Business Development Specialist Life Sciences - Howard ...

Life Sciences Business Development Lead The Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) is seeking a self-motivated and detail-oriented individual to support its Business Development team in an in-person capacity. This position will focus on supporting business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts, while also providing general business development assistance to companies across multiple industries. The business development lead will work closely with internal teams, local stakeholders, and industry partners to drive economic growth and position Howard County as a leading hub for innovation in life sciences and healthcare. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Identify and engage with life sciences, healthcare, and med-tech companies to support their expansion and business growth needs through business visits and outreach. Develop and maintain relationships with key industry stakeholders, including biotech firms, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, research institutions, and healthcare providers. Serve as a liaison between businesses and relevant government agencies, research institutions, and industry organizations to facilitate partnerships and access to resources. Track industry trends, emerging technologies, and market dynamics to inform business development strategies and policy recommendations. Conduct proactive outreach and site visits to existing life sciences and healthcare businesses to understand their challenges, identify growth opportunities, and provide support. Assist companies in navigating regulatory processes, workforce development programs, and access to capital. Coordinate with state and regional economic development entities to leverage incentives, funding opportunities, and collaborative initiatives for business growth. Support businesses in identifying suitable locations, facilities, and infrastructure for their operations. Identify and engage potential life sciences, med-tech, and healthcare companies considering expansion or relocation to Howard County. Develop and execute targeted marketing and outreach strategies to promote the county as a prime location for industry investment. Attend regional industry conferences and networking events to represent Howard County's business ecosystem and attract new investments. Provide support to businesses across multiple sectors in Howard County, including assistance with funding, workforce development, and strategic planning. Assist with the coordination and execution of business development programs, networking events, and roundtables. Facilitate connections between businesses and relevant resources, including incubators, accelerators, and research institutions. Collaborate with internal teams and community partners to drive local economic growth initiatives. Desired Characteristics Well-organized with keen attention to detail. Strong communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate with clients in a variety of ways. Team oriented. Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Comfortable with learning new systems and technologies. Ability to navigate changing environments and implementing innovative solutions. Minimum Required Education/Experience Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in business, economic development, life sciences, healthcare management, or a related field. 3+ years of experience in business development, economic development, or a related industry, preferably with a focus on life sciences, healthcare, or med-tech. Strong understanding of the life sciences ecosystem, including biotech, pharmaceuticals, med-tech, and research institutions. Excellent relationship-building, networking, and stakeholder engagement skills. Strong project management and organizational abilities. Ability to analyze industry trends and provide strategic recommendations. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM tools. Preferred Qualifications: 3-5 years of progressive experience in economic development or business development. Advanced degree. Experience with site selection, real estate tools, and CRM platforms. Familiarity with one or more of the following sectors: Healthcare, Manufacturing, Biotech. Salesforce knowledge. Work Environment Location: This position is based at the HCEDA office and requires in-person attendance to support team collaboration, client interactions, and program delivery. Telework: Remote work may be approved on a case-by-case basis to accommodate specific needs or tasks that can be effectively completed offsite. Local Travel: Regular local travel is expected for business visits, attending regional events, and representing HCEDA at various engagements. To Apply You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted. Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks. At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation. Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at . Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application. HCEDA Employees, although they are not employees of Howard County, participate in most features of the Howard County Employee Benefit Plan. The following is a summary of benefits available for active full-time and part-time benefitted employees: 1. COUNTYFLEX - FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN: Employees may enroll in the County's flexible benefits plan, CountyFlex, an IRS approved plan which permits payroll deductions on a pre-tax basis. This plan provides full-time employees with benefit credits which can be used toward the purchase of health, dental and supplemental life insurance coverages; as contributions to flexible spending accounts; or be converted into cash to be added to pay. Part-time benefitted employees may enroll in benefit plans, but receive no benefit credits. Enrollment levels include employee only; employee and spouse; employee and 1 child; or family. CountyFlex benefit options include: o Medical Insurance Plans (Vision included) (Health Maintenance Organizations-HMO and Preferred Provider Network-PPN) o Dental Insurance Plans (Traditional Dental and Dental Maintenance Organization) # Optional Life Insurance (Employees may purchase 1, 2, or 3 times their legislated base annual salary in supplemental life insurance subject to insurance carrier approval. Employees can also purchase a term life insurance benefit on their spouse and eligible children.) o Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care and Dependent Care) Full-time employees who select Medical Plan benefits will receive $150 per month in benefit credits that go towards the purchase of medical insurance plans. Full-time employees hired on or after July 1, 1993 who do not select Medical Plan benefits will receive $75 per month in credits to use toward the purchase of other benefits, to fund flexible spending accounts and/or to receive as additional "salary". Part-time benefitted employees may enroll in CountyFlex benefit plans but will receive no benefit credits to use toward the purchase of benefits. Employee contributions necessary for benefit elections will be paid with pre-tax dollars. Changes to benefit plan elections may only be made during the County's annual open enrollment period (November) or within 30 days of a qualifying change in status. Examples of qualifying changes in status include birth or adoption of a child, marriage, divorce, dependents loss of eligibility for benefits or change in spouse's employment status. Only enrollment changes consistent with the actual qualifying event are permitted. Failure to notify the Office of Human Resources within 30 days of the event may result in inability to make the enrollment change. Employees should contact the Office of Human Resources to confirm what options may be available to them. 2. LIFE INSURANCE: The HCEDA pays the entire cost of basic term life insurance for full-time employees equivalent to 2 times annual salary. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. Employees may

Created: 2026-03-06