BERLIN– A formal search has begun to replace one of the faces of America’s coolest small town.
Economic and Community Development Director Michael Day announced his impending retirement earlier this year. Berlin formally posted the job on July 25 on the town website and the Maryland Economic Development Association website.
“Under the direction of the Town Administrator, the Economic Development Director will serve as the point person who interacts with all Berlin merchants; and represent the Town at state and regional business development meetings,” the post read. “The selected candidate will work closely with Worcester County Department of Economic Development and Department of Tourism. There will be frequent travel, evening meetings and weekend work. This selected candidate will facilitate and attend various meetings; mediate numerous issues with merchants; write and administer grants and work with (supervise) the Main Street Coordinator in coordinating and attending many Town sponsored events.”
The budget for the department is in excess of $200,000 annually, according to the post. Candidates should be familiar with the Maryland Enterprise Zone, MD DHCD Sustainable Communities and Community Legacy programs. A bachelor’s degree and seven-plus years of similar experience are preferred. The annual salary for the position is $45,000-$53,000, depending on experience.
Application packets should include a Town of Berlin application for employment, resume with cover letter summarizing experience and three professional references with names, telephone numbers and years known to the Berlin Town Hall, Attn: Director-Human Resources. Applica-
tions are due by Friday, Sept. 19, 2014.
“We’re looking for someone, on the soft skills side, that has the ability to interact with other people with a multitude of personalities,” said Human Resources Director Jeffrey Fleetwood. “That includes the press, folks such as the business owners and folks such as visitors when they come to the town, so it has to be someone who is able to interact with multiple personalities and is able to sift through the chafe to get to the wheat, so to speak.”
From a technical skills perspective, Fleetwood said the town is looking for someone with experience in grant writing. Berlin hopes to have the position filled by December.
Many credit Day as being one of the architects of the resurgence of Berlin.
“All of us are replaceable, but as far as finding someone like another Michael – I think that’s going to be fairly difficult,” Fleetwood said. “Michael has a unique skillset in that he can corral those hundred cats, as he likes to call it. He also has a unique subset; he was an elected official in Salisbury/Wicomico County, so he has that background as well. He brings a unique skill to what he does here for the town of Berlin. He’s one of the faces of the town.”
Day said he did not have another job lined up, and that he is willing to stay on for a brief transitional period in order to train his successor.
“I wanted to give them enough time to find the right person and the right fit, and therefore I’ve given them plenty of notice hopefully to do that,” he said. “The mayor asked me if I could stay to the end of the calendar year and that’s fine.”
Mail applications to Town of Berlin, 10 William Street, Berlin, Md. 21811.
Economic and Community Development Director Michael Day announced his impending retirement earlier this year. Berlin formally posted the job on July 25 on the town website and the Maryland Economic Development Association website.
“Under the direction of the Town Administrator, the Economic Development Director will serve as the point person who interacts with all Berlin merchants; and represent the Town at state and regional business development meetings,” the post read. “The selected candidate will work closely with Worcester County Department of Economic Development and Department of Tourism. There will be frequent travel, evening meetings and weekend work. This selected candidate will facilitate and attend various meetings; mediate numerous issues with merchants; write and administer grants and work with (supervise) the Main Street Coordinator in coordinating and attending many Town sponsored events.”
The budget for the department is in excess of $200,000 annually, according to the post. Candidates should be familiar with the Maryland Enterprise Zone, MD DHCD Sustainable Communities and Community Legacy programs. A bachelor’s degree and seven-plus years of similar experience are preferred. The annual salary for the position is $45,000-$53,000, depending on experience.
Application packets should include a Town of Berlin application for employment, resume with cover letter summarizing experience and three professional references with names, telephone numbers and years known to the Berlin Town Hall, Attn: Director-Human Resources. Applica-
tions are due by Friday, Sept. 19, 2014.
“We’re looking for someone, on the soft skills side, that has the ability to interact with other people with a multitude of personalities,” said Human Resources Director Jeffrey Fleetwood. “That includes the press, folks such as the business owners and folks such as visitors when they come to the town, so it has to be someone who is able to interact with multiple personalities and is able to sift through the chafe to get to the wheat, so to speak.”
From a technical skills perspective, Fleetwood said the town is looking for someone with experience in grant writing. Berlin hopes to have the position filled by December.
Many credit Day as being one of the architects of the resurgence of Berlin.
“All of us are replaceable, but as far as finding someone like another Michael – I think that’s going to be fairly difficult,” Fleetwood said. “Michael has a unique skillset in that he can corral those hundred cats, as he likes to call it. He also has a unique subset; he was an elected official in Salisbury/Wicomico County, so he has that background as well. He brings a unique skill to what he does here for the town of Berlin. He’s one of the faces of the town.”
Day said he did not have another job lined up, and that he is willing to stay on for a brief transitional period in order to train his successor.
“I wanted to give them enough time to find the right person and the right fit, and therefore I’ve given them plenty of notice hopefully to do that,” he said. “The mayor asked me if I could stay to the end of the calendar year and that’s fine.”
Mail applications to Town of Berlin, 10 William Street, Berlin, Md. 21811.