Special Projects Manager

The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) brings a big and bold approach to achieving greater economic competitiveness and prosperity across Montgomery County, MD.

 A 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a fresh public/private perspective, entrepreneurial spirit, and proactive approach to economic development, the MCEDC is focused on maximizing Montgomery County’s rich diversity of people, talent, and business expertise to keep the county at the leading edge of today’s competitive economic development environment.

 Overseen by a Board of Directors with both public and private sector representation, the MCEDC is committed to growing the county’s vibrant business community and leveraging current strengths and advantages to build an even stronger, more stable, and diverse future economy that benefits all members of the community.

The Special Projects Manager is an exempt, full-time position and serves as a key member of the MCEDC’s strategic initiatives team. This position reports to the Vice President of Strategy and Innovation. This position is responsible for the planning, executing, and evaluating of special projects that further MCEDC’s mission and work plan objectives. 

Essential Functions/Duties/Tasks:

▪ Play a key role in the development of a dynamic strategic plan for MCEDC and contribute to the development of Montgomery County’s Comprehensive Economic Plan
▪ Conduct research analysis, literature reviews, and collection of best practices relevant to MCEDC’s mission
â–ª Evaluate regional, state, and local economic development partners, and determine MCEDC partnerships as needed
â–ª Assist Vice President of Strategy and Innovation with implementation and execution of MCEDC initiatives and programs
▪ Assemble and oversee consultant projects designed to support MCEDC’s annual workplan
â–ª Ensure projects meet targeted budgets, timelines, and deliverables
â–ª Engage and develop relationships with economic development partners in the region
â–ª Represent MCEDC with external stakeholders

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

â–ª Knowledge of local and regional economic development practices; particularly in the Washington DC metro area
â–ª Understanding and willingness to learn local government and legislative processes
â–ª Understanding of relevant economic development datasets, basic analysis skills, and ability to effectively communicate position statements using aforementioned data
â–ª Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
â–ª Superb communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen actively and present clearly and effectively in positive or negative situations, and to respond well to questions
â–ª Ability to lead and work collaboratively within a team
â–ª Writes clearly and informatively and varies writing style to meet needs
â–ª Independent and strategic thinker with the capacity to generate new ideas and act creatively
â–ª Strong team player
â–ª Adaptable to changes in the work environment, managing competing demands, changing approaches or methods to best fit the situation, and dealing with frequent changes or unexpected events
â–ª Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, to meet tight deadlines within budgetary constraints, and to handle multiple projects simultaneously and autonomously
▪ Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license
â–ª Hold a U.S. Passport

Preferred education and experience:

â–ª Experience working in economic development organizations
â–ª Experience working in an entrepreneurial environment
▪ Master’s Degree
â–ª 5+ years of relevant experience
â–ª Proficiency in working with Microsoft Office Suite and Salesforce or other CRM
â–ª Familiarity with standard office equipment

Description of physical demands and work environment:

â–ª Must be able to travel throughout the county to companies, partner organizations, meetings, and events
â–ª Must be able to occasionally travel outside of the region to events and trade shows
â–ª Must be able to use office equipment and computers
â–ª Position may require moderate lifting of supplies and materials from time to time
â–ª The working environment is a general office environment with a moderate noise level

Job Type: Full-time, Exempt
Job Location: Hybrid/Montgomery County, MD
Required education: Master’s degree
Required experience: Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience
Salary: $90,000 - $100,000