Job location: Charlottesville, VA

The Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service is seeking a qualified Program Director to lead the operations of the Center in the Southern Region of Virginia, and will support the GO Virginia Region 3 Council as a main client. The Program Director is responsible for leading the coordination, direction, and implementation of the Cooper Center’s objectives for the thirteen county/two-city region in Southern Virginia (GO Virginia Region 3). The Program Director’s work will rely on partnerships formed that represent business, economic development, government, education, non-profits, entrepreneurs, chambers of commerce, and private foundations.A major part of the work for the Program Director will be guided by the Region 3 Growth & Diversification Plan, as updated in 2019.The Program Director will also collaborate with the Southside Planning District Commission (SSPDC).

The Program Director will successfully build and leverage diverse networks of individuals and organizations in the public, private, and non-profit sectors that result in stronger cross-region partnerships consistent with the goals of the Region 3 Growth and Diversification Plan.The Program Director is expected to be an innovator who can both lead and manage.Region 3-related outcomes expected include: an increased flow of project investment applications, cross-region scale-ups of successful programs that support a growing economy, an increase in out-of-region revenue to support in-region wealth creation and development, and Region 3 Council operational stability.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Project Pipeline Development and Coalition Building

• Reviews and executes strategies contained within the Region 3 Growth and Diversification Plan as approved by the Regional Council.
• Develops and cultivates alliances and partnerships with regional stakeholders.
• Develops and cultivates alliances and partnerships with out-of-region partners that result in increased funding and technical resources for the Region.
• Ensures increases in the number of projects in the pipeline that align with the objectives of the Region 3 Growth & Diversification Plan.
• Coordinates communication with and implementation of strategies among constituent groups of The Cooper Center with particular focus on those in Region 3, including existing economic development organizations, innovation assets, existing employers, workforce initiatives, educational entities, and non-profit entities.
• Works in consort with staff and faculty of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service to maximize the benefit of research assets of the Center to the needs of Region 3.
• Adheres to GO Virginia State Board and Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) guidelines.
• Coordinates with DHCD staff to ensure the pipeline of projects are aligned with region’s priorities and the GO Virginia State board guidelines.
• Will be the primary point of contact for potential applicants as the project pipeline is being developed and will provide technical assistance to the potential applicants as they are navigating the application process.

Communication and Outreach

• Ensures the design and implementation of an outreach and communication strategy used by the Cooper Center in conjunction with the Region 3 Council including the use of communication tools such as newsletters, social media, marketing collateral, presentation materials and website.
• Leads the development of a branding initiative for the Region 3 footprint, to include significant stakeholder engagement in the development process.
• Builds and maintains relationships with stakeholders including funders, employers, localities, education/workforce entities in Southern Virginia as well as other Regional Councils throughout the Commonwealth.
• Stays attuned to and identifies best practices from other Regions.
• Establishes and maintains a strong ongoing relationship with the Weldon Cooper Center’s Virginia Institute of Government to realize benefits from the Institute’s resources and capacity development expertise.
• Serves as the primary communication channel with the Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development. Participates in regular travel to Richmond to interface with the state board, DHCD and other state agencies. Develops relationships with these key partners and works in partnership with them to successfully implement GO VA.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Two years of experience working in project management and in building regional coalitions and partnerships in the public, private and non-profit sectors Knowledge and experience in identifying grant resources to support community capacity-building
• Experience with business practices, marketing, providing supervision and managing/tracking results
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills Advanced computer skills with an array of programs and applications, particularly team-focused collaboration and project management software, including proficiency with website content maintenance; technical proficiency in MS Office products

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Masters Degree in business, management, urban/regional planning, economic development, or related field
• Experience in managing grant-funded operations Certifications in non-profit management, facilitation, economic development, asset mapping, coalition building, strategic planning, and other technical skills
• Demonstrated ability to build networks and alliances in the private, public and non-profit sectors
• Knowledge and experience interacting with public, private and non-profit organizations in Southern Virginia as part of the Region 3 designated area.

**This position will be located in South Boston, Virginia**

This position will remain open until filled. This is an Exempt level, benefited position. This position is a restricted position and is dependent upon project need, availability of funding and performance. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. For questions about the position or the application process, please contact Ashley Cochran, Senior Recruiter at alc6dk@virginia.edu.

How to Apply:

Applications that do not contain all of the required documents will not receive full consideration, please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.

Process for External Applicants: Please apply through Workday, and search for ‘R0013381'. Complete an application online and attach a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three references (name, email address, telephone number, and address).

Process for Internal UVA Applicants: Please apply through your Workday Home page, search “Find Jobs,” and search for ‘ R0013381.’ Complete an application online and attach a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three references (name, email address, telephone number, and address).

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System and the University Physician’s Group are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.