Director of Economic Development and Tourism - City of Danville, VA

Position Closes May 15, 2026

Qualities We Are Looking For

• Are you a strategic leader who can balance big‑picture vision with the 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

The City of Danville seeks 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. The role ensures that the City’s economic development and tourism 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.

Office Overview

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 consists of ten full‑time staff and several part‑time positions. Reporting to the Assistant City Manager, the Director leads the Office through visionary strategy development, project management, tactical work in industrial development, and empowering the team to execute on the City’s big vision for economic mobility and local revitalization.

Responsibilities

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. As the City’s primary point of contact for businesses, developers, and partners, the Director helps position Danville competitively and guides key projects from concept through completion. The Director ensures that projects and partnerships align with PLAN Danville and Citywide priorities while maintaining effective day‑to‑day operations.

Key Position Priorities

• Develop and begin implementing a departmental strategic plan aligned with City Council priorities and PLAN Danville, clearly defining what is—and is not—a priority.
• Evaluate and right‑size the department’s structure, roles, and capacity to ensure alignment between resources and the work that matters most.
• Improve coordination and communication across departments by establishing clear processes, involving the right people early, and breaking down silos.
• Build strong working relationships with regional partners while clearly representing the City’s interests in collaborative initiatives.
• Align economic development efforts with workforce capacity and community needs to support job creation, economic mobility, and long‑term growth.

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. A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record according to City criteria are required.

Successful Candidate

• Manages time effectively and follows through, responding quickly to City leadership, including the City Manager, elected officials, internal and external customers, and other stakeholders.
• Delegates effectively, building trusting relationships with staff, defining roles clearly, and allowing room for creativity while maintaining accountability for results.
• Communicates clearly and confidently, offering informed opinions, saying no when needed, and engaging effectively with diverse audiences—from CEOs to local residents—while keeping key stakeholders in the loop.
• Aligns work with adopted plans, City priorities, and the economic development strategic plan, ensuring consistency in decision‑making and execution.
• Applies structured, strategic thinking to complex issues, developing clear recommendations that outline options, trade‑offs, and pros and cons, while establishing effective processes and systems to support delivery.
• Effectively prioritizes competing demands, remains highly adaptable, and brings an assertive yet collaborative approach to advancing work.
• Demonstrates strong financial and business acumen, including experience with incentives, financing tools, real estate, and risk assessment.
• Balances a wide range of initiatives, from Main Street and downtown redevelopment to large‑scale industrial projects, tourism, and emerging opportunities.
• Navigates complex and sometimes high‑profile or complex, multi‑stakeholder projects with sound judgment and political awareness.
• Leads with humility, self‑awareness, and empathy, fostering a supportive team culture and valuing both staff and community perspectives.
• Thinks strategically and acts with flexibility, maintaining a long‑term view while adapting to changing priorities and representing the City with professionalism and presence.

Salary and Benefits

The hiring range is $128,198 – $185,000 (midpoint). Full range: $128,198 – $256,397. Beginning salary will be commensurate with experience. The City of Danville provides an excellent benefits package.

To Apply

Please visit and click on the title “Director of Economic Development & Tourism – City of Danville, VA.”

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Danville, VA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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