MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Code No. 4432

CLASS SPECIFICATION

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST III

DEFINITION OF CLASS:

This is full-performance, 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 staff from County departments and agencies, County Council staff, representatives of State and local governments, and representatives of business, educational, community, and non-profit associations and groups to provide subject matter advice as a member of study groups with the County Council, to provide information and referral in meetings, and particularly to make presentations to others with different points of view and objectives persuading them that the County can best meet their business development needs. 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 plans for, and implements projects and programs to include cooperative public/private sector business ventures; facilitates capital investments by business clients; and fosters business development, redevelopment, and expansion. An employee at this level is fully proficient, arranges the sequence of work, obtains the needed materials, data or information, selects the appropriate method or approach, and varies these for different cases. The supervisor provides guidance and assistance with unusual situations which do not have clear precedents, or in situations where policy is unclear. Complexity of the work derives from the wide variety of processes and practices involved, including land use, zoning, permitting, and real estate; grants, banking, and other funding resources; the analysis of costs; and assessment of unusual/nonstandard matters or data. The work involves carrying out a range of conventional assignments within the business development field. 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)

Plans and implements business development programs and projects; markets the County to businesses considering movement into or expansion within the County; develops cooperative ventures between private and public sectors, encouraging and facilitating capital investment by businesses, and identifying appropriate Federal and State financing sources; and ensures that applicable processes are followed and timelines are met.

Provides technical assistance to businesses and developers in resolving development and expansion-related problems.

expansion or new locations, and recommends communities, industrial sites, and/or buildings which meet their requirements.

Participates with representatives of other local jurisdictions on joint business development programs, and on Council staff study groups, providing subject matter advice.

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 on contractor selection panels.

Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: Considerable (3 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:

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

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

Considerable 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)