Director of Economic Development and Tourism - Danville, VA
Southern Economic Development Council., Danville, VA, United States
Director of Economic Development and Tourism – Danville, VA
Role Overview:
The Director leads the City of Danville’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism, driving economic growth, attracting investment, building partnerships, and promoting tourism. The position reports to the Assistant City Manager and manages a team of staff and budgets.
Location: Danville, VA – a city of about 42,700 residents in south‑central Virginia.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and implement a strategic plan aligned with City Council priorities and the Comprehensive Plan, clarifying departmental priorities.
Evaluate and adjust the department’s structure and staffing to align resources with key objectives.
Improve coordination and communication across city departments, breaking down silos and establishing clear processes.
Build and maintain strong relationships with regional partners, representing the City’s interests.
Align economic development initiatives with workforce capacity and community needs to support job creation and economic mobility.
Lead redevelopment, site readiness, public‑private partnerships, incentives, and financing strategies.
Oversee small‑business and tourism initiatives, support City boards and authorities, and communicate with City Manager on major projects.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Public or Business Administration, Economic Development, Urban Planning, or related field and a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) license –
are required .
5–7 years of related experience, preferably as a local government department manager –
is preferred .
Master’s degree –
preferred .
Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record –
are required .
Strong financial and business acumen; experience with incentives, financing tools, real estate, and risk assessment.
Ability to manage multiple initiatives, balance long‑term vision with quick execution, and lead with humility and empathy.
Successful Candidate Attributes
Effectively manages time, follows through, and responds swiftly to City leadership and stakeholders.
Delegates, builds trust, defines roles, and encourages creativity while maintaining accountability.
Communicates clearly, offers informed opinions, and engages diverse audiences.
Aligns work with adopted plans and City priorities, ensuring consistent decision‑making.
Applies structured strategic thinking to complex issues, developing clear options and trade‑offs.
Prioritizes competing demands, remains adaptable, and collaborates to advance work.
Possesses strong financial and business acumen, including incentives, financing, and risk assessment.
Balances wide initiatives – from Main Street redevelopment to large‑scale industrial projects and tourism.
Manages complex, multi‑stakeholder projects with sound judgment and political awareness.
Leads with humility, self‑awareness, and empathy, fostering a supportive team culture.
Strategic thinker who adapts to changing priorities while representing the City.
Salary and Benefits Salaries range from $128,198 to $185,000 (midpoint), with a full range up to $256,397, depending on experience. The City provides an excellent benefits package. Residency within City limits is required within a negotiated timeframe.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates portal.
Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded.
Submit by May 15, 2026.
Interview dates: June 16–17, 2026 (virtual). Candidates encouraged to reserve these dates.
The City of Danville, VA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Developmental Associates, LLC manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. For more information, visit https://developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/.
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The Director leads the City of Danville’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism, driving economic growth, attracting investment, building partnerships, and promoting tourism. The position reports to the Assistant City Manager and manages a team of staff and budgets.
Location: Danville, VA – a city of about 42,700 residents in south‑central Virginia.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and implement a strategic plan aligned with City Council priorities and the Comprehensive Plan, clarifying departmental priorities.
Evaluate and adjust the department’s structure and staffing to align resources with key objectives.
Improve coordination and communication across city departments, breaking down silos and establishing clear processes.
Build and maintain strong relationships with regional partners, representing the City’s interests.
Align economic development initiatives with workforce capacity and community needs to support job creation and economic mobility.
Lead redevelopment, site readiness, public‑private partnerships, incentives, and financing strategies.
Oversee small‑business and tourism initiatives, support City boards and authorities, and communicate with City Manager on major projects.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Public or Business Administration, Economic Development, Urban Planning, or related field and a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) license –
are required .
5–7 years of related experience, preferably as a local government department manager –
is preferred .
Master’s degree –
preferred .
Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record –
are required .
Strong financial and business acumen; experience with incentives, financing tools, real estate, and risk assessment.
Ability to manage multiple initiatives, balance long‑term vision with quick execution, and lead with humility and empathy.
Successful Candidate Attributes
Effectively manages time, follows through, and responds swiftly to City leadership and stakeholders.
Delegates, builds trust, defines roles, and encourages creativity while maintaining accountability.
Communicates clearly, offers informed opinions, and engages diverse audiences.
Aligns work with adopted plans and City priorities, ensuring consistent decision‑making.
Applies structured strategic thinking to complex issues, developing clear options and trade‑offs.
Prioritizes competing demands, remains adaptable, and collaborates to advance work.
Possesses strong financial and business acumen, including incentives, financing, and risk assessment.
Balances wide initiatives – from Main Street redevelopment to large‑scale industrial projects and tourism.
Manages complex, multi‑stakeholder projects with sound judgment and political awareness.
Leads with humility, self‑awareness, and empathy, fostering a supportive team culture.
Strategic thinker who adapts to changing priorities while representing the City.
Salary and Benefits Salaries range from $128,198 to $185,000 (midpoint), with a full range up to $256,397, depending on experience. The City provides an excellent benefits package. Residency within City limits is required within a negotiated timeframe.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates portal.
Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded.
Submit by May 15, 2026.
Interview dates: June 16–17, 2026 (virtual). Candidates encouraged to reserve these dates.
The City of Danville, VA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Developmental Associates, LLC manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. For more information, visit https://developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/.
#J-18808-Ljbffr