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Director of Strategic Initiatives

  • Full Time
  • Charleston
  • $55,000 - $85,000

Advantage Valley, Inc.

Advantage Valley Inc. is a nine county economic development organization located in southwestern West Virginia.  The program promotes investment in the Charleston-Huntington Metro Areas and works in partnership with local EDOs, the State of West Virginia, and other stakeholders to attract investment, retain jobs, and grow entrepreneurs in the region.

JOB TITLE:              Director of Strategic Initiatives

SUPERVISOR:         President & CEO, Advantage Valley Inc.

JOB SUMMARY:     Under limited supervision and direction, performs a full range of professional and technical duties in support of various Advantage Valley initiatives including the Expanding Markets program, business attraction, site development and research.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Undergraduate degree in economics, finance, statistics, business, or other related quantitative field preferred but not required.
  • At least five years of experience working in the economic development field is preferred. Certification in the economic development field is preferred.
  • Strong analytic skills in data and economic research, professional-level competencies in Excel, experience working with databases and/or CRM systems, data visualization, and excellent writing and communication skills required.
  • Ability to learn the use of certain software: Gazelle, EMSI/Lightcast, Sales Force, or other CRM systems

ADDITIONAL SKILLS:

  • Basic knowledge of real estate concepts and industrial site development.
  • Basic knowledge of West Virginia and federal economic development programs.
  • Aptitude for assessing and understanding numeric data and ability to identify trends and critical points.
  • Ability to interpret information and succinctly articulate its meaning in written and graphic form for a non-technical audience.
  • Demonstrated interest and ability in research techniques, analytical tools, and desire to utilize new tools for gaining insights into research topics.
  • Knowledge of research methods including survey analysis and web-based research.
  • Excellent attention to detail, time-management, and organizational skills.
  • A good communicator, strong collaborator, and team player
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS APPROXIMATE % OF TIME
Coordinate the Expanding Markets Initiative

Establish timelines for execution of all program elements and communicate to all partners the expectations for completion.

Manage partner relationships including monthly meetings to ensure quality and collaboration.

Ensure the appropriate use of the program’s CRM system by all partners and tracking of program metrics on a monthly basis.

Prepare all funders’ reports.

Manage the technical assistance contracts awarded to eligible businesses to ensure the quality of results and track the impact for recipients.

Assist with the implementation of food manufacturing initiatives including Taste of Appalachia and Capitol Kitchen.

Coordinate other program activities as needed.

 

 50%
Oversee research for regional industry retention and expansion

Implement quantitative and qualitative analyses designed to support business retention by identifying supply chain opportunities for manufacturing and business service companies

Perform or coordinate with Lightcast updates to industry target competitive reports.

Compile and analyze various economic and labor force research for companies as needed.

Provide research support for regional initiatives undertaken by the organization as needed

Responds to research requests by local and regional partners

 20%
Support Business Attraction

Provide support as needed to the President on business attraction lead generation and follow up

Provide information to marketing staff to promote program initiatives.

Communicate success stories and best practices for promotion

 15%
Site Development

Manage the site inventory program

Assist in identifying a site for acquisition and development

 15%

COMPENSATION

This is a full time position. Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

*Please send a cover letter and resume by July 31, 2026 to Advantage Valley, 1045 Bridge Road, Charleston, WV  25314 or by emailing electronic submissions to Debby Berry at dberry@te-associates.com.

To apply for this job email your details to sarah@generationwv.org