Howard County
Business Development Lead - Technology & Innovation, Economic Development Author
Howard County, Columbia, Maryland, United States, 21046
Salary:
$85,000.00 - $100,000.00 Annually Location :
Columbia, MD Job Type:
Full Time Job Number:
EDA-02122025 Department:
Economic Development Opening Date:
02/12/2025 Closing Date:
Continuous
POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION
The Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) is seeking a mission-driven, detail-oriented individual to join its Business Development team. This position focuses on supporting Howard County's IT, Cybersecurity, Emerging Technology, and GovCon/Defense sectors. Ideal candidates will bring a strong background in economic development, business outreach, and a deep understanding of targeted industries, particularly those supporting federal and defense-related activities. Veterans with experience in technology, leadership, or strategic planning are strongly encouraged to apply, as their skills align closely with the role's focus areas.
***Salary Depends on Qualifications***
TO APPLY:
Qualified candidates should apply via the link below. No phone calls or emails, please. (Please disregard the application instructions in the 'Additional Information' section provided at the bottom of this job posting.) ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Business Retention, Attraction, and Expansion: manage and execute activities to retain and grow businesses in Howard County, focusing on vertical sectors such as IT, Cybersecurity, and Emerging Technology, while leveraging GovCon/Defense as a horizontal strategy to support these industries and foster cross-sector growth. Sector Leadership: Develop and implement a targeted strategy to support and grow Howard County's cyber cluster, emerging tech startups, and defense contractors. Lead Generation: Cultivate relationships with brokers, government agencies, and industry partners to identify and pursue leads throughout the region. Strategic Partnerships: Build relationships with federal agencies (e.g., NSA, U.S. Cyber Command) and regional innovation hubs to position Howard County as a top destination for technology firms. Ecosystem Development: Collaborate with local universities, innovation centers, and partner organizations to foster workforce development and innovation in the tech sectors. Data-Driven Outreach: Oversee tracking and reporting of business development outcomes, utilizing real estate and CRM platforms to drive informed decision-making. Community Representation: Represent HCEDA and Howard County at civic, business, and community events, as well as serve on boards, commissions, and committees related to targeted industries. MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS:
Familiarity with IT, Cybersecurity, Emerging Technologies, and the Defense Tech sectors. Leadership experience, managing complex projects and programs, particularly in government, defense, or technology sectors. Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels. Team-oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate across sectors and organizations. Mission-driven and comfortable learning and adopting new systems, technologies, and processes. Strong analytical and strategic problem-solving capabilities. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum three (3) years of experience in economic development, project management, or business development. Ability to represent the HCEDA's economic development programs effectively, orally and in writing. Strong customer service orientation for internal and external customers. Exceptional organizational skills and ability to work on a variety of projects and requests with time-sensitive deadlines simultaneously. Demonstrate enthusiasm, professionalism, and willingness to work as a team. Ability to prioritize workload, handle pressure and meet deadlines. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
5-7 years of progressive experience in economic development or business development, with a focus on IT, Cybersecurity or emerging tech sectors. Master's degree in related fields such as business administration, public policy, or economic development. Experience with site selection, real estate tools, and Salesforce or equivalent CRM platforms. Familiarity with federal government contracting processes and GovCon ecosystems. Knowledge of emerging technology trends, including AI, machine learning, and quantum computing. Military leadership experience, particularly in technology, innovation, or defense-related fields.
TO APPLY:
Qualified candidates should apply via the link below. No phone calls or emails, please. (Please disregard the application instructions in the 'Additional Information' section provided at the bottom of this job posting.) HCEDA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. HCEDA prohibits discrimination on the basis race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
TO APPLY:
You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history.
No paper applications will be accepted.
Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.
At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).
Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at . Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application. HCEDA EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SUMMARY
FOR ACTIVE FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME BENEFITTED EMPLOYEES HCEDA Employees, although they are
not employees of Howard County , participate in most features of the Howard County Employee Benefit Plan. The following is a summary of benefits available for active full-time and part-time benefitted employees: 1.
COUNTYFLEX - FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN:
Employees may enroll in the County's flexible benefits plan, CountyFlex, an IRS approved plan which permits payroll deductions on a pre-tax basis. This plan provides full-time employees with benefit credits which can be used toward the purchase of health, dental and supplemental life insurance coverages; as contributions to flexible spending accounts; or be converted into cash to be added to pay. Part-time benefitted employees may enroll in benefit plans, but receive no benefit credits. Enrollment levels include employee only; employee and spouse; employee and 1 child; or family.
CountyFlex benefit options include:
o Medical Insurance Plans (Vision included) (Health Maintenance Organizations-HMO and Preferred Provider Network-PPN)
o Dental Insurance Plans (Traditional Dental and Dental Maintenance Organization)
# Optional Life Insurance (Employees may purchase 1, 2, or 3 times their legislated base annual salary in supplemental life insurance - subject to insurance carrier approval. Employees can also purchase a term life insurance benefit on their spouse and eligible children.)
o Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care and Dependent Care)
Full-time employees who select Medical Plan benefits will receive $150 per month in benefit credits that go towards the purchase of medical insurance plans. Full-time employees hired on or after July 1, 1993 who do not select Medical Plan benefits will receive $75 per month in credits to use toward the purchase of other benefits, to fund flexible spending accounts and/or to receive as additional "salary".
Part-time benefitted employees may enroll in CountyFlex benefit plans but will receive no benefit credits to use toward the purchase of benefits.
Employee contributions necessary for benefit elections will be paid with pre-tax dollars.
Changes to benefit plan elections may only be made during the County's annual open enrollment period (November) or within 30 days of a qualifying change in status. Examples of qualifying changes in status include birth or adoption of a child, marriage, divorce, dependents loss of eligibility for benefits or change in spouse's employment status. Only enrollment changes consistent with the actual qualifying event are permitted. Failure to notify the Office of Human Resources within 30 days of the event may result in inability to make the enrollment change. Employees should contact the Office of Human Resources to confirm what options may be available to them. 2.
LIFE INSURANCE: The HCEDA pays the entire cost of basic term life insurance for full-time employees equivalent to 2 times annual salary. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. Employees may purchase supplemental coverage through payroll deductions under the flexible benefits plan on a pre-tax basis. Part-time benefitted employees do not receive basic life insurance but may purchase supplemental life insurance. 3.
LONG TERM DISABILITY INCOME PROGRAM: After a period of 6 months of disability, an employee meeting eligibility requirements may receive disability benefits up to 60% of the employee's monthly base pay or $2500, whichever is less. The County pays the entire cost of this benefit, which is offset by other disability awards, including retirement, social security and workers' compensation benefits. 4.
PENSION/RETIREMENT: HCEDA employees may enroll in the Howard County Retirement Plan. Participants contribute 2% of their salary on a pre-tax basis and the EDA contributes 13.1% of the employee's salary, for total contribution of 15.1%. 5.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PROGRAM: Employees are eligible to voluntarily participate in this program. This IRS 457 Plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income and the taxes on that income and to invest these pretax funds for supplemental retirement income as well as for other purposes. Additional information is available from the Office of Human Resources. 6.
SOCIAL SECURITY: Participation is mandatory; employees contribute at the current established rate. 7.
LEAVE: Paid holidays:
The EDA is closed for the following holidays -
New Year's Day; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; President's Day;
Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day;
Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving;
Christmas Day and the days between Christmas and New Year's Day. Annual Leave (Vacation):
The accrual of annual leave is as follows for full-time employees:
Length of Service - Days Accrued Per year:
Less than 5 years - 10 days;
5 to 10 years - 15 days;
10 to 14 years - 18 days;
15 years + - 20 days. Sick Leave:
Each employee is eligible for 12 days of sick leave per year. Personal Leave:
Each employee is given up to 4 personal leave days each year depending on their hire date.
$85,000.00 - $100,000.00 Annually Location :
Columbia, MD Job Type:
Full Time Job Number:
EDA-02122025 Department:
Economic Development Opening Date:
02/12/2025 Closing Date:
Continuous
POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION
The Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) is seeking a mission-driven, detail-oriented individual to join its Business Development team. This position focuses on supporting Howard County's IT, Cybersecurity, Emerging Technology, and GovCon/Defense sectors. Ideal candidates will bring a strong background in economic development, business outreach, and a deep understanding of targeted industries, particularly those supporting federal and defense-related activities. Veterans with experience in technology, leadership, or strategic planning are strongly encouraged to apply, as their skills align closely with the role's focus areas.
***Salary Depends on Qualifications***
TO APPLY:
Qualified candidates should apply via the link below. No phone calls or emails, please. (Please disregard the application instructions in the 'Additional Information' section provided at the bottom of this job posting.) ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Business Retention, Attraction, and Expansion: manage and execute activities to retain and grow businesses in Howard County, focusing on vertical sectors such as IT, Cybersecurity, and Emerging Technology, while leveraging GovCon/Defense as a horizontal strategy to support these industries and foster cross-sector growth. Sector Leadership: Develop and implement a targeted strategy to support and grow Howard County's cyber cluster, emerging tech startups, and defense contractors. Lead Generation: Cultivate relationships with brokers, government agencies, and industry partners to identify and pursue leads throughout the region. Strategic Partnerships: Build relationships with federal agencies (e.g., NSA, U.S. Cyber Command) and regional innovation hubs to position Howard County as a top destination for technology firms. Ecosystem Development: Collaborate with local universities, innovation centers, and partner organizations to foster workforce development and innovation in the tech sectors. Data-Driven Outreach: Oversee tracking and reporting of business development outcomes, utilizing real estate and CRM platforms to drive informed decision-making. Community Representation: Represent HCEDA and Howard County at civic, business, and community events, as well as serve on boards, commissions, and committees related to targeted industries. MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS:
Familiarity with IT, Cybersecurity, Emerging Technologies, and the Defense Tech sectors. Leadership experience, managing complex projects and programs, particularly in government, defense, or technology sectors. Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels. Team-oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate across sectors and organizations. Mission-driven and comfortable learning and adopting new systems, technologies, and processes. Strong analytical and strategic problem-solving capabilities. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum three (3) years of experience in economic development, project management, or business development. Ability to represent the HCEDA's economic development programs effectively, orally and in writing. Strong customer service orientation for internal and external customers. Exceptional organizational skills and ability to work on a variety of projects and requests with time-sensitive deadlines simultaneously. Demonstrate enthusiasm, professionalism, and willingness to work as a team. Ability to prioritize workload, handle pressure and meet deadlines. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
5-7 years of progressive experience in economic development or business development, with a focus on IT, Cybersecurity or emerging tech sectors. Master's degree in related fields such as business administration, public policy, or economic development. Experience with site selection, real estate tools, and Salesforce or equivalent CRM platforms. Familiarity with federal government contracting processes and GovCon ecosystems. Knowledge of emerging technology trends, including AI, machine learning, and quantum computing. Military leadership experience, particularly in technology, innovation, or defense-related fields.
TO APPLY:
Qualified candidates should apply via the link below. No phone calls or emails, please. (Please disregard the application instructions in the 'Additional Information' section provided at the bottom of this job posting.) HCEDA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. HCEDA prohibits discrimination on the basis race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
TO APPLY:
You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history.
No paper applications will be accepted.
Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.
At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).
Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at . Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application. HCEDA EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SUMMARY
FOR ACTIVE FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME BENEFITTED EMPLOYEES HCEDA Employees, although they are
not employees of Howard County , participate in most features of the Howard County Employee Benefit Plan. The following is a summary of benefits available for active full-time and part-time benefitted employees: 1.
COUNTYFLEX - FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN:
Employees may enroll in the County's flexible benefits plan, CountyFlex, an IRS approved plan which permits payroll deductions on a pre-tax basis. This plan provides full-time employees with benefit credits which can be used toward the purchase of health, dental and supplemental life insurance coverages; as contributions to flexible spending accounts; or be converted into cash to be added to pay. Part-time benefitted employees may enroll in benefit plans, but receive no benefit credits. Enrollment levels include employee only; employee and spouse; employee and 1 child; or family.
CountyFlex benefit options include:
o Medical Insurance Plans (Vision included) (Health Maintenance Organizations-HMO and Preferred Provider Network-PPN)
o Dental Insurance Plans (Traditional Dental and Dental Maintenance Organization)
# Optional Life Insurance (Employees may purchase 1, 2, or 3 times their legislated base annual salary in supplemental life insurance - subject to insurance carrier approval. Employees can also purchase a term life insurance benefit on their spouse and eligible children.)
o Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care and Dependent Care)
Full-time employees who select Medical Plan benefits will receive $150 per month in benefit credits that go towards the purchase of medical insurance plans. Full-time employees hired on or after July 1, 1993 who do not select Medical Plan benefits will receive $75 per month in credits to use toward the purchase of other benefits, to fund flexible spending accounts and/or to receive as additional "salary".
Part-time benefitted employees may enroll in CountyFlex benefit plans but will receive no benefit credits to use toward the purchase of benefits.
Employee contributions necessary for benefit elections will be paid with pre-tax dollars.
Changes to benefit plan elections may only be made during the County's annual open enrollment period (November) or within 30 days of a qualifying change in status. Examples of qualifying changes in status include birth or adoption of a child, marriage, divorce, dependents loss of eligibility for benefits or change in spouse's employment status. Only enrollment changes consistent with the actual qualifying event are permitted. Failure to notify the Office of Human Resources within 30 days of the event may result in inability to make the enrollment change. Employees should contact the Office of Human Resources to confirm what options may be available to them. 2.
LIFE INSURANCE: The HCEDA pays the entire cost of basic term life insurance for full-time employees equivalent to 2 times annual salary. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. Employees may purchase supplemental coverage through payroll deductions under the flexible benefits plan on a pre-tax basis. Part-time benefitted employees do not receive basic life insurance but may purchase supplemental life insurance. 3.
LONG TERM DISABILITY INCOME PROGRAM: After a period of 6 months of disability, an employee meeting eligibility requirements may receive disability benefits up to 60% of the employee's monthly base pay or $2500, whichever is less. The County pays the entire cost of this benefit, which is offset by other disability awards, including retirement, social security and workers' compensation benefits. 4.
PENSION/RETIREMENT: HCEDA employees may enroll in the Howard County Retirement Plan. Participants contribute 2% of their salary on a pre-tax basis and the EDA contributes 13.1% of the employee's salary, for total contribution of 15.1%. 5.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PROGRAM: Employees are eligible to voluntarily participate in this program. This IRS 457 Plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income and the taxes on that income and to invest these pretax funds for supplemental retirement income as well as for other purposes. Additional information is available from the Office of Human Resources. 6.
SOCIAL SECURITY: Participation is mandatory; employees contribute at the current established rate. 7.
LEAVE: Paid holidays:
The EDA is closed for the following holidays -
New Year's Day; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; President's Day;
Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day;
Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving;
Christmas Day and the days between Christmas and New Year's Day. Annual Leave (Vacation):
The accrual of annual leave is as follows for full-time employees:
Length of Service - Days Accrued Per year:
Less than 5 years - 10 days;
5 to 10 years - 15 days;
10 to 14 years - 18 days;
15 years + - 20 days. Sick Leave:
Each employee is eligible for 12 days of sick leave per year. Personal Leave:
Each employee is given up to 4 personal leave days each year depending on their hire date.