Cecil County Office of Economic Development – Deputy Director

• Deputy Director
• Cecil County’s Office of Economic Development
• Job Code: 2374
• Grade: 124G
• Department: Economic Development
• Reports to Position: Director
• FLSA: Exempt
• Salary: $79,357.54-$95,565.62
• Filing Deadline: Open until filled

Position Summary

The Deputy Director position is a highly visible opportunity in the Cecil County’s Office of Economic Development (OED) which is a small, fast-paced, future-oriented team focused on strategically marketing Cecil County as a premier business location. The role offers an opportunity to be part of a dynamic group of professionals working in the areas of business attraction, retention and expansion, redevelopment, small business, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and tourism. Under the general supervision of the Director of OED, the Deputy Director aids in creating, improving, and implementing a comprehensive economic development program to increase the County’s property tax revenue base and employment opportunities, and enhance the quality of life of all residents.

Position Responsibilities

1. Serves as the second in charge of the department, providing support and recommendations to the Director on policy, strategic direction, and personnel development.
2. Collaborates with the Director to develop and implement tactics to achieve the goals of the strategic plan.
3. Assists in preparing items and briefings for the County Executive and County Council and may have direct contact with the County Administrator and County Council Manager and their staff as part of the agenda preparation and briefing process.
4. Acts as Department Head in the Director’s absence.
5. Assists in managing staff and evaluating staff performance.
6. Plans and organizes economic development activities and practices to expand the tax base, encourage creation of jobs, improve the quality of life in Cecil County, and foster a sustainable local economy.
7. Develops and implements economic development promotional activities to attract and retain a diversified mix of businesses by various means such as phone calls, direct mail, targeted marketing initiatives, trade show participation, magazine and journal articles, etc.
8. Identifies state tax, regulatory, tax concessions, energy concessions, and other policies that may affect the retention and location of technology-driven companies and other businesses in the County.
9. Consults with other County departments, local governments and organizations as well as private developers and individuals regarding economic development issues, including land use and property development. 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.
10. Gathers data and other information for analysis and prepares reports on economic development matters and projects for internal and external presentations.
11. Represents the interests of the County in local, regional and state organizations, including coordinating activities with surrounding counties, and interfacing with various community and citizen groups to obtain and provide feedback and to foster a friendly business climate.
12. Maintains confidential project information in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, ensuring records are current and accurate.
13. Leads effort to develop an emergency response plan in coordination with EMS for business support in the event of a natural or manmade disaster.
14. Travels 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

Bachelors Degree in Economics, Real Estate Development, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Public Policy or other closely related field. Master’s degree is a plus, but not required.

Experience

A minimum of five years of professional leadership experience directing staff, program management, operating budgets, and providing input on strategic direction.

*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. Proven leadership ability.
2. Aptitude for critical/strategic thinking.
3. Can perform work independently and consistently meet deadlines without requiring close supervision.
4. Ability to work collaboratively as an active member of the economic development team.
5. Talent for networking and establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and partnerships.
6. Excellent oral and written skills, including the ability to make public presentations.
7. Proficient in MS Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
8. Experience with CRM systems such as Salesforce, HubSpot or similar databases.
9. Impeccable organization skills with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
10. Thorough knowledge of the methods and techniques used in economic and community development, and promotional and public relations activities.
11. Extensive knowledge of economic, environmental and planning factors related to economic and community development.
12. Familiarity with current Federal and State economic development programs and incentives.
13. Understanding of current employment conditions and trends of the local labor market.
14. Knowledge of the general principles, terminology and practices used in municipal, regional or community planning. 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.
15. Competency in assembling data, presenting findings, and generating reports.

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.