Job Announcement

The Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives is seeking an experienced and dynamic Division Manager for Economic Innovation and Strategy. This is a senior-level, managerial position. The Division Manager must be a proven leader with extensive knowledge and background in economic development, community revitalization, and/or regional planning. The ideal candidate is a senior manager with technical experience and a visionary approach. The individual must have the ability to work effectively with a full range of county officials, colleagues, county and regional partners, and the public. The Department of Economic Initiatives leverages county resources and develops programs and policy recommendations to foster local economic development and position Fairfax County to be an economically competitive and prosperous community. The Division Manager for Economic Innovation and Strategy will be responsible for developing and managing programs that support economic diversification in the county, foment emerging sectors, and strengthen economic assets. They will provide innovative ideas and insight on new and/or emerging practices to support economic growth and proactively seek solutions to complex challenges. Responsibilities will include assessing best practices to inform program and policy decisions. Work involves coordinating the efforts of diverse groups from within and outside of County Government. The Division Director will supervise the Economic Innovation and Strategy team and report to the Economic Initiatives Director. The Department of Economic Initiatives has 10 full-time employees and is currently structured into three divisions, which include Catalytic Development, Small and Local Business, and Economic Innovation and Strategy.

Manages or supports the following Economic Innovation and Strategy Division focus areas:

• Strategic Plan Implementation and Tracking (see the Economic Success Strategic Plan and proposed Countywide Strategic Plan)
• Innovation programs such as connected communities (smart cities) and the green economy
• New initiatives to nurture emerging industries as pathways for community development
• Military - Federal economic asset advocacy and business development

In addition, the Economic Innovation and Strategy Division will support the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Economic Initiatives Committee and the Economic Advisory Commission. Essential functions include:

• Supervises staff by reviewing workplans, developing annual goals and objectives, providing guidance, approving employee leave, and completing performance evaluations.
• Presents to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, civic and business groups and the public on proposed economic development programs or program updates.
• Develops strategies to reach economic diversification, job growth, and pathways to create places for business formation and growth.
• Supervises preparation of the division's budget and monitors program expenditures.
• Evaluates and reports on the effectiveness of division programs.
• Builds and maintains relationships with various regional stakeholders involved in economic innovation.
• Generally, tracks and understands market trends and applies judgment to threats and opportunities facing the local economy.
• Participates in teams to inform or support real estate development, placemaking, and small business development.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Note: The assigned functional areas of this position are: Economics, Business, and Human Capital Management.

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.)

• Directs and manages long-term, large-scale, high-priority, sensitive programs/projects that are multi-disciplinary and involve multiple agencies;
• Manages a group of professionals engaged in diverse administrative and management support activities;
• Establishes and implements program policies, develop and manages the budget for designated programs;
• Ensures County programs reach the intended populations and targeted benefactors;
• Directs research and evaluation of trends in applicable areas of responsibility;
• Develops long- and short-term goals, objectives and solutions for division;
• Interfaces with central County staff departments (such as DMB, DHR, Finance, Purchasing and Supply Management) for seamless collaboration;
• Provides consultation on strategic planning, organizational development and redesign projects;
• Prepares for and presents to County Board of Supervisors (or Committee) regarding areas of expertise and responsibility.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list).

• Extensive knowledge of the mission, goals, objectives, funding sources, organizational structure, workload, and staffing of the organizational unit or program to which incumbent is assigned;
• Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques relating to the functional area of business operation;
• Extensive knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements governing application of program funding, execution of program activities, and achievement of program outcomes;
• Knowledge of the legislative and executive decision making processes;
• Knowledge of the project management life cycle and its supporting phases;
• Ability to identify organizational problems, evaluate possible solutions, and select and implement the most advantageous course of action;
• Ability to identify and determine appropriate methods for gathering data;
• Ability to make oral presentations to department management, other departments, or the public;
• Ability to write detailed, accurate reports, grants, or solicitations for pertinent areas of administration;
• Ability to manage professional and paraprofessional employees including coaching, counseling, training, and evaluation.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in fields related to the assigned functional areas; plus five years of professional work experience within more than one of the assigned functional areas.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and credit record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A master’s degree in urban or regional planning, economic development, business administration, public administration, or real estate.
• Extensive knowledge of philosophies and methods applied to economic development.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Extensive knowledge of the principles, methods and challenges of organization development and management.
• Collaborative and solution-oriented approach.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Job is generally sedentary in nature, however, visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitor, incumbent must be able to operate keyboard, telephone. Must be able communicate with others in person and via computer. Employee may require to lift up to 20 lbs. Must be able to drive and/or use public and private transit to travel to locations throughout metro DC. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview. May include case study exercise.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or status as a veteran in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.