Economic Development Program Specialist

The Calvert County Department of Economic Development is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated individual to serve as an Economic Development Program Specialist. This position plays a key role in supporting the County's business community by advancing strategic initiatives focused on business retention, expansion, and economic vitality. The ideal candidate brings a strong blend of analytical thinking, project coordination, and relationship management skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, public-sector environment. This role offers a unique opportunity to work directly with local businesses, elected and appointed officials, and regional partners while contributing to high-impact programs, including the County's Economic Development Loan Fund and signature business outreach initiatives. This position is well-suited for someone who enjoys working at the intersection of business, data, and public service; and is detail-oriented, customer service-oriented, and passionate about helping businesses succeed and thrive in our community. Assists in preparing client proposals and reports, researching market trends and patterns, preparing market comparisons for Calvert County and creates innovative reporting on economic development, workforce development, commercial real estate and other topics. Also serves as liaison to the Department of Communications and Media Relations (CMR) on marketing and outreach activities, maintains department web sites and social media messaging, analyzes and prepare statistical data and reports and works closely with the director on specialized documents that report on economic development progress including the annual bond rating package, annual State of the Economy and strategic planning documents and benchmarks. Work is performed under the supervision of the Economic Development Deputy Director. Essential Job Functions Works with Department of Economic Development (DED) and CMR staff to support DED's marketing and communications to include websites, LinkedIn, social media, blogs and other written communications to effectively tell our story in a timely fashion; researches and develops data-driven e-blasts to share data trends, assets, and our competitive position with the community. Serves as contact for market research, Census reports, employment data, and other local, state and federal demographic updates; maintains a thorough knowledge of research techniques related to economic indicators. Progressively monitors, interprets, and communicates key industry trends related to business location and expansion in Calvert County. Maintains and updates information on three departmental websites and various social media platforms. Develops and conducts business surveys with local industries; informs businesses and the public of survey results; researches, compiles, and prepares information and data for Calvert County. Maintains and updates information in DED's database, What's Going Where map, Calvert Prospector and other online resources serving the public. Works with the Business Development team on all Requests for Proposals from site selectors, the State, etc. to gather needed data. Creates statistical profiles of the county for use by the department and other county agencies, the media, and the public via the county's "dashboard" program. Attends meetings for professional development and as a member of various organizations of which DED is a member. Leads the compilation and preparation of a variety of data for annual bond rating presentations and compiles and prepares data for DED's annual report; works with CMR to design, electronically publishes and promote the document. Other Duties Performs related work as required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (These are pre-employment KSA that apply only to Essential Job Functions.) Knowledge of-- Economic development principles, practices, and techniques. Laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies of various government agencies as they affect the business community and economic development efforts. Current economic, development, and demographic and market trends in the regional area. Internet technology. Ability to— Operate the full range of office productivity software including word processing, spreadsheet, and desktop publishing software to produce final typed materials for printing and publication. Analyze data and apply logical thinking to solve problems and accomplish tasks. Research, compile, and summarize a variety of informational and statistical data and materials. Establish effective working relationships. Communicate effectively orally and in writing. Deal effectively with the public. Required Qualifications (

Note:

Any acceptable combination of education, training and relevant experience that provides the above knowledge, abilities and skills may be substituted on a full-time year for year basis.) Training and/or

Education:

Bachelor's degree in business, communications, or related field.

Experience:

Three years of progressively responsible experience in the field of business and economic development to include a minimum of two years of experience in data development, market analysis or research.

Licenses or Certificates:

None Physical Demands:

Requires ordinary physical effort to sit, walk, stand, bend, reach, or to carry light items; operation of keyboard devices for sustained periods.

Unusual Demands:

Work is subject to frequent interruptions.

FLSA Status:

Nonexempt Compensation Steps:

Pay rate: $32.18 - $34.44 per hour; $58,568 - $62,681 annually Grade 722, full-time position, 35 hours per week Economic Development Position closing date: May 22, 2026

Please Note:

This position will close at 11:59 p.m. on May 22, 2026. To be considered for the role, ensure that your application is submitted before the deadline. The position will be removed from the website as of 12:00 a.m. on May 23rd. This position allows for telework, meaning the employee may be able to work from home or another offsite location for part of the workweek, but they are still required to come into the office regularly. This arrangement is at the supervisor's discretion and may change based on business needs. Calvert County Government offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' health, financial well-being, and work-life balance.

Benefits include:

15 days of sick leave 10 days of annual leave 5 days of personal leave 13 paid holidays •14 in an election year Defined Contribution Plan 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan Medical, dental, and vision coverage Flexible spending accounts Up to 80% tuition reimbursement Gym membership discounts

Please Note:

A complete application is required to be considered for a position within Calvert County Government. All prior work experience, education, and other certifications should be entered into the application and supplemental questions should be answered completely. Attachments are not provided to hiring managers unless you are selected for an interview. Calvert County Government is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at recruitment@calvertcountymd.gov with as much notice as possible.