SVRA Business Investment Manager

Review of completed applications will begin on September 8, 2026. To be considered during the initial review, applicants should ensure all required application materials have been submitted by this date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

The Pay, Perks, & Benefits

• Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000 will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and determined based on market benchmarks and internal equity.
• Retirement benefits are provided through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) with employer match.
• Generous time off is offered, including vacation, paid sick leave, and paid family leave after one year.
• Paid holidays include a two week paid winter break.
• Medical coverage includes Anthem PPO and HSA health plans with excellent dental options.

What You Will Do
The Business Investment Manager leads business attraction, expansion, and investment efforts across Southern Virginia. This role serves as a key liaison between prospective companies, site selection consultants, regional partners, local governments, and economic development organizations to support job creation and capital investment throughout the region.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and maintain relationships with corporate prospects, site selection consultants, industry leaders, and economic development partners.
• Respond to business recruitment and expansion opportunities, conducting due diligence and identifying regional solutions that align with prospect needs.
• Support business attraction initiatives that generate new jobs and capital investment within Southern Virginia.
• Coordinate with localities, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), and regional stakeholders on industrial and economic development projects.
• Research industry trends, market opportunities, and economic indicators to identify target sectors and growth opportunities.
• Prepare and deliver presentations, proposals, and marketing materials highlighting regional assets, workforce strengths, available sites and buildings, infrastructure capabilities, and quality of life.
• Plan and support meetings, networking events, trade shows, conferences, and business development activities.
• Manage project leads, maintain prospect records, and track business development activity.
• Represent the region during prospect visits, site selection projects, and business recruitment efforts.
• Complete special projects and other duties that support the strategic goals of SVRA and IALR.

How You Will Help the Team
As the Business Investment Manager, you will play a critical role in advancing the economic growth and competitiveness of Southern Virginia. You will work closely with local governments, economic development organizations, educational institutions, workforce partners, utilities, and private-sector leaders to attract new business investment and support the expansion of existing employers. Through relationship building, strategic outreach, and project management, you will help position the region as a premier destination for business growth, innovation, and job creation.

This role serves as a visible ambassador for the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, representing the region to corporate executives, site selection consultants, state agencies, and industry leaders. By connecting prospects with the region's assets, workforce, infrastructure, and opportunities, you will help drive transformational projects that strengthen communities, create high-quality jobs, and support long-term economic prosperity throughout Southern Virginia.

Work Schedule and Travel Requirements
This position requires travel throughout Virginia and occasional domestic and international travel to attend trade shows, industry events, conferences, prospect meetings, site selection engagements, and business recruitment activities. Evening and weekend work may be required based on business needs and travel schedules.

Your Knowledge and Expertise

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, economic development, public administration, marketing, communications, or a related field.
• Three or more years of experience in economic development, business development, sales, marketing, project management, real estate development, or a related field.
• Strong relationship-building, networking, and communication skills.
• Experience creating and delivering executive-level presentations, reports, and proposals.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout Virginia and occasionally out of state.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in economic development, business attraction, site selection, commercial real estate, or industrial recruitment.
• Knowledge of economic development incentives, workforce development programs, and site selection processes.
• Experience working with CRM systems and prospect-tracking databases.
• Economic development certifications such as CEcD, AICP, or related credentials.
• Experience collaborating with public-sector and private-sector partners.

What Makes Working Here Different
The Southern Virginia Regional Alliance is a collaborative regional economic development organization focused on attracting investment, supporting existing industry, and creating opportunities throughout Southern Virginia. As part of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, the Business Investment Manager will have the opportunity to work alongside business leaders, local governments, workforce partners, educators, and state agencies to shape the future of the region.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Influence transformational economic development projects.
• Build relationships with national site selectors and corporate decision-makers.
• Promote a region known for its advanced manufacturing, workforce assets, and quality of life.
• Support initiatives that create jobs and strengthen communities across Southern Virginia.

Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Salary : $90,000 - $100,000