Community Development Director

Purpose of the position

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Community Development Director leads the planning, development, and implementation of EO’s community development initiatives, including new facility development projects and strategic expansion efforts.

This position oversees projects from concept development and feasibility through construction completion and operational launch, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with EO’s long-term mission and impact goals.

A major focus of the role will be managing the facility development portion of a multi-year federal childcare infrastructure initiative supporting the development of new childcare facilities designed to strengthen the regional workforce and support working families.

The Director works closely with the President & CEO, internal departments, public-private partners, and external consultants to advance EO’s capital projects and community development strategy.

Essential functions

Community Development & Strategic Planning

• Lead planning and development activities for EO’s expansion of community services and facilities.
• Evaluate growth opportunities, community needs, and strategic investments that align with EO’s mission.
• Provide analysis and recommendations to the President & CEO regarding future development initiatives.
• Support the development of EO’s emerging Community Development Division.

Capital Project Development & Construction Management

• Oversee all phases of facility development including planning, site selection, design, budgeting, construction, and project completion.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables for major development initiatives.
• Coordinate architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants to ensure projects meet scope, schedule, and quality expectations.
• Monitor project financial performance in partnership with EO’s finance team.

Childcare Infrastructure Development

• Lead development of childcare facility projects funded through government and other public-private partnerships.
• Coordinate with early childhood program leadership to ensure facilities support high-quality care and education.
• Support regulatory approvals, licensing preparation, and operational readiness prior to facility launch.

Resource Development & Compliance

• In coordination with the Grant Development Director, identify and pursue federal, state, and philanthropic funding opportunities related to capital projects and development initiatives.
• Support development of grant proposals and scopes of work for facility-based projects.
• Ensure projects comply with applicable funding requirements, reporting obligations, and regulatory standards.

Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, economic development organizations, school systems, and community partners.
• Represent EO in regional development discussions and collaborative initiatives.
• Facilitate meetings and presentations to stakeholders regarding development initiatives and project progress.

Administration & Organizational Coordination

• Maintain accurate project documentation, financial records, and compliance materials.
• Provide status updates and strategic reports to EO leadership and the Board of Directors as needed.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with EO program, finance, operations, development, and marketing teams.

Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to listen carefully and interpret what is being said
• Experience handling multiple assignments at the same time
• Enjoy working independently and as part of a team
• Ability to solve problems quickly and effectively
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work with ambiguity and under tight schedules
• Exhibit a positive attitude
• Exhibit a professional manner and appearance
• Strong organization, time management, accuracy, and productivity/prioritization skills
• High level of trust, integrity, and ethics
• Strong commitment to maintaining integrity and confidentiality of information
• Advanced understanding and experience in a variety of computer applications, including use of the internet, SaaS products, Microsoft Office products, etc.
• Working knowledge of office equipment (computers, printers, copiers, conference phones)
• Working knowledge of online remote work technologies
• Ability to participate effectively and contribute meaningfully to meetings
• Manage administrative tasks including project budget(s), update metrics, manage project(s), approve expenses
• Monitor and update Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to evaluate project health and effectiveness
• Have working knowledge of construction documents and terminology

Work environment

This position is based in the Abingdon, Virginia office.

Physical demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Position type and expected hours of work

Employee should be able to work core hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with frequent meetings, events, and possible emergencies outside of core hours.

Travel required

The ideal candidate will be available to travel regularly to attend early morning, evening, overnight, and/or weekend meetings in person and should be able to travel independently where needed.

Certificates, licenses, registrations required

• Valid driver's license and automobile insurance
• Reliable high-speed home internet

Required education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited 4-year college or university in community development, planning, business administration, public administration, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in community development, project management, construction management, or economic development
• Experience managing complex multi-stakeholder projects and budgets
  
  

Preferred experience

• Master’s degree from accredited 4-year college or university in community development, planning, business administration, public administration, or related field
• Familiarity with federal and state grant programs and compliance processes, including federal and state procurement and RFP processes

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

EO is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered for vacancies without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age, or status as a veteran or other category protected under applicable state or municipal law. EO will reasonably accommodate the disabilities of qualified applicants to permit them to perform the essential functions of the subject position.

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.