Hybrid Economic Development Specialist - Life Sciences bei Middlesex County

With the launch of a strategic marketing campaign and the creation of the Office of Business Engagement in 2021, Middlesex County is taking a targeted and proactive approach to inclusive growth benefitting residents, workers, and employers. The County boasts unique assets, such as the largest life sciences incubator and the State’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. With greater awareness of the County’s business ecosystem, our Office is receiving tremendous interest. We are also planning for several large-scale and long-range programs to anticipate demand of emerging and growth industries. We are seeking an Economic Development Specialist within our Division of Life Sciences and Food Innovation to join our team.

Responsibilities:

• Serving as an industry advocate and knowledgeable in the life science industry
• Building and maintaining relationships with Middlesex County life science firms, startups, incubators, and industry leaders.
• Advising entrepreneurs and businesses of various market development, financing, job training, and other relevant services and resources.
• Acting as a liaison between businesses and resources, including incentives, workforce development programs, and infrastructure services.
• Attending sector and industry-relevant conferences, panels and other events as a representative of Middlesex County.
• Monitoring of trends, opportunities, and challenges in the biotech, pharmaceutical, medical technology, and healthcare sectors to be used for developing collateral marketing materials and sector specific content for our websites (.com and .gov).
• Maintaining contact and project databases using Customer Relationship Management Software.
• Working within and between county service teams to advance county-wide strategic goals and objectives related to business engagement and economic development.
• Facilitating roundtables, industry forums, and innovation meetups to foster collaboration and visibility.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Entry level qualifications are minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience working within the life sciences industry or in public administration, planning, economic or community development, or a related field.
• Understanding of firm-level and sector-level (life sciences) value-drivers and dynamics and willingness to contribute this knowledge and expertise to the development or enhancement of economic development programs, resources, and communications.
• Understanding of the business and community economic environments of New Jersey.
• Strong business acumen and ability to engage credibly and thoughtfully in conversations with industry and government leaders.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for presenting to diverse audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for facilitating relationships with business owners, property owners, prospective businesses, and other decision-makers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; experience with design tools such as Canva and Adobe Acrobat.
• Familiarity with leveraging professional social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn, to craft and schedule engaging posts that align with Office of Business Engagement’s outreach goals.
• Strong ability to create engaging presentations and marketing materials tailored to diverse audiences.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Manage vendor relationships, including processing invoices and handling purchase requisitions to ensure timely and accurate procurement operations.

Requirements:

• Travel and meetings as necessary.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Must satisfy employer paid physical, drug screen and criminal background check.
• NJ residency required by State Statute. R.S.52:14-7.

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is:

• $57,000-$69,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits: You can build your own future while helping to build the future of your community. With competitive benefits, including a pension plan, on-site wellness coaches, and health and dental insurance, Middlesex County offers the support employees need. The County also promotes a healthy work-life balance with generous vacation, sick, and holiday leave. 

Middlesex County is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.