ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (Development)

Department: DEVELOPMENT

Job Family: PROFESSIONAL

Posting End: 01/04/2026

Target Hiring Range: $93,633.00 - $111,090.00 Based on Experience.
*Salary is the targeted hiring range and not the full salary opportunity of the position.

**Applicants MUST submit an official job application through the City of Newport News career site to be considered. To learn more and apply, visit https://www.nnva.gov/Jobs 

Please review the Job Description for the requirements of this position
• This is a full-time professional, salaried, in-office position
• Supervisory experience and a bachelor’s degree is required for this position, master’s degree preferred
• Submit Cover Letter and Resume along with the application
• Submit contact information for three (3) professional References who may be contacted prior to being offered the position.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under limited supervision, this position assists the Director in the overall management and administration of the Department of Development.  Reports to the Director of Development.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Assists the Director in the overall management and administration of the department; provides administrative oversight for departmental activities and functions; responsible for day to day supervision of section managers and coordination of department’s work production and assists in the preparation of the department’s annual operating budget.

Assists and advises the Director in developing departmental direction, priorities, goals and objectives to meet City, departmental and community needs; assists in establishing and implementing internal departmental organization and management systems to effectively meet operating goals and objectives; assists in developing and evaluating internal policies and operating procedures and develops staff organization to effectively carry out departmental operations.

Responsible for effective supervision of assigned staff including selection, performance management, employee relations, and related activities. Develops and implements staff development program; establishes and administers systems to ensure City and departmental personnel policies and procedures are appropriately administered and establishes systems for developing, reviewing, and evaluating performance standards.

Advances discussions and negotiations with public and private sector entities with regard to development projects; and coordinates closely with other City departments and serves as liaison for a variety of economic development allies, related committees, community associations, and special interest groups.

Participates in and coordinates with other department staff on marketing initiatives including business development of new and existing business; attends marketing missions with Regional and State officials and handles prospect visits to the area, to include follow-up, tracking, and due diligence.

Responsible for departmental materials prepared for City Manager’s action; reviews all documents, contracts, and other materials; ensures supporting materials are accurate and included.

Oversees the development of project areas using outside consultants; establishes criteria for selection, evaluates proposals, prepares contracts, and monitors consultant performance in terms of contract provisions and coordinates related procurement functions.

Researches information requested by City Manager’s Office and City Officials; develops detailed reports, position papers, recommendations, written correspondence, and other documents to respond to requests.  Directs studies in a variety of areas and presents reports and recommendations to City officials.

Performs other duties as assigned. 

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

Economic & Community Development – Thorough knowledge of modern management philosophies and methods as applied to economic and community development.  Thorough knowledge of economic and community development practices, strategies, legal issues and regulations and programs.  Thorough knowledge of business, economics, and finance as they relate to economic development.

Supervision – Thorough knowledge of leadership techniques, principles and procedures to assign work, schedule, supervise, train, and evaluate the work of assigned staff.  Knowledge of personnel recruitment, selection, and the use of personnel information systems.

Customer Service – Thorough knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer services.  This includes setting and meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate complex situations and then to research information to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to the situation.

Judgment/Decision Making – Evaluating the best method of research and then exercising appropriate judgment in establishing priorities and resolving complex matters.  Considers the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations.  Shares knowledge with staff for mutual and departmental benefit.  

REQUIRED ABILITIES

Coordination of Work – Ability to establish and implement effective administrative programs and procedures.  Ability to plan and organize daily work routine.  Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology.  Attends and maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.  Performs a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others.                      

Communication – Excellent ability to effectively communicate complex ideas and proposals to include preparation of reports, agendas, and policies.  Excellent ability to listen and understand information and ideas presented verbally or in writing. Ability to handle a variety of human resources issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.  Excellent ability to effectively negotiate contracts, development agreements, agreements of sale and related agreements.

Accounting and Budgeting – Ability to perform arithmetic, algebraic, and statistical applications.  Ability to employ economic and accounting principles and practices in the analysis and reporting of financial data.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelors degree with Major in Political Science, Finance, Business Administration, Urban Studies, Management/Marketing or related field and 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in the Economic Development field with 3-5 years of supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work.  Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds).  Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or work station.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals.  Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.