Careers

The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) drives business growth and economic vitality in Montgomery County, Maryland, by connecting companies in priority industry sectors to the resources they need to grow and succeed, strengthening a competitive business environment, and promoting the county as a leading destination for innovation and investment. 

MCEDC is building a next-level, high-performance economic development team driven to deliver bold ideas, foster collaboration, and create lasting impact across the region. Our staff works closely with public and private sector partners to support business growth in Montgomery County’s key industries, leverage data and market insights, and help shape a more competitive, inclusive, and resilient economy. 

 Position Overview 

The COO is the CEO’s internal counterpart responsible for turning strategy into execution. While the CEO focuses externally (partnerships, visibility, business development, and thought leadership), the COO leads internal delivery: aligning teams to goals, establishing clear processes and metrics, and holding the organization accountable for results. Financial stewardship is important, but the core mandate is execution, coordination, collaboration, and measurable progress against MCEDC’s strategic plan. 

The COO will oversee all facets of MCEDC’s operations – including finance, administration, and economic development initiatives – while ensuring alignment with the CEO’s vision and the organization’s mission. In addition to operational and financial leadership, the COO will play a critical role in shaping and sustaining MCEDC’s organizational culture, ensuring that values of collaboration, innovation, and accountability are embedded throughout the team. 

This position is pivotal in shaping MCEDC’s long-term sustainability, fostering partnerships, and building a high-performing team culture. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Execution & Team Alignment 

• Translate the CEO’s vision and strategic plan into actionable goals, milestones, and measurable outcomes. 

• Establish and maintain organizational OKRs; ensure departmental plans align to enterprise priorities. 

• Run the operating rhythm: weekly leadership huddles, monthly operating reviews, quarterly strategy refresh. 

 Operational Excellence & Process 

• Design, document, and implement core processes to drive consistency and clarity across teams. 

• Build transparency tools (scorecards, dashboards) so leaders can manage by data. 

• Identify bottlenecks early and remove obstacles and institute corrective action plans. 

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations governing business operations. 

• Maintain practical internal controls and risk management practices that support execution. 

 Business Development Accountability 

• Partner with CEO and BD leads to set pipeline targets and stage definitions. 

• Create accountability mechanisms (ownership, timelines, follow-through) and weekly BD cadence. 

• Report BD performance to CEO/Board; integrate learnings into resource allocation. 

 Financial Stewardship (Budget-to-Strategy) 

• Align annual and multi-year budgets to strategic priorities; ensure resources follow strategy. 

• Oversee financial planning, forecasting, and analysis to ensure fiscal health and transparency. 

• Maintain transparent financial reporting that informs decision-making. 

• Provide strategic recommendations to the CEO and Board on resource allocation and investment priorities. 

 Stakeholder Coordination & Partnerships 

• Build internal coordination protocols for key stakeholders (county/state partners, industry groups, investors, community organizations). 

• Ensure timely, consistent, and coordinated engagement to track commitments and outcomes. 

• Represent MCEDC at meetings, events, and regional initiatives to advance economic development goals. 

 Board & Governance Support 

• Partner with the CEO on board meeting cadence, materials, and governance best practices. 

• Translate board direction into executable plans with clear ownership and timelines. 

 Culture, Talent, and Leadership Development 

• Model inclusive, high-performance leadership; set expectations for collaboration and accountability. 

• Coach managers on goal setting, feedback, and performance management. 

• Support succession planning and leadership development aligned to strategic needs. 

 Leadership Competencies 

• Operational Execution & Results 

• Relationship Building and Influence 

• Strategic Systems Thinking 

• Build trust; get alignment across functions and partners. 

• Data-Driven Decisions 

• Clear Communication 

• Change Leadership and Innovation 

 Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or CEcD certification preferred. 

• 7–10+ years of senior leadership experience with demonstrable responsibility for execution, budgeting, and cross-functional operations. 

• Proven track record in economic development, nonprofit management, public agency, or related field. 

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex operations. 

• Track record building systems for accountability, metrics, and collaboration. 

• Ability to advise CEOs and Boards on strategic trade-offs and resource allocation. 

• Proficiency with budget planning tools, productivity suites, and dashboarding/reporting. 

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. 

• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism. 

 Compensation 

The anticipated annualized salary range is $160,000 – $175,000 for full time employment, along with a robust benefits package that includes medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, group life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, and retirement benefits. A generous paid-time-off program is also available. 

 How to Apply

For full consideration, applicants MUST submit the following: 

• Letter of interest: Please include a cover letter that highlights your leadership experience and explains how your skills in financial strategy, operational management, and culture-building will help advance MCEDC’s mission and strategic priorities as COO. 

• Professional Resume. 

MCEDC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Applicants of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Ready to shape the future of work at one of Maryland’s leading economic development organizations?

Join Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) as our Human Resources Manager and play a pivotal role in creating a workplace where people thrive and innovation drives progress. In this position, you’ll lead HR strategy and operations—covering culture, compliance, talent development, and engagement—while partnering with leadership to build a world class economic development team.

Position Overview

As MCEDC’s Human Resources Manager, you’ll be the driving force behind a people-first strategy that supports our mission and growth. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution—designing policies, programs, and practices that foster an inclusive, compliant, and high-performing workplace. You’ll manage the full spectrum of HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, employee relations, and organizational development, while serving as a trusted advisor to leadership and staff.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you’ll work closely with the leadership team to align HR initiatives with MCEDC’s culture and long-term goals, ensuring our organization remains a top destination for talent and innovation.

Successful candidates for this position will demonstrate:

• Ability to design and implement policies and programs that align with organizational goals.
• Comfort managing day-to-day HR operations while driving long-term initiatives.
• Strong understanding of employment laws, compliance requirements, and HR best practices.
• Builds trust and works effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Resourceful in addressing challenges and balancing organizational needs with employee well-being.
• Maintains discretion and fairness in all HR matters.

Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Engagement

• Serve as a point of contact for employee concerns, ensuring fair and consistent practices.
• Foster a positive, inclusive workplace culture through communication, recognition, and engagement initiatives.
• Support performance management processes, coaching managers on feedback and development conversations.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Establish and oversee HR policies, procedures, and best practices aligned with employment laws and MCEDC’s culture.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations (EEO, FMLA, ADA, etc.).
• Manage employee records, HRIS data, and reporting.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Lead full-cycle recruitment: job postings, sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding.
• Partner with leadership to define staffing needs and support hiring decisions.
• Ensure a welcoming and organized onboarding experience for new hires.

Organizational Development

• Support training, professional development, and succession planning.
• Partner with leadership to align HR programs with MCEDC’s mission and values.
• Help design policies that support equity, inclusion, and work-life balance.

Compensation & Benefits Administration and Operations Support

• Oversee payroll coordination and benefits administration (medical, retirement, leave, etc.).
• Evaluate benefit offerings and recommend enhancements as the organization grows.
• Assist with annual compensation reviews and benchmarking.
• Assist Business Operations Manager with procurement and vendor contracts and relations activities.
• Maintain organization and integrity of MCEDC’s HR and business operations files.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s or HR certification preferred).
• 5–7 years of progressive HR experience, including generalist-level responsibilities.
• SHRM-CP or PHR preferred.
• Strong knowledge of HR laws and best practices, particularly for small and nonprofit organizations.
• Proven experience managing recruitment, employee relations, and benefits administration.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.

Core Competencies

• Collaborative communicator: Builds trust across teams and leadership levels.
• Hands-on and resourceful: Comfortable managing both strategy and details.
• Solutions-focused: Balances organizational needs with employee well-being.
• Ethical and discreet: Maintains confidentiality and fairness in all HR matters.

Compensation

The anticipated annualized salary range is $85,000 – $100,000 for full time employment, along with a robust benefits package that includes medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, group life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, and retirement benefits. A generous paid time off program is also available.

How to Apply

MCEDC will begin a review of applications immediately and will continue its work until an appointment of the Human Resources Manager is made. For full consideration, applicants MUST submit the following in a Word Document:

• Letter of interest: Please include a cover letter that highlights your experience and explains how you will contribute to MCEDC’s mission and strategic initiatives as our Human Resources Manager.
• Professional Resume.

MCEDC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Applicants of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.