The City of Staunton, located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, is seeking highly qualified applicants for the position of Economic Mobility & Opportunity Special Assistant. Come join our highly professional team dedicated to serving this dynamic city and its citizens. For more information about the City Manager's Office, please visit City Manager's Office. The City of Staunton offers highly competitive compensation and benefits. Staunton, with a relatively low cost of living, is known for its history, architecture, arts and cultural and culinary delights

“One of the prettiest and most progressive towns in the South” and “20 charming mountain towns to visit this fall”—Southern Living

The Economic Mobility & Opportunity Special Assistant (EMOSA) is a grant-funded position for a period of 30 months with the potential to become a permanent position after that time. One of 16 positions across the nation, the successful applicant will regularly participate in convenings and trainings with the others in this cohort.

The EMOSA will be an important part of the City’s executive leadership team and will work out of the City Manager’s Office. This position will be responsible for coordinating efforts related to the economic mobility and opportunity of all residents in areas such as affordable housing, workforce barriers, and public transportation. This position will work closely with the Housing Planner, Transportation Planner, Economic Development staff, and a network of community partners and stakeholders.

The EMOSA is unique in that it will also come with a budget of approximately $100,000 over the 30-month period that can be used to accomplish their work. The budget can be used for consulting fees, engagement efforts, implementation initiatives, and professional development. This position will have access to funding for professional association memberships and to attend regular training and conferences.

This position requires familiarity with local government operations and interagency collaboration and with structural and institutional barriers to equity and economic advancement, as well as economic mobility factors. The ideal candidate should have knowledge of program development, strategic planning, and community-centered design methodologies, knowledge of grant programs and processes, and knowledge of leadership principles, conflict resolution, negotiation, and problem-solving. Skill in presenting/facilitating and community outreach is a must.

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, public policy, social sciences, planning, economics, or related field required. A minimum of five years of experience working in the public or non-profit sectors or in coordination with the public sector. Three years progressively complex experience in community engagement, workforce development, or economic development preferred.

Excellent benefits include participation in the Virginia Retirement System, paid-time off, group life insurance, medical insurance, professional dues, and conference expenses. Criminal background check is required.

FLSA: Exempt
Grade:16
Hiring Range: $65,000 to $80,000 DOE/DOQ
Start Date: On or around December 1, 2025
Reports To: City Manager

Applications will be reviewed as submitted and the recruitment will remain open until filled.

For additional questions, and/or a copy of the full position description, please contact Jonathan Venn, Chief Human Resources Officer.
Jonathan Venn, Chief Human Resources Officer
City of Staunton/Staunton City Schools
116 West Beverley St (Human Resources, 2nd Floor City Hall)
Staunton, VA. 24401
504-332-3914
vennjg@ci.staunton.va.us

The City of Staunton is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and is fully committed to the principles and practices of equal employment.

Position Type:Full Time
Salary:$65,000 to $80,000 Per Year

Job Requirements
Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information
Jonathan Venn
116 W Beverley St
Staunton, Virginia 24401
Phone: 540-332-3920
Email: jvenn@staunton.k12.va.us