Director of Economic Development and Tourism
National Community Development Association (NCDA), Danville, VA, United States
Position Closes May 15, 2026
We are seeking a dynamic and forward‑thinking
Director of Economic Development and Tourism
to lead the City’s efforts to attract investment, support business growth, and drive long‑term economic vitality. This role ensures the City’s initiatives are aligned to support job creation and retention, build local wealth, and expand the tax base—advancing overall economic health and quality of life.
Ideal Candidates
Are you a strategic leader who can balance big‑picture vision with day‑to‑day execution of complex economic development initiatives?
Are you a collaborative professional who thrives in building partnerships across public, private, and regional stakeholders?
Are you a results‑driven innovator committed to strengthening economic health, expanding opportunity for all, and enhancing quality of life?
Role Overview Danville is already gaining national attention—ranked among the Top 10 U.S. cities under 100,000 population for employers looking to locate or expand (Site Selection Magazine)—and this position will play a key role in building on that momentum.
Significant and transformative developments are currently unfolding in Danville, specifically in three of its historic districts: the River District, the Schoolfield District, and the North Main District.
About the Organization, Office, and Position Danville is an independent city in Virginia operating under a council‑manager form of government. With a FY2026 total operating budget of about $384.5 million, the City employs approximately 1,200 workers across 16 departments. The City has updated its Comprehensive Plan, PLAN Danville, encouraging continued development of a healthy, equitable, and resilient community.
The Office of Economic Development and Tourism works to grow and strengthen the local economy through business development, redevelopment, workforce development, and tourism initiatives. The team includes ten full‑time staff and several part‑time positions. As part of the City Manager’s Office, the Office takes a citywide view in all of its work, collaborating with internal partners to achieve city goals of growth and economic vitality.
Reporting to the Assistant City Manager, the
Director
leads the Office through visionary strategy development, project management, tactical work in industrial development, and empowerment of the team to execute on the City’s vision for economic mobility and local revitalization.
The Director manages six direct reports and two related budgets—$1.44 million for economic development and $1.01 million for tourism—ensuring resources are used effectively and aligned with priorities.
The next Director will advance redevelopment and site readiness, including public‑private partnerships, incentives and financing strategies, and coordination with internal departments and regional partners. This position will also oversee small business and tourism initiatives, support relevant city boards and authorities, and maintain clear communication with the City Manager’s Office on major projects and emerging issues.
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in Public or Business Administration, Economic Development, Urban Planning or related field and a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) license are required.
Prior experience as a local government department manager, along with five to seven years of related experience, is preferred.
A master’s degree is preferred.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.
A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record according to City criteria are required.
Salary and Benefits The hiring range is $128,198 to $185,000 mid‑point. Beginning salary will be commensurate with experience. The City of Danville provides an excellent benefits package. Residency within city limits is required within a negotiated timeframe.
Additional Information Danville is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Director of Economic Development and Tourism
to lead the City’s efforts to attract investment, support business growth, and drive long‑term economic vitality. This role ensures the City’s initiatives are aligned to support job creation and retention, build local wealth, and expand the tax base—advancing overall economic health and quality of life.
Ideal Candidates
Are you a strategic leader who can balance big‑picture vision with day‑to‑day execution of complex economic development initiatives?
Are you a collaborative professional who thrives in building partnerships across public, private, and regional stakeholders?
Are you a results‑driven innovator committed to strengthening economic health, expanding opportunity for all, and enhancing quality of life?
Role Overview Danville is already gaining national attention—ranked among the Top 10 U.S. cities under 100,000 population for employers looking to locate or expand (Site Selection Magazine)—and this position will play a key role in building on that momentum.
Significant and transformative developments are currently unfolding in Danville, specifically in three of its historic districts: the River District, the Schoolfield District, and the North Main District.
About the Organization, Office, and Position Danville is an independent city in Virginia operating under a council‑manager form of government. With a FY2026 total operating budget of about $384.5 million, the City employs approximately 1,200 workers across 16 departments. The City has updated its Comprehensive Plan, PLAN Danville, encouraging continued development of a healthy, equitable, and resilient community.
The Office of Economic Development and Tourism works to grow and strengthen the local economy through business development, redevelopment, workforce development, and tourism initiatives. The team includes ten full‑time staff and several part‑time positions. As part of the City Manager’s Office, the Office takes a citywide view in all of its work, collaborating with internal partners to achieve city goals of growth and economic vitality.
Reporting to the Assistant City Manager, the
Director
leads the Office through visionary strategy development, project management, tactical work in industrial development, and empowerment of the team to execute on the City’s vision for economic mobility and local revitalization.
The Director manages six direct reports and two related budgets—$1.44 million for economic development and $1.01 million for tourism—ensuring resources are used effectively and aligned with priorities.
The next Director will advance redevelopment and site readiness, including public‑private partnerships, incentives and financing strategies, and coordination with internal departments and regional partners. This position will also oversee small business and tourism initiatives, support relevant city boards and authorities, and maintain clear communication with the City Manager’s Office on major projects and emerging issues.
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in Public or Business Administration, Economic Development, Urban Planning or related field and a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) license are required.
Prior experience as a local government department manager, along with five to seven years of related experience, is preferred.
A master’s degree is preferred.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.
A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record according to City criteria are required.
Salary and Benefits The hiring range is $128,198 to $185,000 mid‑point. Beginning salary will be commensurate with experience. The City of Danville provides an excellent benefits package. Residency within city limits is required within a negotiated timeframe.
Additional Information Danville is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr