Senior Business Development Specialist

Frederick County Government

Frederick, MD

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$77,434.44–$131,638.55 Per Year
SKILLS
Alliance/Partner Management, Budget Management, Business Administration, Business Development, Business Strategy, Childcare, Chiropractic, Co-Payments, Commercial Real Estate, Conferences, Contract Negotiation, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems, Customer Support/Service, Data Analysis, Database Administration, Decision Support, Demographics, Dental Insurance, Diversity, E Programming Language, Economic Development, Economic Growth, Economic Planning, Ecosystems, Employee Benefits, Federal Government, Financial Operations, Flexible Spending Accounts, Funding, Government, Health Insurance, Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Human Resources, Incentive Programs, Industry/Trade Analysis, Leadership, Legal, Life Insurance, Lift/Move 20 Pounds, Lift/Move 40 Pounds, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Loans, Manufacturing, Market Analysis, Market Trend Analysis, Marketing, Marketing Plan, Marketing Strategy, Military, Needs Assessment, Negotiation Skills, Networking Events, Organizational Development/Management, People Management, Performance Metrics, Physical Demands, Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Presentation/Verbal Skills, Primary Care, Problem Solving Skills, Program Evaluation, Project Tracking, Project/Program Management, Promotional Programs, Proposal Writing, Public Administration, Recruiting Strategy, Regulations, Regulatory Requirements, Reporting Skills, Request for Proposals (RFP), Research Skills, Retirement Plan, Service Delivery, Small Business, Strategic Planning, Sustainability, Target Marketing, Team Player, Technical Support, Training/Teaching, Trend Analysis, Tuition Fees, Urgent Care, Web Design, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Frederick, MD
POSTED
2 days ago

Senior Business Development Specialist

Salary

$77,434.44 - $131,638.55 Annually

Location

118 North Market Street - Frederick, MD

Job Type

Full-time Regular

Job Number

FY26-00609

Department

Economic Development

Opening Date

06/08/2026

Closing Date

6/22/2026 4:00 PM Eastern

FLSA

Exempt

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

JOB INFORMATION

Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; full benefits; partial teleworking schedule may be available in accordance with Division policies.

The Senior Business Development Specialist within the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (FCOED), part of the Division of Economic Opportunity, performs professional-level work responsible for driving economic growth in the Advanced Manufacturing sector through business engagement, retention, expansion, and targeted attraction strategies. This position serves as the primary point of contact for existing advanced manufacturing companies. This position develops and executes strategies to recruit new firms and supports policies and initiatives that strengthen the County's manufacturing ecosystem and competitiveness. The work involves strategic planning, relationship development with businesses, industry groups, government agencies, and educational institutions, and collaboration across internal and external partners to advance economic and workforce development priorities. The position also acts as a subject-matter resource on industry trends, workforce solutions, business attraction, and economic development opportunities, and may provide guidance to staff. Supervision is received from the Department Director of the Office of Economic Development.

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:

Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

  • 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment

  • 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover

  • 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)

  • Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending

  • Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care

  • 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit

  • County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan

  • Vesting after 5 years of service

  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.

  • Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program

  • Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program

  • Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year.

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop and maintain relationships with manufacturers, industry organizations and associations, educational institutions, and relevant local, state, and federal agencies
  • Develop and execute business retention and expansion (BR&E) programs to support the growth and sustainability of local companies in the advanced manufacturing sector
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for advanced manufacturing companies seeking assistance with expansion, workforce, permitting, incentives, financing and operational challenges
  • Conduct research and analysis related to labor market trends, demographics, commercial development, workforce needs, economic indicators, and industry activity to support strategic decision-making and client services
  • Work one-on-one with business to identify needs, connect companies to resources and facilitate problem solving
  • Prepare custom responses to site selection Requests for Proposals (RFPS) using detailed research, data analysis and target marketing materials this would include helping with permitting, incentives, grants, recruitment support, and strategic partnerships
  • Coordinate and oversee prospect visits and site tours to companies considering Frederick County locations
  • As needed, develop incentive packages and assist in negotiating incentive agreements. Coordinate with the Maryland Department of Commerce and other entities on financial assistance, grants, loans and workforce development packages
  • Work with developers and the County Department of Planning and Permitting to facilitate commercial development projects; Coordinate fast track permitting status
  • Recommend commercial/industrial sites or buildings for expansion and attraction projects by analyzing location specifications and business needs
  • Work with the media to highlight Frederick County's businesses, manufacturing industry growth, success stories and competitive advantages
  • Prepare customized proposals, reports, and presentations for business development and research projects
  • Maintain and utilize databases, customer relationship management systems, websites, software applications, and reporting tools to track projects, client engagement activities, program outcomes, and performance metrics
  • Represent the County and department at meetings, conferences, networking events, business visits, public outreach activities, and community engagements
  • Work with the FCOED Marketing team to prepare and implement marketing plans and promotional materials to attract and retain businesses in Frederick County
  • Work with FCOED Marketing to enhance and promote the Made in Manufacturing website and initiatives including Manufacturing Lunch, Learn and Tour events and working with industry partners to promote events
  • Prepare reports and assist in managing program budgets; monitor and evaluate program performance, prepare statistical and operational reports, and recommend improvements to support organizational goals and service delivery
  • Stay informed of emerging industry trends, workforce development practices, regulatory requirements, funding opportunities, and economic conditions affecting businesses and the community
  • Attend and participate in local, regional, state and national industry events, conferences and committee meetings
  • Make public presentations to diverse audiences including business leaders, elected officials, community organizations and industry audiences
  • Provide guidance, training, technical assistance, or project leadership to staff, partners, interns, or stakeholders related to specialized program areas or departmental initiatives
  • Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employees position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

  • Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, economic development, planning or a related field.
  • 5 years of experience in business administration, public administration, or a related field.

Substitutions for the above-listed required education and experience is a Master's degree with 3 years experience as described above.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:

  • Advanced knowledge of business development strategies
  • Advanced knowledge of County and local small business regulations
  • Advanced knowledge of economic development
  • Advanced knowledge of labor market trends
  • Knowledge of growth strategy for County
  • Knowledge of commercial sites for expansion projects
  • Knowledge of the commercial real estate market
  • Skilled in oral and written communication
  • Skilled in collaboration and leadership
  • Skilled in strategic planning
  • Skilled in developing marketing, outreach, and communication initiatives
  • Ability to develop and implement various marketing strategies
  • Ability to attract and guide prospective small businesses to the County
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials, business executives, developers, coworkers, and the general public
  • Ability to make connections between local companies and organizations
  • Ability to negotiate

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

  • Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or equivalent industry-recognized certifications
  • Direct work experience in or with manufacturing businesses

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently sit and walk; occasionally lift up to 20 pounds, push up to 40 pounds, and reach; rarely climb, stoop, and lift between 20-50 pounds.
  • While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently work indoors and outdoors; rarely walking on uneven ground; in hot (over 100 degrees); in cold (below 32 degrees); noisy, and near machinery.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

  • Employees in this classification are designated as Non-Essential.
  • Ability to provide own transportation to meetings
  • Available for varied working hours/days as needed to accommodate meetings and other commitments, including evenings and occasional travel

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):

  • An evaluation of training and experience
  • One or more interviews

Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to Recruitment@FrederickCountyMD.gov

Retirement Plan:

A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.

Health Insurance:

County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.

Dental Insurance:

Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employees completion of 30 days of active employment

NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts:

The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.

Life Insurance:

Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Supplemental Life Insurance is also offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents.

Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:

The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employees direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time. Contribution maximums are set each year by the IRS.

Educational Reimbursement Program:

County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may apply for education reimbursement for courses that can improve or develop an employees capabilities related to their current job or for a promotional opportunity within Frederick County Government. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesnt remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.

Employee Assistance Program:

This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related issue or concern.

Leave

Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year

0 - 2 years 11 days

2 - 10 years 17 days

10 + years 24 days

Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.

Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employees child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.

NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.

Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, and Military.

Holidays:

The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.

For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefits package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov.

All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.

01

Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, your application may not be considered further.

  • I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.

02

Which best describes your level of education?

  • Less than an Bachelors degree or the equivalent
  • Bachelors degree received
  • Advanced degree received

03

If you have obtained a college degree, was the field of study in business administration, public administration, economic development, planning or a related field?

  • Yes
  • No

04

How many years of work experience in business administration, public administration, or a related field do you have?

  • Less than 3 years of work experience
  • 3 years of work experience
  • 4 years of work experience
  • 5 or more years of work experience
  • I do not have this work experience

05

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.

06

Do you have direct work experience in or with manufacturing businesses

  • Yes
  • No

07

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.

08

Are you a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or have an equivalent industry-recognized certification?

  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Employer Frederick County Government

Address 12 East Church Street

Frederick, Maryland, 21701

Phone 301-600-1070

Website http://www.FrederickCountymd.gov/jobs

About the Company

F

Frederick County Government