Economic Development Specialist

Essential Functions: Carries out department outreach, marketing, and communication initiatives: Communicate the department's initiatives and accomplishments through various means; Develop digital and printed marketing materials based on data, strategic plans, and other initiatives and documents Represent the organization at various economic development functions; Develops, implements, plans, schedules, monitors, and supervises large and complex department-specific marketing and communication projects; Liaisons with local, regional, and state organizations related to the program; Performs targeted industry communication for business attraction and retention: Oversee updates to the printed and digital versions of the Technology Resource Book; Investigate and identify growth opportunities for business relocation and existing business expansion; Research and support recruitment efforts for qualified companies; Work with external organizations charged with regional marketing, business recruitment, business retention, and business expansion efforts; Work with key retail districts to identify messaging strategies that would increase their vitality; Foster entrepreneurship and small business growth communication; Performs data analysis: Collect and organize industry specific market data and analyze economic trends; Provide strategic advice and information on economic development activity, trends and issues; Coordinate department participation on economic assumptions and forecasts; Fosters a business and development friendly environment: Help identify processes and regulations that hinder business establishment and work towards streamlining and simplifying; Help coordinate economic development initiatives with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders; Participate in established internal teams to coordinate large-scale development projects; Review proposals for development opportunities and assist with multi-party negotiations for significant economic development projects; Management and County Governance: Assess performance as compared with comprehensive economic development strategic plan; Draft memos and reports for submittal in BoardDocs and other professional written correspondence; Assist Director and Deputy Director with meeting preparation and follow-up; Attend meetings on behalf of Director and Deputy Director and accompany them to meetings; Coordinate and oversee contracts with outside agencies associated with economic development. Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to gain thorough knowledge of St. Mary's County Government policies and procedures; Ability to act as a representative of St. Mary's County Government to the public; Expert knowledge of department practices and procedures and of the practices, procedures, and concepts of the assigned programs; Knowledge of relevant Federal, State, and Local regulations relative to the operations of specific projects and programs; Ability to effectively communicate with other staff members; Ability to effectively monitor staff performance; Ability to develop, implement, prioritize, and coordinate program-related activities; Ability to use available resources to research information; Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records; Ability to operate relevant computer systems, including hardware and software.

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree; Five years or more of related experience; Or equivalent technical training, education, and/or experience.