Position Overview

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.

Responsibilities

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.

Compensation and Benefits

The midpoint of the salary range for this position is approximately $265,000 annually. Placement within the range will be based on qualifications and experience. Some relocation costs may be reimbursed. This is an executive level position with compensation aligned to performance and County priorities.

As an Employer of Choice, Arlington County offers a comprehensive executive benefits package. Full details are available here.

Additional Conditions of Employment

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of comprehensive references and a background check. The selected candidate will be required to complete the Commonwealth of Virginia Statement of Economic Interests form upon hire and annually thereafter.

Equal Opportunity

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable law.