Division Director - Economic Opportunity

Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; full-benefits 
NOTE: A limited telework work opportunity may be available for this role in accordance with Division policies. However, the position requires frequent in-person visits across the community and beyond, making on-site presence a critical component of the job.

Frederick County is a dynamic and prosperous region with a thriving $12 billion economy. It is home to a highly educated workforce, a globally recognized bioscience and technology sector, strong manufacturing, and a broad spectrum of professional services. To continue driving economic vitality, the County is seeking an innovative and strategic leader to serve as Director of the Division of Economic Opportunity (Division), which encompasses both the Office of Economic Development and Frederick County Workforce Services.

The Director will provide visionary leadership to advance the County’s goals in business growth, attraction, and retention, while strengthening workforce development initiatives. This role oversees all Division operations, including stakeholder engagement, site development, financial incentive programs, and business intelligence. The Director will also play a key role in positioning Frederick County as a premier destination for business investment and talent development. Supervision is given to professional staff; supervision is received by the Chief Financial Officer.  This position is appointed and serves at the pleasure of the County Executive.

For best consideration, submit your application by 4:00 p.m. Friday, December 12th.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members.  If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Vesting after 5 years of service
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan.

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage

• Develop and implement long-range and short-range plans to grow existing businesses, attract new companies, and build strong workforce development pipelines
• Oversee initiatives to attract new businesses to Frederick County, including site selection support and incentive development
• Lead the development, evaluation, and administration of financial incentive tools and policies to support business attraction and retention
• Conduct risk analysis and fiscal impact assessments for economic development proposals
• Oversee contract negotiations and policy development for major projects
• Develop and administer policies, programs, and incentives to stimulate economic growth and redevelopment, with a focus on equity and inclusion
• Develop and implement a comprehensive economic development strategy that aligns with long-term goals, administration priorities, and the Livable Frederick Master Plan 
• Oversee workforce development initiatives to include job seekers, employers and youth initiatives
• Facilitate partnerships with educational institutions and training organizations to grow the regional workforce
• Build and maintain productive relationships with business leaders, developers, government agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations
• Work collaboratively with other internal and external government agencies, regional organizations, and community stakeholders to promote economic development initiatives
• Serve as chief spokesperson and representative for the division; present information to elected officials, community groups, and the public
• Represent the County at regional, national, and international events to foster partnerships and attract investors
• Develop, execute, and modify the Division’s Strategic Plan and set the overall direction for the Division through prioritizing projects; provide long and short-range goals and plans for departments
• Manage and participate in budget development, grant administration, procurement, and fiscal monitoring
• Using an outcomes-based budgeting approach, guide and oversee the development and monitoring of the Division’s operating and capital budgets; present to the County Executive and the County Council
• Oversee all facets of staff hiring, evaluation process, supervision, and management; evaluate and monitor staffing requirements and personnel needs; oversee professional development and training for staff 
• Monitor and analyze economic data, trends, and key performance indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives
• Evaluate Division operations to identify opportunities for process improvements such as quality assurance and innovations
• Represent the County on federal, regional, and state committees
• Travel to on-site meetings and trainings across the State of Maryland as needed
• Promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging practices within the Division; confer with the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer to identify and execute strategies to ensure that all programs are designed and delivered using equitable practices; communicate values and expectations to management staff through policy creation, practice, and guidance; identify mechanisms to monitor and evaluate efforts  
• Perform other duties as assigned

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The essential duties do not cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economic Development, or a related field
• Minimum 10 years of economic development management work experience, which must include the following:  
  • Minimum 3 years in a supervisory role
  • Minimum 3 years of budget preparation and fiscal work experience 
  • Minimum 1 year work experience with economic development data systems and analytics
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft 365
• Possession of a valid automobile operator’s license

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
• Extensive knowledge of economic and workforce development principles, development finance, market trends, and public administration
• Extensive knowledge and skills in research, statistical analysis, sales, marketing, and public relations; ability to accurately compile and prepare statistical data and reports
• Extensive knowledge of management practices and procedures, including those related to planning, budgeting, personnel, purchasing and acquisitions, contracts and capital improvement expenditures, and general administration
• Ability to develop and evaluate financial incentive tools and policies
• Ability to effectively supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned division leadership and other staff and commitment to staff development
• Ability to deliver measurable results in economic development
• Discretion and good judgment in dealing with politically sensitive, confidential and personal information with ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality
• Ability to effectively access and utilize Microsoft 365 and other systems and equipment, and to learn new software as it is required
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and resolve complex issues
• Strong and effective spoken and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present clear, concise reports and presentations
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with government officials, business leaders, co-workers, and the public
• Demonstrate strong leadership skills and commitment to staff development
• Ability to effectively organize work, determine priorities, including the ability to make decisions and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision 

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• Related Master’s degree 
• Work experience in a local government setting 
• Work experience leading organizational development 
• Certified Economic Development Professional (CEcD) or Certified Development Finance Professional (CDFP)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently sit and walk; and occasionally drive
• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently work indoors and occasionally work outdoors

• Available for varied evening and weekend work hours to accommodate meetings, special events, etc.
• Required certifications must be maintained throughout tenure of employment 
• Ability to provide own transportation to other local and state-wide locations, as needed
• This is a County Executive appointed, at will position. Appointment to this position is subject to confirmation by the County Council. 

KIND OF EXAMINATION (may include):

1. An evaluation of training and experience
2. One or more interviews

Salary : $138,605 - $256,420