Economic Development Consulting Jobs in Maryland

About Company:

Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) is the City of Baltimore’s economic development agency. We work to strengthen Baltimore’s economy by attracting investment, supporting businesses, advancing real estate development, and creating opportunities that help neighborhoods, employers, and residents thrive.

Our work is rooted in the belief that economic growth should benefit the entire city. From helping businesses launch and expand to advancing catalytic development projects, connecting entrepreneurs with resources, and building partnerships across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, BDC helps turn Baltimore’s potential into lasting progress.

At BDC, you will join a mission-driven team committed to shaping a more vibrant, equitable, and economically resilient Baltimore. We value collaboration, innovation, accountability, and a deep connection to the communities we serve.

Whether your expertise is in real estate, small-business support, finance, communications, community investment, grants, compliance, or economic development, your work at BDC can make a meaningful impact on Baltimore’s future.

About the Role:

The Director, Real Estate Transactions & Asset Management leads development and operational strategy for real estate and physical assets within BDC’s portfolio, working across all real estate product types with varying degrees of complexity. This role provides strategic guidance and expertise for real estate development, planning, finance, acquisitions, and dispositions, ensuring strategies for development and operating assets advance Baltimore’s economic development goals by prioritizing historically underserved populations, supporting community wealth-building, preserving affordability, and maximizing public and private investment. The ideal candidate pairs sophisticated real estate finance skills with a genuine commitment to equitable development outcomes.

Required Qualifications 

 •    A Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field; a Master’s degree is preferred. 

•    A minimum of 7 years of experience in real estate development, project finance, or economic development finance, with experience in deal structuring and portfolio operations. 

•    Proven track record in complex financial modeling and multi-source financing coordination, including tax credit programs, public financing mechanisms, and community development                  finance. 

•    Knowledge of financial modeling software and property management platforms such as Yardi or MRI, along with project and property management tools. 

•    Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills, with the ability to balance financial performance with mission priorities. 

•    Knowledge of Baltimore’s economic and civic landscape and familiarity with the Mayor’s strategic priorities is a strong plus. 

Key Responsibilities 

Project Development & Management

•    Collaborate with the VP of Real Estate and divisions across BDC to identify real estate and economic development opportunities across all real estate sectors 

•    Assess feasibility for potential real estate development opportunities that will serve as a catalyst for generating community and financial benefits 

•    Evaluate responses to Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) and Requests for Proposals (RFP), and provide recommendations to senior leadership 

•    Lead competitive developer selection processes and negotiation of development agreements 

•    Direct and manage the activities of retained consultants, including surveyors, appraisers, architects and engineers, market and financial analysts, legal counsel, and real estate advisors 

Financial Structuring & Funding Coordination 

•    Design and implement innovative financing programs that address gaps in traditional capital markets for historically underserved entrepreneurs and communities 

•    Lead financial structuring for high-complexity economic development projects requiring multiple capital sources and stakeholder coordination 

•    Prepare comprehensive financial models, pro formas, and investment analyses for special financing initiatives 

•    Assemble complex capital stacks utilizing New Markets Tax Credits, Historic Tax Credits, Opportunity Zone incentives, and other specialized programs 

•    Coordinate with community development financial institutions (CDFIs), mission-driven lenders, and impact investors 

Community Benefits and Initiatives 

•    Integrate community benefit requirements and wealth-building mechanisms into all financing structures 

•    Develop community ownership models, profit-sharing agreements, and equity participation opportunities for historically underserved stakeholders 

•    Create financing terms and conditions that prevent displacement and support long-term community stability 

•    Maintain affordability requirements across the portfolio, ensuring accessible rents for historically underserved tenants 

Portfolio Asset Management & Strategic Partnerships 

•    Oversee day-to-day operations of BDC’s commercial and residential real estate portfolio, including annual operating budgets and capital improvement plans 

•    Conduct quarterly portfolio reviews and implement performance improvement strategies 

•    Recommend optimal use for vacant or underutilized properties, and negotiate commercial and residential leases ensuring favorable terms and community benefit 

•    Build and maintain relationships with financial institutions, impact investors, and missionaligned capital providers, and represent BDC in financing networks and industry forums 

Leadership & Collaboration 

•    Lead through influence. Though this role has no direct reports today, the Director directs the work of retained consultants — surveyors, appraisers, architects, engineers, market/financial analysts, and legal counsel —          on a project basis. 

•    Advise leadership. Serve as a trusted advisor to the VP & Chief Real Estate Officer on development strategy, deal structuring, and portfolio performance. 

The Baltimore Development Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. BDC does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.