MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Code No. 4434

ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND Grade 23

CLASS SPECIFICATION

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST II

DEFINITION OF CLASS:

This is mid-level, professional business and economic development work involving the maintenance and expansion of existing businesses, the attraction of new business, and supporting the viability of the agricultural industry in order to enhance the economic prosperity of the County. An employee at this level develops segments of projects, and develops and implements small-scale projects. Contacts include staff from other departments/agencies, developers, real estate brokers, and representatives of businesses and financial organizations to provide technical advice, articulate concepts, resolve problems, and coordinate Departmental activities and events. 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 provides complex business development services to businesses, and assembles customized business development assistance packages based on analysis of the business plan, negotiations and research. The employee is proficient at this level in effectuating services to target businesses; arranges the sequence of work; obtains the needed materials, data or information; and selects the appropriate method or approach in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training, and accepted practices. At this level, the decision regarding what needs to be done depends upon analysis of the subject, phase, or issues involved in each assignment, and the chosen course of action may have to be selected from many alternatives. The employee is expected to employ creativity, and uses judgment in interpreting and adapting guidelines in the development of assigned projects. These include Departmental guidelines, regulations, and task directions of an overall nature to facilitate business expansion frequently in the context of on-the-spot negotiations and counseling. The employee monitors implementation of business development projects; develops and gives staff leadership to 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. Completed work is reviewed only from an overall standpoint in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness in meeting requirements or expected results. The employee frequently coordinates a team of mid-level public sector resource providers including training, finance, business plan and regulatory officials. Complexity of the work derives from the need to determine, review and analyze clients’ needs in order to develop appropriate and effective business and economic development packages. 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 and technical staff, analyses development potential of prospect and decides whether to refer to others, negotiates business development transactions and coordinates business needs with other departments and agencies, promotes and facilitates capital investment, and coordinates so that all applicable processes are followed and timelines are met.

Plans and implements complex business programs and projects; markets the County to businesses considering movement into or expansion within the County; and develops cooperative ventures between private and public sectors, encouraging and facilitating capital investment by businesses, and identifying appropriate Federal and State financing sources.

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

Provides technical assistance in presentations to business development clients by compiling information and data concerning the clients, clients’ information needs, business climate, and available support services.

Conducts research and analysis, prepares reports, and develops methodology for marketing the County to selected businesses.

Plans, implements, and coordinates Departmental promotional activities and events.

Makes presentations to government officials and citizens’ groups to explain County programs and initiatives.

Serves on contract selection panels.

Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: Considerable (2 years) experience performing professional level economic development work.

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

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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices, and methodology of economic development, marketing, real estate transaction and property valuation; and land contract and lease, and/or real property financing.

Some knowledge of the existing business community and targeted sectors; and of Federal, State, and County programs, initiatives, laws and regulations applicable to local economic development, and skill in applying this knowledge to such assignments as the design and planning of difficult projects..

Some 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 prepare clear and concise reports.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety 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)