Economic and Workforce Development Small Business Navigator

A Non-Merit vacancy exists in the Department of Economic and Workforce Development.

Regular Schedule: 34 hours per week. Plus County benefits. 

Non-Merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plan.  Non-Merit positions in the Department are eligible for benefits such as vacation, sick leave, health insurance, etc.Job Purpose
Under the direction of the Director, Economic and Workforce Development, the Small Business Navigator serves as Baltimore County’s primary liaison for small businesses navigating the planning, zoning, development review, permitting, and inspections processes. This role provides direct support, guidance, and project management to help entrepreneurs and small business owners efficiently work through County requirements.

Definition of Responsibility 
The position operates in coordination with the Economic Development team and collaborates closely with the Department of Permits, Approvals & Inspections (PAI), Planning, Zoning, and other internal and external partners. The Navigator ensures small businesses receive accurate information, coordinated support, and a reliable single point of contact to streamline their experience with Baltimore County government.

Examples of Essential Duties

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for Baltimore County’s small business navigation function, setting operational priorities, service delivery standards, and performance expectations for all activities supporting permitting, zoning, inspections, and development processes.
• Serve as the County’s executive-level point of contact for small business engagement, ensuring that entrepreneurs and business owners receive coordinated, accurate, and timely guidance across all regulatory and development-related agencies.
• Lead cross-departmental collaboration with PAI, Planning, Zoning, Business Development, and other internal and external partners to streamline workflows, remove barriers, and implement systemic improvements that enhance the County’s responsiveness to small businesses.
• Direct high-visibility and complex small business projects, providing executive project management, issues resolution, and interagency coordination to ensure timely progress from pre-application through occupancy.
• Identify operational inefficiencies, policy gaps, and recurring challenges within development and permitting systems; design, recommend, and champion reforms that improve customer experience and advance the County’s economic development goals.
• Oversee the development and dissemination of County-wide guidance materials, tools, resources, and communication strategies to strengthen the quality and consistency of information delivered to small businesses.
• Represent the department and County leadership at public events, advisory groups, stakeholder roundtables, Main Street tours, revitalization initiatives, and community forums, providing authoritative updates and building strategic partnerships.
•  Provide senior-level counsel to the Chief, Deputy Director, and Director on small business trends, regulatory bottlenecks, operational performance, and strategic opportunities; contribute to departmental goal setting and resource planning.
•  Lead data-driven evaluation of small business cases, service metrics, timelines, and interagency performance using approved project management or CRM systems; ensure accountability, documentation, and continuous improvement.
• Champion a culture of customer service excellence, interdepartmental cooperation, problem-solving, innovation, and operational integrity across the small business support ecosystem.

Examples of Other Duties 
Performs related duties as required.

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Business Administration, Public Administration, Construction Management, or a related field. 

Plus

At least 5 years of experience in permitting, planning and zoning, development processes, small business operations, or municipal regulatory systems.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of local government functions, permitting workflows, zoning processes, and interagency requirements.

• Understanding of construction, code compliance, application submittal best practices, and inspection processes.

• Strong communication skills and ability to explain complex regulatory processes to individuals with varying levels of technical knowledge.

• Ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with business owners, developers, municipal partners, and internal staff.

• Ability to prepare clear, concise written reports and present information effectively

• Strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and data management skills.

• Ability to solve problems, manage multiple projects, and maintain professionalism while working with diverse stakeholders.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn County permitting/project management systems.

Physical and Environmental Conditions
The work of this classification is essentially sedentary, but may involve occasional walking, other limited physical activity, and occasional travel between work sites using a personal vehicle.

Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for an appointment to a position in Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment background investigation, including, but not limited to, a criminal background check, education, and fingerprint check.