City of Charlottesville

The City of Charlottesville is seeking an experienced professional to serve as the Director of Neighborhood Development Services! This recruitment profile provides background information on the community and its government operations. It also outlines the qualifications, experience, compensation, and benefits. Including the knowledge, skills, and abilities determined to be necessary and desirable for successful performance as the Director of Neighborhood Development Services. To be considered, qualified candidates are encouraged to submit an online application at https://lnkd.in/eQiunSaS by the posting’s closing date and time. Please include with your online application a cover letter, resume, and at least five (5) professional references. Note: This job opportunity is advertised with a closing date of "Continuous." If interested in being considered, an application should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications will be evaluated on a continuous basis. Interviews will be conducted as soon as possible during the recruitment with candidates who are best qualified. Applications may no longer be considered once a candidate to fill the position is identified. This job announcement will close when the position(s) have been filled and may close at any time. First review of applications will begin on Monday, July 1, 2024.

GET TO KNOW MATT JOHNSON Another relatively new face in the Office of Economic Development (OED), Matt moved to the City of Charlottesville last fall to join the team as Assistant Director. Before moving to Central Virginia, he spent a number of years in various economic development roles with the City of Newport News and York County. Let’s learn more about Matt! 📣 How did you get into economic development? 💭 I’m the classic case of someone who happened to stumble into economic development. After getting laid-off during the 2008 recession, I was searching for a new job and saw an opening for the Business Retention Coordinator position with the City of Newport News. It felt like a good fit based upon my previous work experiences, so I applied and was lucky enough to be offered the job. Before that point I had barely even heard of economic development and certainly didn’t know what the work entailed, but I got into it and immediately knew this was the career field for me. 📣 Describe what the average day looks like for you. 💭 Whatever the next phone call or email brings. In all seriousness, while there are always certain things I have lined up on regular basis like business visits, partner organizations meetings, in-office work, etc., a lot of what happens each day is based upon the calls and emails that come through the office. This makes each day a little bit different from the next, which is one of the things I really like about economic development. 📣 Name one skill you have that helps you succeed in economic development. 💭 I would have to say my love of problem-solving. So much of what we do in economic development to help businesses comes back to some aspect of problem-solving, so it’s helpful to have skills in that area. 📣 If you weren’t in your current position, what would you be doing? 💭 That’s a hard one. I enjoy working in economic development so much it’s really hard for me to envision being in a different career field. It would probably be something still in economic development but maybe on the other side of the table working for a consulting firm or a private sector company’s development team. I’ve always said when I retire, I’m going to get a hotdog cart and setup shop each day for lunch in the middle of town (wherever that happens to be). We hope you've enjoyed this week's Staff Spotlight series, celebrating #EconDevWeek in conjunction with International Economic Development Council and Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA). Make sure to follow us for more information from the OED team, members of the Charlottesville business community, and our economic development partners!

GET TO KNOW JENNY BICHÉ Jenny is the City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development’s (OED) Workforce Development Program Manager. She joined OED in the fall of 2022, after working for Rappahannock Goodwill Industries as the Center manager for Virginia Career Works in Culpeper. Let’s get to know Jenny! 📣 Describe your role in the Charlottesville Office of Economic Development. 💭 I help develop and implement workforce training programs, such as Ready to Work, GO Cook, and GO Facilities Management, that provide local residents with upskilling opportunities while connecting them to high paying, upwardly mobile job openings. I also oversee OED initiatives designed to assist City businesses in their efforts to recruit, retain, and train their workforce. One of the biggest parts of my role is serving as a convenor for educators, employers, and community stakeholders as they work collaboratively to identify and address workforce challenges and duplicate successes. 📣 How did you get into the economic development field? 💭 Throughout my career, I have been involved in various fields related to economic development, including housing, transportation, tourism, environmental initiatives, and workforce development. These combined experiences have given me a holistic view of the many facets that make up a community, including its strengths and weaknesses. Although economic development wasn’t my initial career choice starting out, it is a natural fit given my background, passion for solving challenges, and love of learning. 📣 If you weren’t in your current position, what would you be doing? 💭 Because I am so passionate about seeing communities continue to grow, diversify, and thrive, if I wasn’t in this position I would most likely be working in a community-focused non-profit organization. 📣 Fill in the blank – On my day off you can find me ____________. 💭 Doing something outdoors in nature. Being able to step out of the hectic pace of everyday life and simply enjoy the beauty of nature is very rejuvenating! Staff Spotlight is a series of posts celebrating #EconDevWeek in conjunction with International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA). Make sure to catch a new Staff Spotlight tomorrow!

GET TO KNOW CHRIS ENGEL Chris is the Director of the Office of Economic Development (OED). With more than 20 years working for the City of Charlottesville, over 12 of which have been in his current role, Chris has a wealth of knowledge and experience leading the City’s economic development efforts. Let’s learn more about Chris! 📣 How did you get into the economic development field? 💭 Like many economic development practitioners, my path to the field was not direct or necessarily planned. However, a series of life experiences and interests ultimately conspired and led me to a role I truly enjoy.  I have always been fascinated by how businesses make location decisions and in college took an economic geography course that further piqued this interest. After working as a Cartographer and GIS Analyst for some years following undergraduate studies, I pursued a Master’s degree in Urban Planning with course work in economic development, revitalization, finance and real estate. As it turns out that background and a jack of all trades approach positions one well for a career in local economic development. 📣 Describe what the average day looks like for you. 💭 Each day starts with a group huddle. This is a great way to connect as a team, share information, and offer assistance and encouragement for the day ahead. We close with a quote or a dad joke which helps set a good frame of mind for all. Next will be meetings with both internal colleagues and community partners and hopefully some desk time focusing on an upcoming presentation, project or grant. Sprinkle in some calls, e-mails and drop-ins and the day fills up quickly. A good day will also include a visit with a local business or convening with one of our many entrepreneurial support organizations. 📣 What is your favorite part of working in economic development? 💭 It has to be making connections. We have a unique role and opportunity to help guide the health of the local economy. Sometimes a simple introduction or suggestion can lead to meaningful impacts, which is very rewarding. 📣 What is one skill you have that helps you succeed in economic development? 💭 The ancient art of plate spinning. I have an image I post on my door on occasion. It says, “Caution: plate spinning in progress.” Economic developers are often asked to manage a variety of tasks, and we endeavor to keep them all going without breaking any plates. 📣 If you weren’t in your current position, what would you be doing? 💭 Guiding a gondola through the canals of Chioggia. 📣 Fill in the blank – On my day off you can find me ____________. 💭 In the woods on a trail run or briskly hiking in the mountains. A perfect day starts with coffee, ends with red wine and has lots of active outdoor time in the middle! Staff Spotlight is a series of posts celebrating #EconDevWeek in conjunction with International Economic Development Council (IEDC) & Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA). Catch a new Staff Spotlight tomorrow!

GET TO KNOW KEITH GROOMES, JR. As the City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development’s (OED) Entrepreneurship Program Specialist, Keith is responsible for working with entrepreneurs, emerging business ventures, and established microbusinesses, providing them with information on programs and resources available through OED and partner agencies. The newest member of the team, Keith has been with OED for three months. Let’s learn more about Keith! 📣 How did you get into economic development? 💭 In the past, my business has been able to take advantage of many resources available through OED. These resources assisted with getting my own microbusiness established and then maintained during tough times. The Entrepreneurship Program Specialist position became available as I was looking to make some changes with the work aspects of my life. I thought it would be a great fit with my business experience and love for entrepreneurship, and here we are! 📣What is your favorite part of working in economic development so far? 💭I enjoy having the opportunity to learn about available resources and share this information with others. Seeing entrepreneurs striving to bring their ideas to fruition and watching small businesses thrive, and knowing I can play a small role in helping to make that happen, is an incredible feeling. 📣Name one skill you have that helps you succeed in economic development. 💭I believe my personal experience of growing up in an entrepreneurial family and later becoming one myself, helps me better understand the entrepreneurial mindset and connect with other entrepreneurs in a unique way. 📣Fill in the blank – On my day off you can find me ____________? 💭Living the pie life at local and regional events with The Pie Guy Mobile Catering! Staff Spotlight is a series of posts celebrating #EconDevWeek in conjunction with International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA). Make sure to catch a new Staff Spotlight tomorrow!

GET TO KNOW KRISTIE KRAISEN-THOMAS Kristie is the City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development’s (OED) Parking Manager. In this role she oversees operations for over 1,700 off-street public parking spaces in two City-owned garages and two surface lots. Let’s find out more about Kristie! 📣 How did you get into the economic development field? 💭 In most places, public parking operations is part of the economic development field due to its association with the local government entity, and the direct connection parking operations has with economic vitality by providing parking spaces for those who work and visit the many businesses located in the community! 📣 Describe what the average day looks like for you. 💭 An average day includes facilitating all necessary operations to manage the parking garages and lots owned by the City, including working alongside the contracted parking management company’s on-site team. Collectively, we work to make sure the City’s expectations for a clean and safe parking experience are met on a daily basis. 📣 What is one skill you have that helps you succeed in economic development? 💭 I would say it’s my ability to pay close attention to details. When overseeing parking operations in multiple facilities with a mix of monthly and hourly parking customers, it can be easy to have things get lost in the shuffle, but by paying close attention to the details, and encouraging others to do the same, we are able to help create positive experiences for parking customers. 📣 If you weren’t in your current position, what would you be doing? 💭 I would most likely work as an independent contractor focusing on organization of spaces and interior decorating. I used to have my own space organization and interior decorating business and enjoyed being able to help people by bringing organization to what was sometimes years of clutter and chaos. Staff Spotlight is a series of posts celebrating #EconDevWeek in conjunction with International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA). Make sure to catch a new Staff Spotlight tomorrow!

To celebrate #EconDevWeek, Charlottesville Office of Economic Development is featuring their AMAZING staff members this week! Meet Administrative Assistant Trish Carpenter! She has worked in the OED for over seven years. In her spare time, she enjoys kickboxing, cuddling with her miniature poodle, sewing, quilting, knitting, reading, baking, and gardening! 🌷 🍰

Welcome to the City of Charlottesville, Donald Schrager MBA!

City of Charlottesville Parks and Recreation is asking Charlottesville area residents to share feedback for their master plan update that will be used to guide the department for the next 10 years. 🛝🌳 Fill out the survey today at https://lnkd.in/g9j-k_-P

Two months ago my community involvement coordinator came up with an idea to engage teenagers with a new program called “courtside chats.” We basically show up and play a pickup game with the kids at the boys and girls club. Each week, more and more teenagers show up. Over the last two months relationships and conversations have begun organically. These are great kids. My basketball skills have not gotten much better, but it is one heck of a workout.