VEDP seeks to hire a Chief of Talent and Workforce Strategy who will play a central role in positioning Virginia as a Top State for Talent by developing a strategy and coordinating across VEDP divisions, regional partners, and state government to implement the strategy.

While Virginia has long focused on meeting employers’ talent needs, efforts to truly differentiate Virginia as a Top State for Talent are in the early stages. VEDP has developed three strategic focus areas for this effort and is working to align our efforts with workforce development organizations, higher education, and other statewide talent stakeholders. VEDP’s primary strategic focus areas for talent are:

Retain and Attract Talent: Strengthening and highlighting the Commonwealth’s assets and economic opportunities is necessary to retain and attract the talent that will meet the demands of employers

Develop Talent that is Aligned to Employers’ Needs: Understanding industry needs and production of in-demand talent aligned with those needs is critical for creating pathways to opportunity and building a thriving workforce

Unlock Individual Potential by Reducing Barriers: To ensure Virginians engage in the labor force, the Commonwealth needs to reduce barriers to participation and advancement (e.g., childcare, transportation, housing)