Vice President, Economic Community Developmen

Location: Richmond

About Company:

Virginia Union University (VUU) is a distinguished private institution founded in 1865 that proudly upholds a legacy of academic excellence and community engagement. With a historic 86-acre campus, it offers a dynamic and nurturing environment for its 1,568 undergraduate and graduate students. Virginia Union University is recognized in the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report, holding a prestigious position as #39 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

VUU provides a robust array of academic programs, including 35 Bachelor's, 11 Master's, and one Doctoral degree. Virginia Union University remains steadfast in its commitment to offering accessible, high-quality education, instilling a sense of assurance and confidence in its students. It fosters a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to the holistic development of future leaders.

Five fundamental principles (core values) guide Virginia Union University. Each principle is essential to our ability to provide a Best-In-Class educational experience for students, faculty, and staff. These principles help our community understand the right path to fulfilling our institution's mission. The principles are Innovation, Spiritual Formation, Integrity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Excellence.

About the Role:

The Vice President of Economic Community Development will lead strategic initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth and improving the quality of life within diverse communities across the United States. This role requires a visionary leader who can collaborate with public, private, and nonprofit sectors to design and implement programs that stimulate job creation, enhance infrastructure, and promote equitable access to resources.

The VP will oversee large-scale projects and partnerships that drive community revitalization, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and community needs. They will also be responsible for securing funding, managing budgets, and measuring the impact of development efforts to ensure long-term success. Ultimately, this position plays a critical role in shaping economic policies and programs that empower communities and support inclusive prosperity.

Minimum Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree in Economics, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business, or a related field.

* At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in economic development, community development, or a related sector.

* Proven track record of managing large-scale projects and multi-stakeholder partnerships.

* Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, grant management, and fundraising.

* Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Master's degree in a relevant discipline such as Economic Development, Public Policy, or Business Administration.

* Experience working with diverse communities and a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion.

* Familiarity with federal and state economic development programs and regulatory environments.

* Proficiency in data analysis and impact measurement tools.

* Experience in public speaking and media relations.

Responsibilities:

* Develop and execute comprehensive economic development strategies that address community needs and promote sustainable growth.

* Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, business leaders, community organizations, and other stakeholders to foster collaboration and resource sharing.

* Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of community development projects, ensuring they meet established goals and compliance standards.

* Oversee budget management, grant writing, and fundraising efforts to secure necessary resources for development initiatives.

* Monitor economic trends and policy changes to adapt strategies and advocate for supportive legislation and funding at local, state, and federal levels.

* Manage and mentor a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

* Represent the organization at conferences, public forums, and media engagements to promote community development objectives and successes.

Skills:

The required and preferred skills are essential for effectively leading complex economic development initiatives. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills enable the VP to build partnerships and inspire teams toward shared goals. Financial management skills are used daily to allocate resources efficiently and ensure project sustainability. Analytical skills help in interpreting economic data and assessing program impact to inform strategic decisions. Communication skills are critical for advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and representing the organization publicly, ensuring transparency and community trust.