Economic Development Program Specialist

Calvert County Government

1d•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 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. Assists in preparing client proposals and reports, researching market trends and patterns, preparing market comparisons for Calvert County and creates innovative reporting on economic development, workforce development, commercial real estate and other topics. Also serves as liaison to the Department of Communications and Media Relations (CMR) on marketing and outreach activities, maintains department web sites and social media messaging, analyzes and prepare statistical data and reports and works closely with the director on specialized documents that report on economic development progress including the annual bond rating package, annual State of the Economy and strategic planning documents and benchmarks. Work is performed under the supervision of the Economic Development Deputy Director.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business, communications, or related field.
Three years of progressively responsible experience in the field of business and economic development to include a minimum of two years of experience in data development, market analysis or research.
Operate the full range of office productivity software including word processing, spreadsheet, and desktop publishing software to produce final typed materials for printing and publication.
Analyze data and apply logical thinking to solve problems and accomplish tasks.
Research, compile, and summarize a variety of informational and statistical data and materials.
Establish effective working relationships.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Deal effectively with the public.

Nice To Haves

Economic development principles, practices, and techniques.
Laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies of various government agencies as they affect the business community and economic development efforts.
Current economic, development, and demographic and market trends in the regional area.
Internet technology.

Responsibilities

Works with Department of Economic Development (DED) and CMR staff to support DED's marketing and communications to include websites, LinkedIn, social media, blogs and other written communications to effectively tell our story in a timely fashion; researches and develops data-driven e-blasts to share data trends, assets, and our competitive position with the community.
Serves as contact for market research, Census reports, employment data, and other local, state and federal demographic updates; maintains a thorough knowledge of research techniques related to economic indicators.
Progressively monitors, interprets, and communicates key industry trends related to business location and expansion in Calvert County.
Maintains and updates information on three departmental websites and various social media platforms.
Develops and conducts business surveys with local industries; informs businesses and the public of survey results; researches, compiles, and prepares information and data for Calvert County.
Maintains and updates information in DED's database, What's Going Where map, Calvert Prospector and other online resources serving the public.
Works with the Business Development team on all Requests for Proposals from site selectors, the State, etc. to gather needed data.
Creates statistical profiles of the county for use by the department and other county agencies, the media, and the public via the county’s “dashboard” program.
Attends meetings for professional development and as a member of various organizations of which DED is a member.
Leads the compilation and preparation of a variety of data for annual bond rating presentations and compiles and prepares data for DED's annual report; works with CMR to design, electronically publishes and promote the document.