EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

VIRGINIA OFFICE OF EDUCATION ECONOMICS (VOEE) 

Richmond, VA 

The Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE) is seeking an innovative, entrepreneurial, and collaborative leader with a passion for data-driven decision making to guide VOEE’s next phase of growth and development. The Executive Director oversees a dynamic research agenda, leads cross-sector partnerships, and ensures the VOEE team continues to provide actionable insights on education and workforce alignment in Virginia. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Strengthen VOEE’s organizational foundation by refining its staffing model, stakeholder engagement strategy, and funding approach. 

• Align VOEE’s future research agenda with Virginia’s economic and workforce priorities. 

• Ensure that VOEE’s data and research outputs are actionable, widely accessible, and aligned with policymaker and practitioner needs. 

• Work closely with internal and external partners on current workforce development and education policy and practice initiatives for the Commonwealth.  

• Lead a data-driven research agenda focused on high-demand occupations, graduate career outcomes, workforce supply and demand, and emerging industry needs. 

• Expand research on education-to-employment pathways and workforce migration patterns. 

• Act as VOEE’s primary representative, fostering relationships with educational institutions, workforce boards, business associations, and national research organizations. 

• Foster collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders. 

• Pursue funding opportunities, including state, federal, and philanthropic grants. 

• Develop and execute an annual outreach plan. 

Required Qualifications   

• Extensive experience in education and workforce policy, research, and/or economic development. 

• Demonstrated expertise in higher education and workforce practice, labor market dynamics, and education-to-employment pathways. 

• Experience leading an organization or office, including representing the broader vision and mission of that organization with a wide array of national stakeholders. 

• Proven leadership experience in building successful teams, developing people, and executing data-driven policy initiatives. 

• Strong background in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, with an ability to translate complex data into actionable insights. 

• Experience with labor market and education datasets, including BLS, Census Bureau, Lightcast, and SLDS. 

• Excellent strategic analysis and problem-solving skills. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with executive-level stakeholders and present research findings to diverse audiences. 

Preferred Qualifications  

• Advanced degree in education, public policy, applied economics, business (MBA), or a related field. 

• Experience with philanthropic funding, grant writing, and managing research budgets. 

• Familiarity with data governance and compliance standards related to state and federal regulations. 

Compensation  

Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.  

References and Background Information  

It is VEDP’s policy to complete an extensive background and reference check of candidates. Once strong mutual interest has been established, candidates are asked to provide a list of references that should include, but not be limited to, a supervisor, a peer, a development client and a subordinate, as applicable. Candidates will be asked to sign an authorization to release Information for the purpose of background investigation, which may include verification of education, credit check, criminal, and driving records. Should an offer be extended prior to the completion of these checks, the offer will be made contingent on the successful completion of the reference and background checks. 

Application Process  

Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. VEDP uses the E-Verify system and does not provide sponsorship. 

All candidates must apply through our website https://www.vedp.org/careers. Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter. A valid Virginia driver’s license and ability to obtain a passport is required. Application deadline: Open Until Filled 

  VEDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or against otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities. It is VEDP’s intent that its employment and personnel policies and practices conform to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Applicants requiring more information or requiring assistance may contact VEDP Human Resources at 1-804-545-5634 or vedphr@VEDP.org. TDD 1-800-828-1120.