high‑profile environment.

Passion for public‑sector impact, with a customer‑focused mindset.

Ability to balance medium‑ and long‑term projects with short‑term deliverables.

Patience, collaborative instincts, stakeholder relationship builder.

Motivator, team player, positive attitude, energetic, sound judgment, inquisitive.

Success Metrics (within 9‑12 months)

Develop full understanding of VEDP and confidently present to internal staff, board, and stakeholders.

Establish trusting, collaborative relationships with VEDP colleagues and refine Virginia’s positioning and messaging.

Build strong relationships with state, regional, and local partners.

Lead execution of FY26 VEDP Marketing and Communications strategy and plan FY27 strategy.

Operate an efficient, effective Marketing and Communications team with positive feedback.

Deliver distinctive contributions through effective management of complex workstreams.

Maintain collaborative, supportive internal and external interactions.

Enhance economic ecosystems, increasing national attention from investors, stakeholders, and earned media.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, marketing, communications, or related field (required).

Graduate degree preferred.

Compensation Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

References and Background Information VEDP requires an extensive background and reference check. Once mutual interest is established, candidates must provide a list of references, sign an authorization for release of information, and undergo verification of education, credit, criminal, and driving records. If an offer is extended prior to completion of these checks, it will be contingent on successful completion of the reference and background checks.

Application Process All applicants must submit a resume and cover letter through the VEDP career portal (https://www.vedp.org/careers). A valid Virginia driver’s license and the ability to obtain a passport are required. The application deadline is open until filled.

Equal Opportunity Statement 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, or disability. VEDP’s policies and practices conform to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding non‑discrimination and affirmative action. Applicants requiring assistance may contact VEDP Human Resources at 1‑804‑545‑5634 or vedphr@vedp.org. TDD 1‑800‑828‑1120.

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