Frederick County Office of Economic Development – Senior Business Development Specialist

• Senior Business Development Specialist
• Department: Economic Development
• Salary: $77,434.44 – $131,638.55
• Filing Deadline: 6/22/2026 4:00 PM Eastern

JOB INFORMATION

Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; full benefits; partial teleworking schedule may be available in accordance with Division policies.

The Senior Business Development Specialist within the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (FCOED), part of the Division of Economic Opportunity, performs professional-level work responsible for driving economic growth in the Advanced Manufacturing sector through business engagement, retention, expansion, and targeted attraction strategies. This position serves as the primary point of contact for existing advanced manufacturing companies. This position develops and executes strategies to recruit new firms and supports policies and initiatives that strengthen the County’s manufacturing ecosystem and competitiveness. The work involves strategic planning, relationship development with businesses, industry groups, government agencies, and educational institutions, and collaboration across internal and external partners to advance economic and workforce development priorities. The position also acts as a subject-matter resource on industry trends, workforce solutions, business attraction, and economic development opportunities, and may provide guidance to staff. Supervision is received from the Department Director of the Office of Economic Development.

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate.

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 (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all 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

NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year.

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

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain relationships with manufacturers, industry organizations and associations, educational institutions, and relevant local, state, and federal agencies
• Develop and execute business retention and expansion (BR&E) programs to support the growth and sustainability of local companies in the advanced manufacturing sector
• Serve as the primary point of contact for advanced manufacturing companies seeking assistance with expansion, workforce, permitting, incentives, financing and operational challenges
• Conduct research and analysis related to labor market trends, demographics, commercial development, workforce needs, economic indicators, and industry activity to support strategic decision-making and client services
• Work one-on-one with business to identify needs, connect companies to resources and facilitate problem solving
• Prepare custom responses to site selection Requests for Proposals (RFPS) using detailed research, data analysis and target marketing materials this would include helping with permitting, incentives, grants, recruitment support, and strategic partnerships
• Coordinate and oversee prospect visits and site tours to companies considering Frederick County locations
• As needed, develop incentive packages and assist in negotiating incentive agreements. Coordinate with the Maryland Department of Commerce and other entities on financial assistance, grants, loans and workforce development packages
• Work with developers and the County Department of Planning and Permitting to facilitate commercial development projects; Coordinate fast track permitting status
• Recommend commercial/industrial sites or buildings for expansion and attraction projects by analyzing location specifications and business needs
• Work with the media to highlight Frederick County’s businesses, manufacturing industry growth, success stories and competitive advantages
• Prepare customized proposals, reports, and presentations for business development and research projects
• Maintain and utilize databases, customer relationship management systems, websites, software applications, and reporting tools to track projects, client engagement activities, program outcomes, and performance metrics
• Represent the County and department at meetings, conferences, networking events, business visits, public outreach activities, and community engagements
• Work with the FCOED Marketing team to prepare and implement marketing plans and promotional materials to attract and retain businesses in Frederick County
• Work with FCOED Marketing to enhance and promote the Made in Manufacturing website and initiatives including Manufacturing Lunch,
• Learn and Tour events and working with industry partners to promote events
• Prepare reports and assist in managing program budgets; monitor and evaluate program performance, prepare statistical and operational reports, and recommend improvements to support organizational goals and service delivery
• Stay informed of emerging industry trends, workforce development practices, regulatory requirements, funding opportunities, and economic conditions affecting businesses and the community
• Attend and participate in local, regional, state and national industry events, conferences and committee meetings
• Make public presentations to diverse audiences including business leaders, elected officials, community organizations and industry audiences
• Provide guidance, training, technical assistance, or project leadership to staff, partners, interns, or stakeholders related to specialized program areas or departmental initiatives
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee’s position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

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, planning or a related field.
• 5 years of experience in business administration, public administration, or a related field.

Substitutions for the above-listed required education and experience is a Master’s degree with 3 years experience as described above.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:

• Advanced knowledge of business development strategies
• Advanced knowledge of County and local small business regulations
• Advanced knowledge of economic development
• Advanced knowledge of labor market trends
• Knowledge of growth strategy for County
• Knowledge of commercial sites for expansion projects
• Knowledge of the commercial real estate market
• Skilled in oral and written communication
• Skilled in collaboration and leadership
• Skilled in strategic planning
• Skilled in developing marketing, outreach, and communication initiatives
• Ability to develop and implement various marketing strategies
• Ability to attract and guide prospective small businesses to the County
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials, business executives, developers, coworkers, and the general public
• Ability to make connections between local companies and organizations
• Ability to negotiate

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or equivalent industry-recognized certifications
• Direct work experience in or with manufacturing businesses

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently sit and walk; occasionally lift up to 20 pounds, push up to 40 pounds, and reach; rarely climb, stoop, and lift between 20-50 pounds.
• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently work indoors and outdoors; rarely walking on uneven ground; in hot (over 100 degrees); in cold (below 32 degrees); noisy, and near machinery.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Employees in this classification are designated as Non-Essential.
• Ability to provide own transportation to meetings
• Available for varied working hours/days as needed to accommodate meetings and other commitments, including evenings and occasional travel

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):

• An evaluation of training and experience
• One or more interviews

Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to Recruitment@FrederickCountyMD.gov