Job Description

The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation is seeking a dynamic, high-energy executive who is focused on working in collaboration with private and public sector stakeholders to realize a vision that enables the county to achieve its economic growth and diversification objectives. MCEDC seeks a leader who is passionate about driving inclusive and sustainable job growth and aggressively pursuing the creation of effective partnerships and relationships throughout the County and the region.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Propose, develop, and lead a strategic planning process to competitively position the County for domestic and international business attraction and investment.
• Lead a team devoted to the growth and expansion of existing businesses and industries across the County and continue to strengthen the MCEDC brand to the County.
• Provide strategic direction to MCEDC’s Board of Directors and county stakeholders to determine the best use of its assets.
• Oversee the continued growth and development of the County’s “brand;” champion the brand both internally and externally and serve as the public face of the organization.
• Develop high-level networks with representatives of local, state, and federal governmental agencies, business and industry, regional and community agencies, and other business and economic development organizations (e.g., Chambers of Commerce, tourism associations).
• Identify the need for and oversee the development of a variety of regional, national, and international marketing materials and programs to promote the County.
• Develop and sustain trusting relationships with the leadership of prospective companies, national and international site selectors, and commercial and industrial realtors.
• Represent the MCEDC to the media on matters of economic and business development, either alone or in conjunction with Board members and/or community officials.
• Provide direction for necessary research, marketing, and site facilitating programs to enhance economic development and job growth within the County.
• Identify opportunities to further develop new industry sectors to diversify the County’s business base.
• Promote entrepreneurism and innovation for key industry growth sectors.
• Coordinate with WorkSource Montgomery to align talent pipeline needs/availability.
• Evaluate programs to ensure available resources of the area meet the needs of potential business development.
• Ensure an organizational structure with clear roles and accountability; foster a culture that rewards productivity and innovation.
• Serve as chief liaison to the Board of Directors, including facilitating agenda setting, Board member orientation, and proactive communication and record-keeping.
• Regularly communicate to the Board on the MCEDC’s financial position and progress against established objectives.
• Lead the creation of annual operating plans and budgets.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Be a passionate, visionary, inclusive, accessible, and authentic leader.
• Have a strong understanding of the economic development ecosystem and how to work within a multi-jurisdictional community to strengthen commerce (high-level network to include local, state, federal governmental agencies, as well as business and industry associations).
• Demonstrated knowledge of domestic and international business and markets, business development competencies, and the ability to close deals.
• Be adept at interfacing and advocating on behalf of the business community.
• Build a culture of trust and collaboration amongst private and public-sector entities across the County and region.
• Demonstrate strategic thinking and a track record of execution.
• Be a highly effective communicator, both written and oral.
• Have the courage, resilience, and persuasiveness to move forward actionable initiatives that will foster economic growth.
• Build great teams, both internally and externally, to execute the MCEDC’s mission.
• Exhibit an ethical approach and commitment to community interests.
• Be self-confident, self-aware, and energized by challenges.

QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required.

• Bachelor’s degree and at least ten years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience, with a track record of success and proven results in leading a complex organization. Master’s degree preferred.
• Business acumen and project management skills.
• Proficiency in community, economic and business development and strategic planning.
• Understanding of the changing dynamics of the business environment in the County and what is required to attract businesses to a community in such an environment.
• Strong character, with emotional intelligence, authenticity, politically savvy and a broad perspective.
• Ability to collaborate and negotiate with community partners and diverse groups of people and interests.
• Superior interpersonal and organizational communications, ability to build and sustain working relationships and build coalitions.
• Ability to deal calmly, rationally, and tactfully in a creative, fast-paced, and occasionally stressful environment. Be a good listener.
• Proven ability to attract, retain, and develop excellent staff. The ideal candidate must continue to build, strengthen, and energize a high-performance staff that can successfully implement and manage current and future initiatives while providing a collaborative and empowering environment.
• Effective Board relations; an open communicator who can provide timely information, minimize conflict, and implement policy initiatives, and a clear understanding of the difference between policy and administration.
• Professional experience with public relations, media relations, and public speaking.
• Experience working with academic communities to create and leverage public-private partnerships.
• Familiarity with Maryland/D.C./Virginia region.

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