An Economic and Workforce Development Program Director employs strategies to improve the economy and support the skill development of workers in a city of state. They may administer economic development to attract and retain businesses and industries and support programs to support unemployed or underemployed workers. They manage relationships with businesses, civic groups, and training providers to support the local economy and workers within it.
people, community and service. We are a growing and evolving community committed to delivering meaningful opportunities and elevating the experience of those we serve for years to come.
Guided by our FRED values:
Family, Respect, Empowerment, and Dedication. Position Summary Are you passionate about shaping communities and driving meaningful growth? The Senior Economic Development Specialist serves as a central role for the Town of Frederick's economic vitality and community prosperity. In this dynamic role, you will support business retention, expansion, and attraction efforts; cultivate partnerships with businesses, residents, and community organizations; and help advance strategic initiatives that strengthen Frederick's economic future. Success in this position requires strong relationship-building skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to turn ideas into action. The Senior Economic Development Specialist plays an integral role in fostering meaningful community engagement, enhancing organizational effectiveness, and supporting sustainable growth that makes Frederick a vibrant place to live, work, and do business. Key Responsibilities The duties listed herein are illustrative of the essential duties of the job and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required or assigned. Advance the Town's economic development strategy through initiatives that promote sustainable growth, business investment, redevelopment, and long-term community prosperity. Lead high-impact economic development initiatives, redevelopment projects, and strategic investments that support community and organizational goals. Develop, implement, and evaluate economic development strategies, programs, and action plans aligned with Town priorities and adopted strategic plans. Lead business retention, expansion, and attraction efforts through proactive engagement with employers, investors, developers, and business leaders. Conduct business retention and expansion (BRE) outreach, including business visits, surveys, and direct engagement with primary employers to identify growth opportunities, operational challenges, workforce needs, and reinvestment potential. Build and maintain trusted relationships with existing businesses, major employers, developers, and regional partners to support long-term economic vitality and investment. Serve as a Town liaison for key regional partners, economic development organizations, site selectors, developers, and industry stakeholders. Act as a business ombudsman, helping businesses navigate development review, permitting, zoning, and regulatory processes while identifying and resolving barriers to investment and expansion. Guide businesses through rezoning, site modifications, permitting, and construction-related processes by coordinating with Planning, Engineering, Building, Utilities, and other Town departments. Support implementation of strategic initiatives and major Town priorities, including land use, redevelopment, downtown revitalization, and community development efforts. Coordinate economic development incentives, redevelopment agreements, reimbursement agreements, and other public-private financing tools in partnership with finance, legal, and development staff. Identify and pursue state, federal, regional, and private funding opportunities that support business growth, workforce development, infrastructure improvements, and strategic economic initiatives. Conduct site readiness assessments and coordinate infrastructure planning efforts to support business recruitment, expansion, and redevelopment opportunities. Cultivate workforce development partnerships and identify solutions related to workforce availability, space constraints, logistics, and expansion feasibility. Collect, analyze, and communicate economic, demographic, workforce, industry, commercial real estate, and business intelligence data to inform strategic planning and investment decisions. Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations, policy recommendations, reports, and briefings for Town leadership, boards, commissions, and elected officials. Design and evaluate performance measures, project tracking systems, and outcome-based reporting frameworks to assess program effectiveness and support continuous improvement. Lead grant strategy, funding pursuits, and implementation planning for priority economic development projects and initiatives. Represent the Town in regional, industry, business, and governmental forums, making presentations and promoting the community's assets, opportunities, and vision. Provide leadership, mentoring, and technical guidance for project teams while exercising significant independent judgment, discretion, and strategic decision-making in advancing economic development priorities. Education High school diploma or equivalent Bachelor's degree in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Community Development, Political Science, Real Estate, Communications, Finance, Economics, or a closely related field required. Master's degree in Public Administration (MPA), Business Administration (MBA), Urban and Regional Planning, Economic Development, or a related field, preferred. An equivalent combination of education, professional certifications, and progressively responsible economic development experience may be considered. Work Experience Seven (7)+ years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, municipal government, community engagement, business development, project management or a related field. Demonstrated experience in business retention, expansion, and attraction efforts within a municipal, quasi-public, or economic development organization. Strong knowledge of municipal development processes, including zoning, land use, permitting, entitlements, and site selection. Experience working with developers, site selectors, commercial real estate professionals, and business executives on complex development or investment projects. Proven ability to manage multi-stakeholder projects, analyze economic and market data, and develop actionable recommendations for leadership. Experience preparing reports, presentations, and policy recommendations for elected officials, boards, commissions, or executive leadership. Strong communication, customer service, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to represent the organization in public and professional settings. Certifications/License Valid driver's license required Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) preferred Economic Development Financial Professional (EDFP) preferred Working Conditions The work environment must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Professional office environment with frequent computer use, meetings, and public contact. Regular interaction with businesses, developers, residents, elected officials, and internal staff. Fast-paced, project-driven setting requiring strong organization, responsiveness, and attention to detail. Attend off-site meetings, business visits, and community or regional events as needed. Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer, including research, analysis, and report preparation. Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, data entry, and operating standard office equipment. Occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 10 pounds. For full job description and to apply, visit FrederickCO.gov
