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City Of Frederick

Economic Development Specialist Returnship

City Of Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, United States, 21701


Salary:

$32.97 - $52.76 Hourly

Location :

Frederick, MD

Job Type:

Part-Time Graded

Job Number:

202400151

Department:

Economic Development

Opening Date:

11/20/2024

Closing Date:

12/19/2024 11:59 PM Eastern

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm. Evening and weekend meetings as required.

Job Summary

JOB SUMMARY:The Economic Development Specialist position is part of a unique 6-month returnship opportunity for individuals looking to re-enter the workforce. This position presents an exciting chance to contribute meaningfully to the economic growth of our city, engaging with diverse stakeholders and driving initiatives that shape our business landscape. This role performs complex professional economic development work as assigned by the Manager of Economic Development. This includes but is not limited to all aspects of business recruitment and retention activities, trade shows, revitalization projects, and limited departmental administrative functions. This position manages key projects from inception to completion. This position will interface daily with city staff, the general public, business leaders, residents, as well as elected and appointed officials. This position requires some daytime and overnight travel as well as some evening and weekend work with advance notice.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Supports Manager of Economic Development in the performance of business retention, expansion, and attraction activities with a primary focus of on key industry sectors as assigned.Help to attract new development opportunities and promote the city's value as a business location via participation in regional trade shows, conferences, and events.Assist with monitoring and tracking existing business, new developments, local /regional stakeholders, and city interestsAssist with assimilating and recording data and maintenance of economic development database, including demographic and reporting data on local businessesDelivers services and information to businesses as needed to support business retention expansion and attraction.Collaborate with key city stakeholders to align departmental strategies with the objective of fostering underrepresented business growth, contributing to the fulfillment of city-wide MBWBE goals and initiatives.Drive workforce development efforts in coordination with the Good Jobs, Great Cities program, implementing strategies within the department that actively support and further its initiatives, promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce within the community.Supports key city and departmental goals and initiatives regarding support for underrepresented business growth, and workforce initiatives such as with Good Jobs, Great Cities program.Completes assigned Economic Development (ED) projects from start to finish.Attends ED related meetings, conferences, workshops, and official meetings as necessary including frequent evening meetings and occasional weekends.Conducts professional studies, reports, and analysis of on key ED issues/policies as assigned.Plans, organizes, and runs special economic development events.Prepares correspondence, meeting agendas, and other materials for office activities, including proofreading and final formatting using MS Word, MS Publisher, and/or MS Power Point software.Operates a vehicle on a regular basis observing legal and defensive driving practices.Other ED related tasks as assignedAbout the Returnship Program:

Our returnship program provides a supportive environment where returnees can refresh their skills, gain new experiences, and rebuild their professional network. The 6-month program offers a structured transition back into the workforce with the potential for long-term employment opportunities upon successful completion.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:A gap in employment of at least six months is required to be part of the returnship program.An understanding of the current practices and ideas in the field of community and economic development.Knowledge of small business development sufficient to provide technical assistance to businesses looking to grow or locate in the City.An ability to cultivate partnerships and generate new opportunities with multiple, diverse, economic development stakeholdersDemonstrated successful experience in CRM database use and management.Skilled at using digital marketing and social media to tell the city's unique business story.Strong writing and analytical skills.Ability to make decisions and work independently, but also enjoys working within a cohesive team environment.Computer proficiency, Microsoft Office, etc.REQUIRED CERTIFICATES AND/OR LICENSES:

Valid Maryland Driver's License or equivalent from other state with satisfactory driving record that meets insurability standards of the City's insurance carrier. The license and satisfactory driving record must be maintained during the course of employment.OTHER DESIRABLES:

Bachelor's degree in business, economic development, commercial real estate, planning or related fieldBilingual (English/Spanish)Policy analysis, policy development, and grant writing experience

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to remain in a stationary position in the office approximately 50% of the time. The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, and computer equipment, to bend, twist, squat, and climb. This individual will operate a computer and other office productivity tools to compile and retrieve information from computers, printers, telephones, etc., draft and write, handle paperwork and position self in the course of work. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The other 50% of the time, the employee will be outside the office, driving, moving about, remaining in a stationary position, and/or traveling for long periods of time. The person in this position needs to have the ability to conduct those activities safely and consistently.

This person must have the ability to exchange information with others (staff, the public and elected officials) - both face-to-face and in writing or via computer.

Talking: The employee must have the ability to express or exchange ideas in the English language by means of the spoken word; those activities where detailed or important spoken instructions must be conveyed to other workers accurately or quickly.

Hearing: The employee perceives the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction, and having the ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and making fine discriminations in sound.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITION: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee performs work indoors in an office setting, and outside the office at events (indoors and outdoors), at businesses, and on bus, van, and car transportation (tours).

The City of Frederick offers competitive benefits to eligible employees including a variety of insurance plans and competitive paid leave offerings. View a

INSURANCE AND VOLUNTARY BENEFITS:Medical Plans: Eligible City employees may choose from three medical insurance plans through View the

Dental Plans: Eligible City employees may choose from three (3) dental insurance plans through Cigna.

Vision Plan: Eligible City employees may elect vision plan coverage through

Premium Rates effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025: /

Holiday Schedule: View the

You can find additional information regarding The City of Frederick's benefits here: