Caroline County – Economic Development Director

By MEDA Admin | Aug 10, 2023
  • Director of Economic Development
  • Office of Economic Development and Tourism
  • Filing Deadline: Open until filled

The Office of Economic Development and Tourism creates economic opportunities for the businesses and residents of Caroline County. It pursues economic growth in a strategic manner that preserves the County’s rural character, while also improving quality of life, increasing economic opportunity, enhancing workforce development and job growth, and assisting businesses with startup, expansion, or retention, and curating a satisfying visitor and recreational experience for residents and tourists.

DEFINITION:

The Economic Development Director supervises economic development and tourism activities for Caroline County. The Director is the primary point of contact for county businesses who need assistance and for firms considering relocation into the county. The Director also serves as the primary resource for the County Commissioners in formulating and delivering effective economic development strategies. Work in this class specification is characterized by a wide variety of tasks requiring a thorough knowledge of business recruitment, retention, and expansion. An employee in this class works with nominal supervision and exercises a high level of independent judgment. The employee sets daily assignments, deadlines, plans, and performs work autonomously, deferring to the County Commissioners or seeking advice of the County Administrator as necessary. On projects and reports, the Director routinely meets with and briefs the County Commissioners.

The Director is responsible for creating and implementing the County’s strategic plan for economic development. This includes working with the County Commissioners and the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) to establish objectives in business retention and expansion, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and marketing & business attraction. The position is highly collaborative and responsible for cultivating and maintaining strategic partnerships and relationships to further these objectives.

Most work occurs in an office setting and in business locations where professional behavior, attitude, and attire are required. Some business travel may be required. The position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in accordance with Section 13 (a)(1) Part 541, Administrative, Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

  • Provide an exceptional level of customer service at all times.
  • Develop and implement an economic development strategic plan for the County. This includes formulating effective strategies for recruiting, retaining, and expanding businesses based on guidance and feedback from the County Commissioners and the Economic Development Advisory Board.
  • Coordinate meetings and provide resources for prospective businesses considering relocating or expanding to Caroline County.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact and service provider for local businesses; respond to business needs in a timely manner and follow up to ensure any issues have been resolved.
  • Assist entrepreneurs in launching new businesses; connect them with resources that will increase their likelihood of success and sustainability.
  • Develop and manage an outreach strategy to make business owners aware of the services they can access through the economic development office and other local, regional, and state resources.
  • Coordinate with local business to promote workforce development and retention, by assisting them with resources.
  • Coordinate with the County Administrator and County communication team on the County’s branding and marketing efforts.
  • Create and provide training and workshops for businesses as needed.
  • Process applications for the County’s Small Business Loan Program; coordinate committee meetings and present the committee’s recommendations to the County Commissioners
  • Build a network of service providers and stakeholders who can help serve the business community; build and maintain relationships and partnerships with key allied agencies at all levels of government.
  • Develop and implement a departmental budget. Effectively manage departmental resources.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with local municipal governments to coordinate with their economic development goals.
  • Independently set priorities and manage limited resources to best serve the businesses of Caroline County.
  • Represent Caroline County at regional and state economic development meetings.
  • Develops workforce and marketing initiatives with stakeholders and counterparts on a multiple-county, regional, and statewide level. This includes partnerships with state, local and regional organizations.
  • Monitor legislation and regulations relating to economic development and reports findings to the appropriate impacted parties. This may include testifying before the State Legislature in Annapolis as directed by the County Commissioners.
  • Serve as a member of economic development groups or task forces that promote economic and community development at the local, State or Federal level, as deemed necessary or appropriate.
  • Promote the development of commercial and industrial property within the municipalities, facilitating the sale of lots and the orderly development of projects.
  • Provide information and/or make presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups, businesses, individuals, and the general public on economic development issues, programs, services, and plan.
  • Provide economic development advice, assist in the application and permitting process, and serve as an advocate for economic development in line with the Comprehensive Plan, zoning ordinances, and goals as established by the County.
  • Directly manage work performed by consulting firms and assigned County staff.
  • Provide staff support to the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) including scheduling meeting, taking minutes, and conducting work as necessary. Work with the Commissioners’ Office to fill vacancies as needed.
  • Provides oversight on outreach strategy to make tourism related business owners aware of locations and benefits of beginning, expanding, or moving business to Caroline County.
  • Assist start-up, established, and growth tourism related businesses and organizations by connecting them with resources that will increase their likelihood of success and sustainability.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Excellent communication and listening skills, including in-person, telephone, and writing.
  • Knowledge of Business English, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
  • Ability to operate various types of office equipment, and advanced computer and software knowledge including Microsoft Office and email.
  • Ability to use social media.
  • Working knowledge of economic development, business, finance, and marketing principles and practices.
  • Ability to work independently and to understand and follow complex directions and policies; to communicate effectively and politely with coworkers and the public; to obtain, record and pass on whatever technical information is necessary.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.Excellent time management skills with the ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks within tight deadlines.
  • Ability to work in a multi-task environment.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Ability to facilitate training in areas of interest to businesses.
  • Ability to conduct effective public presentations.
  • Experience in economic development.
  • Experience conducting training.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in business or a business-related field. A minimum of five years general administrative or business experience. Working knowledge of personal computing and software routinely used in an office environment (Microsoft ® Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Supervisory experience preferred.

REQUIRED LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES:

Maryland Class “C” Driver’s License

DEADLINE TO APPLY:

Open until filled

Upon an employment offer, applicants must submit to a substance abuse test and complete criminal background check. EOE

HOW TO APPLY:

Submit a resume and cover letter:

Caroline County Office of Human Resources

602 Crystal Ave.

Denton, Maryland 21629

OR email to: hrposting@carolinemd.org. If you have questions, please call 410-479-4105