MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Code No. 4430

CLASS SPECIFICATION

SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

DEFINITION OF CLASS:

This is advanced, professional level business and economic development work involving the maintenance and expansion of existing businesses, the attraction of new businesses, and supporting the viability of the agricultural industry in order to enhance the economic prosperity of the County. Contacts include the County Executive, County Council Members, the County Attorney, local and State officials, high level corporate officials, developers, bankers, brokers, and leaders of non-profit and academic groups to conduct logistical orientation tours, provide subject matter advice, and to present, justify, and mediate business development deals. While this class of work involves employees talking with various members of the public, the provision of direct public service or assistance on a sustained basis is not a predominant characteristic of the class.

An employee in this class develops and monitors implementation of the most complex business development projects, develops public/private sector cooperative ventures, promotes and facilitates capital investment by business, and fosters development, redevelopment, and/or expansion of the County’s high technology sector, agricultural economy, and business districts. At this level an employee, either alone or in consultation with the supervisor, develops projects, deadlines, and the work that must be accomplished. The employee plans and carries out the assignment, resolves most of the conflicts which arise, and has full technical responsibility for the project work. Although work is performed within broad economic development policy guidelines, Zoning Ordinances/Subdivision Regulations, real estate and financing principals and practices, the employee uses initiative and resourcefulness in creating partnerships, developing funding sources, policy and policy amendment recommen- dations, and amendments to land use plans and applicable regulations. Complexity of the work derives from the coordination of land use and transportation planning; resolving the competing interests of growth potential and environmental compatibility; and the need to apply the principles and practices of a broad spectrum of supporting professional disciplines. The work product affects the County’s economic well being through the number of additional jobs created, the substantial tax revenue generated, and the County services which must be coordinated in response to population and business growth. The work is primarily sedentary, usually performed in a normal office setting, and not normally associated with any unusual hazards or physical demands.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)

Meets with senior business executives, recommends developing as a prospect or referring to others, negotiates complex business development transactions, promotes and facilitates capital investment, ensures that all applicable processes are followed, and that timelines are met.

Conducts analyses of financial and business data, and prepares written recommendations to the County Executive, Chief Administrative Officer, and the County Council on courses of action to be taken to attract new companies to, and retain or expand companies currently conducting business within the County; and recommends utilization of various funding sources.

Performs as mediator and facilitator between corporate executives and their contractors, and officials of public agencies to resolve problems and remove impediments blocking private sector expansion.

Disseminates information and publicizes the County’s economic development program through speech writing and the preparation of press releases for the County Executive, responds directly to local press representatives, and makes presentations and provides testimony in a number of different business and public forums.

Manages or co-manages large and complex development sites, including contract monitoring, policy formulation, marketing, negotiating land sales and leases, ensuring public development conditions are met, monitoring the development of individual land parcels, and problem resolution.

Evaluates master plans, text amendments, zoning, subdivision, and other laws for impact on the County’s economic development goals and related Executive branch policies.

Assesses economic trends in the agricultural sector and social conditions in rural areas, and monitors the rural to urban land conversion process and its impact on the County’s economy.

Serves as liaison to local, State, and national associations, alliances, and forums, and to an internal architectural review committee.

Coordinates and/or participates in County, regional, and State economic development exercises such as joint planning and marketing activities, international prospecting missions, and site selection tours.

Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: Thorough (5 years) experience performing professional level economic development work.

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, or a related field.

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education or experience may be substituted.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of marketing techniques; real estate principles, practices, and valuation; land contract and lease methods and practices; and banking principles.

Thorough knowledge of the existing business community and targeted sectors, and of Federal, State, and County programs, initiatives, laws and regulations applicable to economic development.

Thorough knowledge of the methods of statistical analysis, and skill in interpreting research data.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, and to negotiate agreements between government and private sector organizations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a broad spectrum of officials, business executives, and representatives of groups, task forces, and associations.

Ability to attend meetings and perform work assignments at locations outside the office.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:

The probationary period must be 12 months for a full-time or part-time employee appointed to a merit system position and 6 months for a promoted employee, during which time work performance will be carefully evaluated. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.

MEDICAL PROTOCOL: Medical History Review

Class Established: September 1999(M)