Economic Development Specialist Returnship

The City offers a competitive comprehensive benefits package, including 2 weeks paid vacation, 3 weeks of sick leave, and 11 paid holidays. Health, dental, and vision insurance (employee and family) are effective the first day of employment. The City offers two contributory Defined Benefit pension plans. Hybrid telework arrangements may be available. At The City of Frederick, we value diversity and the respect, engagement, and productivity an inclusive environment produces. We seek to consistently improve internal and external customer satisfaction, innovate, and expand capability of services, and be a government that practices equality, equity, and fairness. We invite you to bring your skills, abilities, and knowledge to The City of Frederick and be a valued addition to a workforce that we know is our greatest asset. Frederick is a progressive, richly diverse, and authentically charming city. Recognized as one of the best places to live in Maryland, Frederick is surrounded by mountain views and centrally located about 45 miles north of Washington D.C. and 45 miles west of Baltimore, MD.

JOB SUMMARY:

The City of Frederick is pleased to offer a 6-month returnship opportunity for experienced professionals re-entering the workforce. This Economic Development Returnship is ideal for individuals who have taken a career break and are looking to reengage their skills in a collaborative, mission-driven setting.

Under the direction of the Manager of Economic Development, the Returnship Participant will assist in advancing strategic projects that promote business growth, workforce opportunity, and inclusive economic development. The position offers exposure to high-impact initiatives, cross-sector collaboration, and municipal project management in a flexible and supportive environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate and support multiple economic development projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timely communication, tracking, and follow-up.
• Assist in the development and implementation of strategic plans and initiatives aimed at business retention, attraction, and inclusive growth.
• Support local and regional business outreach, including scheduling and facilitating meetings, stakeholder forums, and public-facing events.
• Prepare professional presentations, reports, and marketing materials for internal and external use.
• Research and analyze economic trends, business activity, and development opportunities to inform strategy.
• Track project milestones and maintain accurate documentation, records, and economic development databases.
• Monitor and report on business inquiries, development activity, and stakeholder engagement.
• Collaborate with internal City departments and external partners to support minority, women, and disadvantaged business (MWBE) goals and workforce development efforts (e.g., the Office of Opportunity and Transformation).
• Deliver timely information and customer service to businesses and community organizations.
• Participate in occasional regional trade shows, events, or conferences to promote the City (with notice).

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Professional experience in business development, marketing, community engagement, workforce development, or public administration.
• Must have a resume gap of at least 6 months

REQUIRED SKILLS (Communication/Language; Mathematical; Computer; etc.):

• Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Comfort using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and online tools; database experience is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

OTHER DESIRABLES:

• Prior experience in business, marketing, economic development, planning, workforce development, or nonprofit/community engagement.
• Interest in learning or reengaging with municipal economic development.
• Ability to engage respectfully and effectively with a wide range of businesses and stakeholders.
• Self-directed with a strong willingness to contribute meaningfully and learn.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITION: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.