Careers

Montgomery County, Maryland:

Montgomery County, Maryland, is the largest county in the state, with over 1.1 million residents. Bordering the District of Columbia and directly across the Potomac River from Northern Virginia, the county is home to 18 federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), as well as the headquarters of more than 700 companies—150 of which have over 100 employees. Montgomery County is also home to over 350 life sciences companies.

This unique ecosystem, rich in talent and groundbreaking discoveries, forms a vibrant community dedicated to sustainability and bold thinking. With 40% of residents speaking a language other than English and one-third of the population born outside the U.S., Montgomery County embraces diversity. This inclusive environment fosters a rich tapestry of perspectives, providing an ideal location for businesses to thrive, innovate, and flourish.

Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation:

The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in Fall 2015 to drive business growth and expansion in Montgomery County, MD. Governed by a thirteen-member Board of Directors from the private sector, along with five ex-officio public sector representatives, MCEDC is dedicated to strengthening the county’s dynamic business community to build a more resilient, diverse, and thriving economy.

MCEDC’s Strategic Priorities Include:

• Strengthening and promoting Montgomery County, Maryland to attract domestic and international businesses.
• Supporting business retention and expansion.
• Collaborating with public, private, institutional, and academic stakeholders to advance economic growth and prosperity across the county and region.

President and Chief Operating Officer:

The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation is seeking a dynamic, high-
energy President & CEO who is focused on working in collaboration with private and public sector stakeholders to realize a vision that enables the county to achieve its economic growth and diversification objectives. MCEDC seeks a leader who is passionate about driving inclusive and sustainable job growth and aggressively pursuing the creation of effective partnerships and relationships throughout the County and the region.

Responsibilities Include:

• Propose, develop, and lead a strategic planning process to competitively position the County for domestic and international business attraction and investment.
• Lead a team devoted to the growth and expansion of existing businesses and industries across the County.
• Provide strategic direction to MCEDC’s Board of Directors and county stakeholders to determine the best use of its assets.
• Oversee the continued growth and development of the County’s “brand;” champion the
  brand both internally and externally and serve as the public face of the organization.
• Develop high-level networks with representatives of local, state, and federal
  governmental agencies, business and industry, regional and community agencies, and
  other business and economic development organizations (e.g., Chambers of
  Commerce, tourism associations).
• Identify the need for and oversee the development of a variety of regional, national, and international marketing materials and programs to promote the County.
• Develop and sustain trusting relationships with the leadership of prospective
  companies, national and international site selectors, and commercial and industrial
  realtors.
• Represent the MCEDC to the media on matters of economic and business development, either alone or in conjunction with Board members and/or community
  officials.
• Provide direction for necessary research, marketing, and site facilitating programs to enhance economic development and job growth within the County.
• Identify opportunities to further develop new industry sectors to diversify the County’s business base.
• Promote entrepreneurism and innovation for key industry growth sectors.
• Coordinate with WorkSource Montgomery to align talent pipeline needs/availability.
• Evaluate programs to ensure available resources of the area meet the needs of
  potential business development.
• Ensure an organizational structure with clear roles and accountability; foster a
  culture that rewards productivity and innovation.
• Serve as chief liaison to the Board of Directors, including facilitating agenda setting, Board member orientation, and proactive communication and record-keeping.
• Regularly communicate to the Board on the MCEDC’s financial position and progress
  against established objectives.
• Lead the creation of annual operating plans and budgets.

Core Competencies (Must Have):

• Be a passionate, visionary, inclusive, accessible, and authentic leader.
• Have a strong understanding of the economic development ecosystem and how to work
  within a multi-jurisdictional community to strengthen commerce (high-level network to
  include local, state, federal governmental agencies, as well as business and industry
  associations).
• Demonstrated knowledge of domestic and international business and markets,
  business development competencies, and the ability to close deals.
• Be adept at interfacing and advocating on behalf of the business community.
• Build a culture of trust and collaboration amongst private and public-sector entities across the County and region.
• Demonstrate strategic thinking and a track record of execution.
• Be a highly effective communicator, both written and oral.
• Have the courage, resilience, and persuasiveness to move forward actionable initiatives that will foster economic growth.
• Build great teams, both internally and externally, to execute the MCEDC’s mission.
• Exhibit an ethical approach and commitment to community interests.
• Be self-confident, self-aware, and energized by challenges.

Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required.

• Bachelor’s degree and at least ten years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience, with a track record of success and proven results in leading a complex organization. Master’s degree preferred.
• Business acumen and project management skills.
• Proficiency in community, economic and business development and strategic planning.
• Understanding of the changing dynamics of the business environment in the County and what is required to attract businesses to a community in such an environment.
• Strong character, with emotional intelligence, authenticity, politically savvy and a broad perspective.
• Ability to collaborate and negotiate with community partners and diverse groups of
  people and interests.
• Superior interpersonal and organizational communications, ability to build and sustain working relationships and build coalitions.
• Ability to deal calmly, rationally, and tactfully in a creative, fast-paced, and occasionally stressful environment. Be a good listener.
• Proven ability to attract, retain, and develop excellent staff. The ideal candidate must continue to build, strengthen, and energize a high-performance staff that can successfully implement and manage current and future initiatives while providing a collaborative and empowering environment.
• Effective Board relations; an open communicator who can provide timely information, minimize conflict, and implement policy initiatives, and a clear understanding of the difference between policy and administration.
• Professional experience with public relations, media relations, and public speaking.
• Experience working with academic communities to create and leverage public-private
  partnerships.
• Familiarity with Maryland/D.C./Virginia region.

Application Process:

This search is being done through Korn Ferry. Korn Ferry is a global organizational consulting firm. They work with clients to design optimal organization structures, roles, and responsibilities. They help them hire the right people and advise them on
how to reward and motivate their workforce while developing professionals as they navigate and advance their careers.

Interested candidates should contact:

Charles S. Ingersoll, Jr., Senior Client Partner
Tel: 202-955-0947
Mobile: 202-256-2267
Email: Charles.Ingersoll@KornFerry.com

Jeremy S. Gold, Principal
Mobile: 202-531-4653
Email: Jeremy.Gold@KornFerry.com

Audra Cross, Managing Associate
Mobile: 405-615-0806
Email: Audra.Cross@KornFerry.com

Susan Willett, Project Coordinator
Mobile: 203-803-7254
Email: Susan.Willett@KornFerry.com

Job Type: Exempt, Full-Time
Job Location: Rockville, MD/Hybrid
Reports to: Board of Directors

EEO Statement:

EEO Statement Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.