MCEDC – Economic Development Specialist

• Job Type: Full-time, Exempt
• Job Location: Hybrid / Montgomery County, MD
• Preferred education: Bachelor’s Degree
• Required experience: Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience
• Salary: $78,000-$86,000
• Filing Deadline: Open until filled

Overview:
Join the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), where innovation meets impact. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, MCEDC combines a unique public/private perspective with an entrepreneurial spirit to drive economic growth and competitiveness across Montgomery County, MD. We are dedicated to leveraging the county’s rich diversity and dynamic talent pool to stay at the forefront of economic development. Guided by a Board of Directors from both public and private sectors, MCEDC is committed to cultivating a robust business ecosystem. We aim to leverage current strengths and advantages to build an even stronger, more stable, and diverse future economy that benefits all members of the community. The Economic Development Specialist is an exempt, full-time position within our business development team, reporting to a Director of Economic Development. This position involves a significant focus on marketing Montgomery County to businesses, highlighting the county’s unique advantages to attract new businesses and retain existing ones. Responsibilities include interacting with businesses, business organizations, and county partners and resources to meet needs pertaining to the creation, retention and expansion of businesses to create a diverse, sustainable economy and long-term economic growth for Montgomery County. In addition, the Economic Development Specialist will work with the county’s small business community and perform outreach to minority and ethnic chambers of commerce and related groups, to develop partnerships and programs to support these business communities.

Essential Functions/Duties/Tasks:
• Assist in recruitment and retention efforts focused on targeted industry sectors including finance, insurance, real estate (specifically Federally-owned/GSA properties) and other identified industry needs, and work with the MCEDC team to implement a wide range of economic development
projects and programs.
• Become familiar with the full range of economic development assistance provided by MCEDC and its partner organizations and identify and develop tools and resources for businesses and community partners.
• Schedule and coordinate joint company visits with MCEDC partners, and participate in same.
• Respond to requests for information and develop subject-matter-expertise to provide connections and guidance to businesses, partners, the general public, and/or outside agencies.
• Serve as economic development contact for businesses, prospective partners, government, and other organizations, and represent MCEDC and act as liaison for a variety of meetings, advisory groups, boards, committees, agencies, councils, and/or other related groups.
• Research and develop new business contacts and opportunities and draft proposals, applications, presentations, and other documents as needed to develop opportunities.
• Research the local community to identify small and minority business and community groups and identify opportunities for creative partnerships.
• Proactively reach out to minority and ethnic chambers of commerce, business associations and businesses to inform them of the economic development assistance provided by MCEDC and its partners.
• With MCEDC staff, initiate meetings and conduct strategic and effective presentations with representatives of local business and community organizations to cultivate partnerships and generate new opportunities for the MCEDC to help grow jobs and the business tax base.
• With MCEDC staff, create and implement partnership programs and initiatives that build stronger, more aligned collaboration among the MCEDC and partner organizations.
• Continuously build and maintain a collaborative relationship with businesses, partners, and client communities.
• Through regular ongoing engagement with businesses and small and minority business community groups, help identify community needs and service gaps.
• Track business interactions and results in MCEDC’s Salesforce database.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:
• Ability to develop respect and trust from community and business leaders
• Ability to understand the viewpoint of business, including minority and underserved business communities
• Superb communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen actively and present clearly and effectively in positive or negative situations, and to respond well to questions
• Writes clearly and informatively and varies writing style to meet needs
• Independent and strategic thinker with the capacity to generate new ideas and act creatively
• Strong team player
• Ability to represent MCEDC at community-based events and meetings
• Comfortable organizing interns and volunteers
• Adaptable to changes in the work environment, managing competing demands, changing approaches or methods to best fit the situation, and dealing with frequent changes or unexpected events.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, to meet tight deadlines within budgetary constraints, and to handle multiple projects simultaneously and autonomously
• Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license

Preferred education and experience:
• Experience working in business development, economic development or related field
• Experience working in an entrepreneurial environment
• Bachelor’s Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience
• Proficiency in working with Microsoft Office Suite
• Familiarity with standard office equipment
• Foreign language fluency—ideally, applicants will be proficient in one or more languages that are relevant in the local business community

Description of physical demands and work environment:
• Must be able to travel throughout the county to companies, partner organizations, meetings and events
• Must be able to occasionally travel outside of the region to events and trade shows
• Must be able to use office equipment and computers
• Position may require moderate lifting of supplies and materials from time to time
• The working environment is a general office environment with a moderate noise level

EEO Statement:

Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.