Description
Lead economic strategy for one of the nation’s most dynamic and globally connected urban communities. Arlington County is seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as its next Director of Economic Development.
Arlington Economic Development (AED) advances Arlington as an economically competitive and sustainable community. The department integrates business investment, small business, real estate development, tourism promotion, strategic partnerships, cultural affairs, and communications into a coordinated economic strategy.
The Director of Economic Development provides executive leadership for AED and reports to a Deputy County Manager. The Director serves on Arlington’s Executive Leadership Team and contributes to enterprise-wide policy and strategy discussions, holding a visible and influential role in shaping Arlington’s economic direction. This role requires executive presence, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex public-sector environments. The Director operates at the intersection of public policy, private investment, and community expectations, ensuring that economic growth supports both competitiveness and governance priorities.
For more information on Arlington, Virginia and AED, click here.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate demonstrates a deep understanding of municipal governance and brings experience advising executive and elected leadership in complex public environments. This individual offers strategic leadership advancing economic development, urban development, tourism, arts, or related initiatives and a record of measurable economic outcomes.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to build strong local, regional, and state relationships, integrate diverse economic drivers into a cohesive strategy, and lead with a collaborative style. Experience navigating development agreements and incentive frameworks within public-sector contexts is essential.
In addition, the County seeks a leader who brings a steady, credible executive presence and the ability to build trust, reinforce alignment, and provide consistent direction across teams and stakeholders.
Requirements
The Director’s leadership spans strategic, operational, political, and external dimensions, including the following core areas of responsibility:
Strategic Leadership
Provide overall direction for Arlington’s economic development strategy, ensuring alignment with County priorities and long-term fiscal sustainability while positioning Arlington competitively within the region. Guide the department in responding to changing market conditions while advancing a cohesive vision across business investment in small businesses and large companies, development, tourism, and cultural initiatives.
Executive and Enterprise Engagement
Serve as an active member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to County-wide strategic planning and cross-department coordination. Ensure economic development initiatives are integrated with broader County policies, community development and planning, capital planning, and operational priorities.
Policy Advisory
Advise County leadership on economic development strategy, major development opportunities, and policy considerations. Provide clear, data-informed recommendations grounded in market analysis and community context. Navigate complex political environments with credibility and discretion.
Business Investment Strategy
Lead efforts to recruit, retain, and expand businesses within Arlington. In collaboration with County leadership and cross-functional partners, develop and negotiate economic development agreements and incentive frameworks, ensuring alignment with established governance standards and fiscal objectives.
Regional and State Engagement
Represent Arlington in regional economic development partnerships and Commonwealth initiatives. Maintain productive relationships with state agencies, regional entities, higher education institutions, and industry partners to advance shared economic goals.
Public Representation
Serve as Arlington’s spokesperson on economic development matters at the local, regional, national, and international levels. Communicate effectively with business leaders, developers, elected officials, media, and community stakeholders.
Organizational Leadership
Lead a multidisciplinary department comprised of division leaders and subject-matter experts. Foster collaboration, accountability, and professional development while promoting alignment across Arlington’s economic ecosystem.
Fiscal and Operational Oversight
Ensure responsible stewardship of departmental resources and transparent reporting of performance outcomes consistent with County expectations.
QUALIFICATIONS
Leadership & Governance Experience
Demonstrated experience leading within a municipal or similarly complex governance environment, including advising executive and elected leadership on economic development strategy and policy considerations.
Economic & Development Expertise
Demonstrated professional experience in economic development, urban development, real estate, tourism, arts administration, or related field. Experience structuring or evaluating development agreements, incentive frameworks, or public-private partnerships is highly desirable.
Education
A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree in public administration, business, urban planning, or a related field is preferred.
