Vice President

Position Overview

VEDP seeks a Vice President of Existing Business Engagement to serve as a senior leader responsible for driving existing corporate engagement, business retention and expansion, workforce alignment, aftercare to new businesses to Virginia and market-responsive solutions. Reporting to the Chief of Talent and Workforce Strategy, this role leads VEDP’s Regional Talent Solutions and Business Outreach team, which cultivates and strengthens relationships with Virginia businesses, translates business insights into actionable strategies, and fosters cross-sector partnerships that advance the Commonwealth’s economic priorities. The Vice President ensures that Virginia companies can access the talent, workforce, and resources needed to expand, compete, and invest.
This role operates at the intersection of economic development, workforce strategy, education alignment, industry engagement, and public‑sector collaboration. The Vice President must combine strategic leadership, operational rigor, analytical judgment, and people management to execute high‑impact initiatives, strengthen organizational performance, and oversee a broad portfolio of concurrent priorities. This position requires a commercially‑minded leader who can coordinate delivery with internal and external partners.
The Vice President serves as VEDP’s lead executive for identifying business needs across the Commonwealth’s regions and industries, converting employer insights into strategic action, and connecting companies to solutions. The Vice President is expected to continuously improve how the organization delivers value to existing employers and the Commonwealth to support Virginia’s standing as the Top State for Talent and the Best State for Business.
Core Responsibilities

Business Relationships and Executive Engagement

Lead a focused statewide business engagement strategy that strengthens relationships with key Virginia employers, priority growth sectors, and companies with significant expansion potential
Maintain executive‑level relationships with business leaders and serve as a trusted connector to VEDP leadership, regional partners, elected officials, and the Governor’s Administration
Oversee Regional Talent Solutions and Business Outreach Managers by setting clear outreach priorities, engagement standards, and performance expectations
Ensure company engagement is disciplined, coordinated, and consistently delivered across all regions of the Commonwealth
Regional Business Supports and Talent

Shape employer‑driven regional talent strategies that support business attraction, expansion, retention, and long‑term competitiveness
Lead VEDP’s statewide aftercare approach, ensuring companies announcing new or expanding operations in Virginia receive coordinated support from project announcement through production and long‑term growth
Promote concierge‑level service and proactive issue resolution so companies experience Virginia as a responsive, committed partner
Monitor project progress, employer needs, and emerging risks, and coordinate timely follow‑up with internal teams, regional partners, and state leadership as appropriate
Work closely with other VEDP teams who work on talent, such as Virginia Talent Accelerator, Virginia Office of Education Economics, InternshipsVA, and sector teams
Regional Coordination and Strategic Insights

Serve as a senior liaison to regional and local economic development organizations, workforce partners, and industry associations to align business needs with responsive supports and referrals
Develop executive‑level briefings and strategic recommendations for VEDP leadership, partner agencies, and the Governor’s Office based on employer insights, regional intelligence, and emerging business risks
Strengthen regional ecosystems by connecting businesses to scalable solutions that support growth, retention, and workforce competitiveness
Qualifications

Required:
At least 10 years of relevant experience in positions of progressive responsibility in economic development, workforce strategy, business operations, public policy, or related fields
Experience leading teams and statewide initiatives
Demonstrated success building high‑value partnerships across business, education, workforce, and government sectors
Strong executive communication, stakeholder management, and relationship‑building capabilities
Track record of translating strategy into operational execution and measurable business outcomes
Ability to operate effectively in a highly matrixed environment where responsibility and ownership are often shared across teams
Preferred:
Knowledge of Virginia's economic development and workforce ecosystem
Experience in business retention, expansion strategy, and employer‑facing talent solutions
Experience briefing executive leadership and elected officials
Success Measures

Growth, quality, and strategic value of business engagement activity
Business retention, reinvestment, and expansion outcomes
Employer satisfaction, responsiveness, and relationship strength
Utilization, reach, and business impact of VEDP talent programs
Effectiveness of regional partnerships and cross‑sector collaboration
Talent pipeline performance and workforce outcomes aligned to business demand
Adoption and impact of business intelligence, strategic insights, and executive recommendations
Leadership Characteristics

Strategic, market‑aware, and externally focused leader
Credible relationship builder and trusted executive advisor
Effective connector across regions, sectors, and stakeholder groups
Data‑informed and outcomes‑oriented decision‑maker
Execution‑focused problem solver with sound business judgment
Collaborative leader with an entrepreneurial and performance‑driven mindset
Compensation

Salary range: $165,000-$190,000. Salary commensurate with experience.
References and Background Information

It is VEDP’s policy to complete an extensive background and reference check of candidates. Once strong mutual interest has been established, candidates are asked to provide a list of references that should include, but not be limited to, a supervisor, peer, subordinate, and client/stakeholder reference, as applicable. Candidates will be asked to sign an authorization to release information for the purpose of background investigation, which may include verification of education, credit check, criminal, and driving records. Should an offer be extended prior to the completion of these checks, the offer will be contingent on successful completion of the reference and background checks.
Application Process

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 https://www.vedp.org/careers. Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter. A valid Virginia driver’s license and ability to obtain a passport are required. Application deadline: July 31, 2026.
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 1-804-545-5634 or vedphr@VEDP.org. TDD 1-800-828-1120.

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