Economic Development Returnship

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. Specific duties and responsibilities may shift based on departmental priorities and the individual's unique strengths and skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinates and supports multiple economic development projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timely communication, tracking, and follow-up.
• Assists in the development and implementation of strategic plans and initiatives aimed at business retention, attraction, and inclusive growth.
• Supports local and regional business outreach, including scheduling and facilitating meetings, stakeholder forums, and public-facing events.
• Works collaboratively to prepare professional presentations, reports, and marketing materials for internal and external use.
• Researches and analyzes economic trends, business activity, and development opportunities to inform strategy.
• Tracks project milestones and maintains accurate documentation, records, and economic development databases.
• Monitors and reports on business inquiries, development activity, and stakeholder engagement.
• Collaborates 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).
• Delivers timely information and customer service to businesses and community organizations.
• Participates in occasional regional trade shows, events, or conferences to promote the City (with notice).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

WORK SCHEDULE:
Monday-Friday, with flexible hours.
We're open to different arrangements depending on what works best for you. You can contribute approximately 15 hours per week over a 6-month period, or, if you prefer a faster pace, you're welcome to work more hours per week for a shorter overall timeframe. We're committed to finding a schedule that supports both your productivity and your life outside of work.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Professional experience in business development, marketing, community engagement, workforce development, or public or private 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:

• Self-directed with a strong willingness to contribute meaningfully and learn.
• 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.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to remain in stationary position for long periods of time; use hands and fingers to complete daily work assignments, reach with hands/arms to file and move stock items. The employee must be able to communicate using the English language. The employee is occasionally required to stand for long periods of time; walk about while performing work; climb ladders and stairs and traverse varied terrain. The employee is regularly required to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, and pull to reach various items. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee typically performs work indoors in an office setting.

Equal Opportunity Employer