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, home to the main campus of New Jersey’s land-grant institution, Rutgers University, operations of many of the world’s largest flavors and fragrances companies, and nearly half a million square feet of cold storage space. 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.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serving as an industry advocate and subject matter expert in food innovation
• Building relationships with prospective businesses and existing Middlesex County companies in the food & beverage sector, including the supply chain
• Advising entrepreneurs and businesses of various market development, financing, job training, and other relevant services and resources
• Maintain and grow retention and attraction pipeline
• Collaborating with the Real Estate Development Team to respond to requests for information from site selectors, real estate brokers, and others
• Attending sector and industry-relevant conferences, panels, and other events as a representative of Middlesex County
• Develop and execute programs to support and grow Middlesex County’s food innovation ecosystem.
• Researching and collecting industry and demographic data, and other relevant statistics and information 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
• Working with economic development partners and stakeholders, such as state units of government and industry associations on a broad range of economic development activities

EXPERIENCE:

Entry level qualifications are minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience working within the food & beverage sector or in public administration, planning, economic or community development, or a related field.

• Understanding of firm-level and sector-level (food & beverage) 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
• Ability to manage multiple projects with the same (or similar) deadlines
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality