Economic Development Specialist

Overview: The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) brings a big and bold approach to achieving greater economic competitiveness and prosperity across Montgomery County, MD.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a fresh public/private perspective, entrepreneurial spirit, and proactive approach to economic development, the MCEDC is focused on maximizing Montgomery County's rich diversity of people, talent, and business expertise to keep the county at the leading edge of today's competitive economic development environment.

Overseen by a Board of Directors with both public and private sector representation, the MCEDC is committed to growing the county's vibrant business community and leveraging 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 (Life Sciences) is an exempt, full-time position and serves as a key member of the MCEDC's business development team. This position will perform increasingly responsible work to attract and retain life sciences companies in Montgomery County. This person will have experience in life sciences and a passion for learning about life-saving therapies, drugs and other medical advancements, and using that knowledge to make critical connections within the county's ecosystem.

Responsibilities include interacting with businesses, business organizations, and county resources to meet needs pertaining to the creation, maintenance 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 those business communities.

Essential Functions/Duties/Tasks:

• Assist in recruitment and retention efforts within the life sciences sector, 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 in order 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.

• Conduct proactive outreach to minority and ethnic chambers of commerce, business associations and businesses to learn about their constituencies, services and priorities, and 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:

• Working knowledge of the life sciences industry

• Ability to understand complex ideas and concepts and effectively communicate them in writing

• 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 an entrepreneurial environment

• Experience working with life sciences companies, educational institutions, also federal, state and local partners in Maryland

• 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

Job Type: Full-time, Exempt
Job Location: Montgomery County, MD (Hybrid)
Preferred education: Bachelor's Degree
Required experience: Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience

Salary: $78,000-$86,000

EOE 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, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.