VICE PRESIDENT, EXISTING BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT

VICE PRESIDENT, EXISTING BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT

Richmond, Virginia

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 VEDPs 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 Commonwealths 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 VEDPs lead executive for identifying business needs across the Commonwealths 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 Virginias standing as the Top State for Talent and the Best State for Business.

Core Responsibilities

Business Relationships and Executive Engagement

• Lead a focused state wide 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 Governors 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 VEDPs state wide 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, Internships VA, 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 Governors 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

The Vice President will be evaluated on the ability to deliver measurable business and organizational results, including:

• 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 VEDPs 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 drivers license and ability to obtain a passport is 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 VEDPs 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.

Salary/Compensation: $165,000 - $190,000 per year

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