Director of Economic Development and Tourism

• Are you a strategic leader who can balance big-picture vision with the day-to-day execution of complex economic development initiatives?
• Are you a collaborative professional who thrives in building partnerships across public, private, and regional stakeholders?
• Are you a results-driven innovator committed to strengthening economic health, expanding opportunity for all, and enhancing quality of life?

If so, the City of Danville is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Director of Economic Development and Tourism to lead the City’s efforts to attract investment, support business growth, and drive long-term economic vitality.

This role ensures the City’s economic development and tourism initiatives are aligned to support job creation and retention, build local wealth, and expand the tax base—advancing overall economic health and quality of life. Danville is already gaining national attention—ranked among the Top 10 U.S. cities under 100,000 population for employers looking to locate or expand (Site Selection Magazine)—and this position will play a key role in building on that momentum.

New Development:

Significant and transformative developments are currently unfolding in Danville, specifically in three of its historic districts: the River District, the Schoolfield District, and the North Main District. These developments are not just reshaping the city but also ushering in a new era of growth, entertainment, and economic vitality for Danville. Visit www.danvilleva.gov to learn more about the City of Danville.

About the Organization, Office, and Position:

Danville is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia operating under a council-manager form of government. With an adopted FY2026 total operating budget of about $384.5 million, the City of Danville employs approximately 1,200 workers across 16 departments. The City has updated its Comprehensive Plan, PLAN Danville, which encourages the continued development of a healthy, equitable, and resilient community by offering a distinctive vision for the continued growth of Danville.

The City of Danville’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism works to grow and strengthen the local economy through business development, redevelopment, workforce development, and tourism initiatives. The team includes ten full-time staff and several part-time positions. As part of the City Manager’s Office, the Office of Economic Development and Tourism takes a citywide view in all of its work, collaborating with internal partners to achieve city goals of growth and economic vitality. The Office is committed to creating an environment where small businesses, major industries, families, and community members can thrive—reflecting the City’s belief that “Home is Here.”

Reporting to the Assistant City Manager, the Director leads the Office of Economic Development and Tourism through visionary strategy development, project management, tactical work in industrial development, and empowering the team to execute on the City’s big vision for economic mobility and local revitalization.

The Director manages six direct reports and two related budgets—$1.44 million for economic development and $1.01 million for tourism—ensuring resources are used effectively and aligned with priorities. The next Director will have an active role in advancing redevelopment and site readiness, including public-private partnerships, incentives and financing strategies, and coordination with internal departments and regional partners. This position will also oversee small business and tourism initiatives, support relevant City boards and authorities, and maintain clear communication with the City Manager’s Office on major projects and emerging issues.

Salary and Benefits: The hiring range is $128,198 - $185,000 Midpoint (Full range: $128,198 - $256,397). Beginning salary will be commensurate with experience.  The City of Danville provides an excellent benefits package. Learn more by visiting the City’s website. Residency within City limits is required within a negotiated

To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the title of Director of Economic Development & Tourism – City of Danville, VA.

Please note the following:

• All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) – NOT the city's employment application portal or any other external website.
• Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
• Applicants should apply by May 15, 2026.
• The hiring team will invite successful semi-finalists to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluations on June 16-17, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate.
• Direct inquiries to hiring@developmentalassociates.com.

The City of Danville, VA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Developmental Associates, LLC manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. To learn more about our selection process, visit https://developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/, select "Client Openings," and scroll down to "Important Information for Applicants."  

Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in Public or Business Administration, Economic Development, Urban Planning or related field and a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) license are required. Prior experience as a local government department manager, along with five to seven years of related experience, is preferred.  A master’s degree is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.

A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record according to City criteria are required.

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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• Developmental Associates

• 9198136096, ext 101