The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking a Managing Director, Communications to lead the Communications Team's efforts to promote Virginia as a Top State for Business to audiences in the state, nationally, and globally. This leadership position plays a threefold role in raising awareness of Virginia’s advantages for business:

• Developing and executing effective communications strategies that will influence perceptions about the Commonwealth
• Serving as a primary liaison with the Governor’s Communications office, as well as VEDP’s stakeholders and partners, to oversee the execution of press announcements and events for Virginia’s business development wins 
• Overseeing media relations, including cultivation and management of VEDP’s relationship with the media 

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Vice President and Marketing Director to develop and integrate an annual communications plan that includes telling Virginia’s compelling business advantage story to target audiences, developing thought leadership strategies for Sector Team leads, implementing multiple inbound familiarization (FAM) tours for trade and industry media, and celebrating business investments
• Implement annual communications plan that ensures maximum exposure for the Commonwealth in major business publications
• Oversee Governor’s announcements and announcement events with companies, localities/regional economic development organizations, and the Governor’s Office, maintaining clear and regular communication with all stakeholders
• Serve as agency’s media contact and spokesperson, manage, and monitor press interviews with key leadership
• Manage FOIA requests in collaboration with Vice President and legal department
• Ensure maximum exposure of favorable Virginia economic development articles in major business publications, economic development trade magazines, and vertical industry publications
• Oversee development and execution of an effective earned media campaign that increases brand awareness and communicates Virginia’s advantages for business
• Manage production of press releases, reports, and publications promoting the state’s economic development successes and strengths

Skills:

• Impeccable communications, writing, and editing skills. Strong attention to detail is required
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team of professionals and facilitate cross-divisional collaboration 
• Experience as a principal media contact
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality on sensitive matters
• Ability to develop working relationships with local, regional, and state media outlets
• Editorial experience and knowledge of state government is preferred
• Special event planning skills are preferred
• Knowledge of economics, business, and management techniques is a plus
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, within a multidiscipline team environment
• Ability to work well under pressure in meeting deadlines
• Ability to exhibit sound judgment in making decisions
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work and effectively manage multiple projects

Experience:

• At least ten years of communications/public relations experience required, five years of economic development communications experience preferred
• Progressive leadership skills
• Demonstrated leadership and project management experience, as well as proven background in developing and implementing communications strategies that drive positive results in local, state, or federal government

Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. VEDP uses the E-Verify system and does not provide sponsorship.

This position requires travel and representing VEDP at multiple functions and events. A valid Virginia driver’s license and passport are required. All candidates must apply through our website https://www.vedp.org/careers and submit three writing samples. Salary minimum $110,000. Application deadline: March 31, 2024.

This position is based in Richmond, Virginia and is eligible for hybrid work.

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.