Cecil County Office of Economic Development – Business Development Specialist

• Business Development Specialist
• Cecil County Office of Economic Development
• Job Code: 2373
• Grade: 118G
• Department: Economic Development
• Reports to Position: Deputy Director FLSA: Non-Exempt
• Salary: $28.47-$37.19
• Filing Deadline: Open until filled

Position Summary

The Economic Development Coordinator serves as the front line of Cecil County’s economic development team and is responsible for the day-to-day support of business attraction, expansion and retention efforts in the County. This entry to mid-level professional position offers the chance to join a dynamic group of professionals dedicated to making Cecil County a premier place to do business. Performance is evaluated by the Deputy Director based on accomplishments.

Position Responsibilities

1. Assist with business attraction initiatives, including but not limited to, assisting with RFI responses, research and data collection, property searches, etc.
2. Coordinate outreach to existing businesses within the County to provide business retention and expansion assistance.
3. Work actively with Commercial Real Estate Brokers and property owners to identify, track, and market underutilized or vacant buildings and sites.
4. Coordinate with other County departments and community partners as needed to respond to business interests and concerns.
5. Maintain confidential and accurate project information in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
6. Assist with developing and maintaining a list of current businesses within the county and obtaining employee counts from major employers and medium-sized companies on an annual basis.
7. Assist in creating an emergency response plan in coordination with EMS for business support in the event of a natural or manmade disaster.
8. Forge strategic economic development partnerships with businesses, community partners, and other jurisdictions.
9. Prepare correspondence, press releases, reports, and promotional materials as needed.
10. Create and manage social media content for OED’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
11. Work closely with Cecil County Public Schools (CCPS) administrators, teachers, Career and Technical Education (CTE) coordinators, and the Susquehanna Workforce Network on developing, implementing, and promoting programs and initiatives that will create apprenticeships and internships to enhance students’ employability skills, and help meet the workforce needs of local employers.
12. Actively connect local businesses to the CTE youth apprenticeship program to expand workforce opportunities for student apprenticeships/internships and grow the local talent pipeline for employers.
13. Promote CTE programs through outreach, marketing, and communications efforts targeting parents, guardians, schools, students, and the wider community to increase awareness and participation in CTE programs.
14. Make recommendations to CCPS for changes, additions, and deletions in the CTE programs to meet changing job trends and labor market needs.
15. Obtain and compile data on CTE youth apprenticeships and programs within the County on an annual basis.
16. Maintain a comprehensive and current understanding of policies, procedures, codes, regulations, and incentives relating to economic development.
17. Gather, maintain, and analyze data on State and Federal assistance programs, local zoning procedures, local economic data, such as labor force, unemployment rates, utility rates, and industrial sites.
18. Assist with the marketing and administration of grants as applicable.
19. Organize, set priorities, and oversee projects with minimal supervision.
20. Provide outstanding customer service, both internally and externally.
21. Travel to and attends meetings, conferences/conventions, workshops, and training sessions as approved and as assigned, both during and after business hours. Such travel includes both within and outside of the County limits and may include travel outside the State of Maryland, as needed to perform assigned job duties.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in business administration, marketing, or economics or a closely related field.

Experience

Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in economic development, business, government or related field.

*An interested candidate with an equivalent combination of education and experience as listed above may be considered.

Certificate(s) and/or License(s)

1. Possession of a valid Class “C” non-commercial driver’s license with no more than three (3) points.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

1. Ability to network and establish and maintain effective working relationships and partnerships.
2. Excellent oral and written skills, including the ability to make public presentations.
3. Ability to maintain confidentiality of all information both external and internal to OED.
4. Proficient in MS Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
5. Experience with CRM systems such as Salesforce, HubSpot or similar databases.
6. Impeccable organization skills with the ability to manage multiple projects at one time.
7. Ability to work independently in a proactive, priority-based manner.
8. Knowledge of economic development theories, principles, and practices.
9. Ability to compile and present data and prepare reports.
10. Ability to work collaboratively as an active member of the economic development team and be poised to assist coworkers, other county departments, and business partners.
11. Knowledge and/or interest in Career and Technical Education (CTE).
12. This position requires the use of personal and/or County vehicles on County business. Individuals must be physically capable to operate the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record.

Miscellaneous Position Information

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

This role is primarily sedentary in nature but may involve occasional strenuous effort, such as handling moderately heavy boxes, tools, equipment, or other materials; walking or climbing over uneven surfaces; and sitting/standing in fixed position for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift 50 pounds unassisted on a regular basis. General conditions involve working at a computer, using telephonic equipment, and interfacing regularly with internal and/or external stakeholders.

Work is normally performed Monday through Friday during normal business hours, however, may require alternate work hours 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

Individuals appointed or promoted to a position in this class will be required to serve a probationary period of six (6) months. Performance will be carefully evaluated during the probationary period. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.

*Telework is available for this position based in accordance with the County’s Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual. Consideration for telework must follow the application, review and approval/denial process as set forth within the P&P Manual.

Conditions of Employment

1. Prior to appointment, employees are subject to pre-employment medical history review and drug testing, extensive background investigation (which may require CJIS and NCIS clearance), including but not limited to reference checking, and driving history, and an evaluation of training or experience.

Benefits (*Not all positions may be eligible for these programs.)

Cecil County Government offers a full complement of benefits including medical, dental, life, disability, and AD&D insurance programs as well as generous time off benefits. We understand that finding the right balance between home and career is a challenge and offer the following programs: employee assistance program, flexible work arrangements/compressed schedule and telework/remote office opportunities.

This position description is representative of the general and most important components of this role and does not characterize every aspect of the job; other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as warranted and deemed appropriate. This document does not constitute a contract of employment, nor a guarantee of continued employment. Cecil County Government is an equal opportunity employer.

By signing below the employee indicates this job description was reviewed, acknowledged, and accepted. Questions regarding the job description should be directed to Human Resources.

This position description is representative of the general and most important components of this role and does not characterize every aspect of the job; other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as warranted and deemed appropriate.