Economic Development Business Program Specialist

Calvert County Government

1d•$60,151 - $68,996•Hybrid

About The Position

The Calvert County Department of Economic Development is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated individual to serve as an Economic Development Business Program Specialist. This position plays a key role in supporting the County’s business community by advancing strategic initiatives focused on business retention, expansion, and economic vitality. The ideal candidate brings a strong blend of analytical thinking, project coordination, and relationship management skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, public-sector environment. This role offers a unique opportunity to work directly with local businesses, elected and appointed officials, and regional partners while contributing to high-impact programs, including the County’s Economic Development Loan Fund and signature business outreach initiatives. This position is well-suited for someone who enjoys working at the intersection of business, data, and public service; and is detail-oriented, customer service-oriented, and passionate about helping businesses succeed and thrive in our community. This classification coordinates business retention, expansion, and business program initiatives for Calvert County. The position plays a central role in advancing countywide economic development objectives by managing complex business assistance activities, analyzing business and economic data, coordinating high-visibility programs and events, and serving as a support liaison to the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Economic Development Advisory Commission (EDAC). The role requires the exercise of independent judgment, discretion, and subject-matter expertise in economic development, business operations, and public-sector programs. The position handles sensitive and confidential business information and regularly interacts with senior staff, elected and appointed officials, state and regional partners, and the business community. Work is performed under general supervision of the Business Retention Specialist.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, public administration, marketing, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience.
Three years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, business assistance, business operations, or a related field, including experience with data analysis, program coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
Valid driver’s license.
Operation of a County-owned vehicle.

Responsibilities

Provides new, existing, and expanding businesses professional-level guidance on available county, state, and regional economic development programs, incentives, and resources through the supervision of the Business Development and Retention Specialists.
Leads the coordination, documentation, and monitoring of business retention and expansion activities, ensuring timely follow-up, data accuracy, and alignment with departmental goals.
Supports the analysis of confidential business data and assists in preparing interpretive reports that highlight trends, risks, and opportunities to inform program development, policy considerations, and leadership decision-making.
Coordinates outreach to new and expanding businesses through permit tracking, site visits, and proactive engagement strategies; develops regular reports summarizing findings and impacts.
Helps prepare business resources, summaries, and informational materials for client use.
Refers clients to appropriate internal programs and external partner organizations as needed.
Maintains and manages business assistance databases and related tracking systems; ensures data integrity and produces detailed analytical reports used for internal planning, performance measurement, and external reporting.
Analyzes business, permitting, and program data to identify economic development trends and emerging issues affecting the local business community.
Prepares recurring and ad hoc reports that support business development initiatives, site selection assistance, and strategic economic development planning.
Serves as the support staff liaison to the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Economic Development Advisory Commission (EDAC).
Assists with the coordination of EDA and EDAC operations, including meeting schedules, agendas, materials, public notices, and compliance with applicable laws, policies, and procedural requirements, including open meetings requirements and preparation of materials for closed sessions of the Economic Development Authority (EDA) as permitted by law.
Attends EDA and EDAC meetings; records, prepares, and maintains official meeting minutes and documentation.
Provides administrative and program support for the Economic Development Loan Fund through application intake, tracking loan activity, maintaining records, and supporting compliance and reporting.
Supports the planning and coordination of business outreach programs and signature events, including Business Appreciation Week, job and employment fairs, workshops, seminars, and related initiatives.
Maintains active working relationships with local, regional, and state economic development partners; represents the department at meetings, workshops, and professional events as assigned.
Evaluates feedback and participation data from events and outreach efforts to inform future programming and continuous improvement.
Develops business program-related content for departmental websites, e-blasts, and social media platforms; collaborates with the Department of Communications and Media Relations (CMR) to ensure accuracy, consistency, and strategic alignment.
Ensures business retention, expansion, and commission-related information is current, accurate, and accessible to the public.
Drafts written materials, reports, and correspondence related to business programs, commissions, and economic development initiatives.
Ensures compliance with established County policies, procedures, and administrative requirements related to economic development programs and commission activities.
Maintains official policy, guidance, and program files for assigned business programs and commissions.
Serves as a resource to department staff, commission members, and County leadership on business programs, commission processes, loan fund operations, and economic development best practices.
Provides functional backup support to other professional and administrative staff as required.
Performs related professional-level work as required.