Job Description

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

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.

Position Overview

The COO is the CEOs internal counterpart responsible for turning strategy into execution. While the CEO focuses externally on partnerships, visibility, and business development, the COO leads internal delivery: aligning teams to goals, establishing clear processes and metrics, and holding the organization accountable for results. The COO oversees all facets of MCEDCs operationsincluding finance, administration, and economic development initiativeswhile ensuring alignment with the CEOs vision and MCEDCs mission. The role includes financial stewardship, shaping organizational culture, and fostering a highperforming team.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Execution & Team Alignment

• Translate the CEOs 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 refreshes.

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, instituting 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, followthrough) and weekly BD cadence.
• Report BD performance to CEO/Board; integrate learnings into resource allocation.

Financial Stewardship

• Align annual and multiyear budgets to strategic priorities; ensure resources follow strategy.
• Oversee financial planning, forecasting, and analysis to ensure fiscal health and transparency.
• 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, highperformance 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.
• DataDriven Decisions
• Clear Communication
• Change Leadership and Innovation

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required; Masters degree or CEcD certification preferred.
• 710+ years of senior leadership experience with demonstrable responsibility for execution, budgeting, and crossfunctional operations.
• Proven track record in economic development, nonprofit management, public agency, or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to lead crossfunctional teams and manage complex operations.
• Track record building systems for accountability, metrics, and collaboration.
• Ability to advise CEOs and Boards on strategic tradeoffs and resource allocation.
• Proficiency with budget planning tools, productivity suites, and dashboarding/reporting.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problemsolving skills.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.

Compensation

The anticipated annualized salary range is $160,000 $175,000 for fulltime employment, along with a robust benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, group life, short and longterm disability, and retirement benefits, plus a generous paidtimeoff program.

TO APPLY

• Letter of interest: please include a cover letter that highlights your leadership experience and explains how your skills in financial strategy, operational management, and culturebuilding will help advance MCEDCs mission and strategic priorities as COO.
• Professional resume.

Seniority Level

Executive

Employment Type

Fulltime

Job Function

Administrative

Industries

Government Administration, Government Relations Services, and Political Organizations

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