Charles County Economic Development Department – Chief of Commercial Development

• Chief of Commercial Development
• White Plains, MD
• Filing Deadline: Best consideration date is March 13, 2024. Otherwise open until filled.

Hiring Range:  $98,160.72 – $128,590.54; commensurate with experience.

Performs management leadership and technical work related to the implementation, development, and redevelopment of key opportunity sites in the County and the jurisdictions within. Includes program review, coordination, and technical guidance for the Board of County Commissioners on a variety of redevelopment issues including site acquisition and development of mixed use and transit-oriented development and civic projects. Works with various county departments, state and federal agencies and private developers to initiate partnerships for various projects related to the conceptual development plans for the area. Represents the county in negotiations for development proposals and structure agreements for consideration of elected officials.

Essential Job Functions

• Works on essential program management duties under the direction of the Director of Economic Development and will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of programs related to development that supports employment and new job creation within the County, including monitoring and reviewing various projects.
• Works directly with Director of Economic Development and staff to include departmental staff in Planning & Growth Management, Legal, Fiscal & Administrative Services, Public Works and others as needed.
• Supports the Department’s targeted industry sectors attraction, retention, and expansion efforts.
• Prepares real estate market analyses for the office, industrial, retail and housing sectors. Prepares comprehensive geography-based market and current conditions analyses and revitalization strategies.
• Collaborates with the County’s Tourism Division on enhancing and supporting the hospitality sector and revitalization activities at destination attractions.
• Provides technical assistance to the Towns of La Plata and Indian Head to assist in their economic development and redevelopment efforts, including the preparation of market, financial and fiscal analyses as well as the coordination of outside assistance.
• Leads the public sector development/redevelopment efforts for the Aviation Business Park zoning district which includes the Maryland Airport, a General Aviation airport in western Charles County and a designated reliever airport for Reagan National.
• Manages and fields all inquiries for the County’s Rehabilitation Tax Credit.
• Develops status reports on projects. Communicates with, and makes presentations to, the Board of County Commissioners, Planning Commission, and key staff. Takes a leadership role in promoting and coordinating future projects and consultant services.
• Participates and serves on committees and teams for various development projects within the County. Attends meetings offers valuable feedback and insight and seen as a subject matter expert for development.
• Analyze commercial development project budgets and recommends funding mechanisms or cost sharing partnerships in order to achieve the project completion. Includes specific items to be funded by the private sector and the public sector.
• Works on various intergovernmental coordination issues. Meets with various agencies on the county, state, and federal levels to promote development and transit services for Charles County. Solicits and manages the work of consultants as needed in order to fulfill the work related to future implementation in accordance with policies and programs. Researches and applies for grant opportunities to help complete various projects.
• Performs business and economic analysis related to project costs and benefit analysis, and anticipated tax revenues for proposed projects. Works on potential establishment of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) or other special funding districts or mechanisms to fund redevelopment. Identifies potential anchor developments and/or tenant mix.
• Works with businesses, landowners, and other stakeholders in commercial development area(s) to ensure consistent on-going communication, address concerns, and identify opportunities and resources for participation and partnerships.
• Researches and manages financing programs to assist with commercial development and businesses located in the community.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Education and Experience:

Master of Business Administration Degree, or Master’s degree in Urban or City Planning, Real Estate, Economic Development or a related field is preferred. Seven (7) years of progressively responsible related experience.

Experience working with Revenue Authorities, such as Industrial Development Authority, Community Redevelopment Agency, and Economic Development Authority is preferred.

Licenses or Certifications:

Preferred: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP); Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants (AASBC); Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Accredited Professional (LEED AP); Certified Economic Developer (CEcD); and/or American Institute of Architecture (AIA) Licensed Architect.

Special Requirements/Qualifications:

Ability to maintain confidential information.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of smart growth, transit-oriented development (TOD), urban planning, growth management, redevelopment and economic development, banking and commercial lending, market research.
• Knowledge of analysis and management principles as applied to real estate development, budgeting, and project management.
• Knowledge of business development, real estate, and commercial lending, with underwriting and analysis.
• Knowledge of financial management and international trade development.
• Ability to negotiate public redevelopment projects with potential investment and development companies.
• Ability to understand and prepare real estate development financial analyses.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct project teams and consultant.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to manage the construction and development review process.
• Ability to represent the County to other governments, private organizations, development companies and community groups.
• Ability to initiate and follow through on the details of proposals and projects related to redevelopment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to make presentations to both elected officials, corporate executives, and the general public.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is primarily in office surroundings. Typical positions require workers to walk or stand for longer periods, lift, and carry up to 20 pounds; climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp, and turn objects; and use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards. The work requires the ability to speak normally and use normal or aided vision and hearing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Principal duties of this job are performed in a general office environment. Employee is subject to work beyond the normal scheduled hours of work to include evening meetings. Some travel outside of the area for meetings or conferences may be required.

Department/Division: Economic Development

Pay Grade: 120

FLSA Status: Exempt

Telework Eligible: Yes

Reports to: Director of Economic Development

Supervises: Agricultural Business Development Manager and Business Development Coordinator