MCEDC – Federal Engagement and SBIR Program Manager

Essential Functions/Duties/Tasks:

Federal Engagement
This role is critical to advance the mission of MCEDC by developing and implementing the strategy which identifies federal government priorities that support MCEDC’s mission – and then positions MCEDC to successfully propose to funders or respond to funding opportunities.

Success will require:
▪ Developing competitive intelligence, and deep understanding of program requirements, which will identify federal funding opportunities and inform MCEDC’s strategies and decisions;
▪ Establishing and building positive relationships with appropriate federal agencies, and relevant coalitions seeking funding, to enable the execution of MCEDC’s strategy;
▪ Leading internal proposal development, and supporting appropriate proposals that potential partners lead in order to gain insights into opportunities;
▪ Ensuring program delivery and administrative management for funded projects;
▪ Potentially being involved in the formulation of legislation, development of policy, creation of federal programs.

Importantly, the significant presence of federal agencies and research labs in the county remains a distinctive asset. This role will be fundamental in developing and executing the strategy to leverage the presence of these agencies and labs to fuel growth within our strategic industries.

SBIR Program Management
Overseeing and facilitating the development of support for businesses within Montgomery County that are working to commercialize new technology developed internally, or licensed from: corporations, universities, or federal research institutions.

Of particular interest is facilitating business and management assistance for companies applying for or receiving SBIR / STTR funding – primarily related to life sciences. This expertise would help companies be better prepared to submit and win SBIR / STTR funding. And, to better leverage these funds, including multiple federal, state, and private programs which exist and should be utilized to increase the benefit of this program.

This will include identifying organizations / programs / consultants who can help County companies find appropriate grants, train for / prepare grant applications, and have an increased likelihood of receiving grant funding. Additionally, this person will lead our implementation of Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) for these and similar companies – developing and curating expertise in the providers of these services which provide the greatest return on investment to our companies.

You will prepare, maintain, and market a list of qualified consultants, state, and federal programs (i.e., TABA) that can provide technical and business assistance to support county companies interested in applying for federal SBIR/STTR grant funding. You will conduct outreach directly and through partner organizations to innovators in historically underrepresented populations and ensure that promotion of federal diversity programs are part of this initiative.

TABA funding can be utilized by companies for a variety of services, and would typically start with a Needs Assessment which:
▪ Provides a third party, unbiased assessment of a project’s progress in technical and business areas that are critical to success in the competitive healthcare marketplace.
▪ The Needs Assessment helps companies strategize for the project’s next steps. It analyzes the current state of their project and identifies strengths and weaknesses across several categories:

• INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY/BARRIERS TO ENTRY;
• MARKET NEEDS/COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES;
• REGULATORY, MANUFACTURING, AND/OR CLINICAL PLAN;
• BUSINESS MODEL PROFITABILITY.

Critically, you will be responsible for tracking the performance of all partners to continually understand their performance serving our companies. This information will be used to ensure we have the knowledge necessary to match companies with partners providing the greatest likelihood of success. Additionally, you will track the performance of companies served through the program.

The incumbent also:
▪ Provides a wide strategic vision (long-term and short-term) of SBIR / STTR / TABA opportunities and future developments in order to maximize support of our companies.
▪ Exercises considerable management skill and tact to assure the projects will be completed satisfactorily.
▪ Advises potential grantees and interested parties on appropriate grant and contract mechanisms.
▪ Conducts and participates in meetings with all relevant parties to ensure success of the program.
▪ The incumbent oversees responses to partner reporting regarding program performance.

Description of physical demands and work environment:

▪ Must be able to travel throughout the county to companies, partner organizations, meetings and events
▪ Must be able to travel outside of the region to events and trade shows
▪ Must be able to use office equipment and computers
▪ Position may require moderate lifting of supplies and materials from time to time
▪ The working environment is a general office environment with a moderate noise level
▪ Be adaptable to changes in the work environment, managing competing demands, changing approaches or methods to best fit the situation, and dealing with frequent changes or unexpected events
▪ Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license

Job Type: Full-time, Exempt
Preferred Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Location: Montgomery County, MD / Hybrid
Salary: $95,000–$106,000

To apply, please submit resume and cover letter. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

EEO Statement:
Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.