Director of Economic Development Programs, North River Commission - Chicago

Job Opening: Director of Economic Development Programs

Work to make the Albany Park/Mayfair Shopping Area a premier destination for shopping, dining,
culture and entertainment on Chicago’s northwest side. Meet the economic development visions and
goals set by business and community leaders. Organize and maintain an active business association to
promote and plan for the development of the North River Commission (NRC) area. Act as the Director of NRC’s two award‐winning economic development affiliates, the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce and the Lawrence Avenue Development Corporation (LADCOR).
Market and beautify the commercial district. Work to improve parking and transportation services.
Assist businesses to stay and expand. Seek and recruit new businesses to locate in new/existing
properties. Provide business resources for the mostly mom‐and‐pop, immigrant‐owned small businesses
in the Albany Park community, one of America’s most diverse communities. Build relationships between
small business owners, landlords, elected officials, community leaders and city and state liaisons.  Utilize community organizing principles and understand citywide economic development policy initiatives.
Collaborate with citywide Chambers of Commerce and development corporations to bring additional
resources to the commercial district.

Job Responsibilities:
• Acts as a liaison between the North River Commission, Lawrence Avenue Development
Corporation, the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce, NRC staff and consultants,  local elected
officials, business leaders from the Albany Park/Mayfair area and key community partners to
implement NRC’s five year Economic Development Plan.
• Implement a new taxing district (Special Service Area) and organize its affiliated volunteer
Commissioners that are planned for the Albany Park commercial district in 2014.
• Coordinate and manage a transit‐oriented development in partnership with the Chicago Transit
Authority and the Illinois Department of Transportation.
• Implement storefront renovation program (Small Business Improvement Fund) for 2‐5
businesses a year, organize LADCOR’s Architecture Committee and volunteers as needed, and
prepare application and/or financial packages as required.
• Assist existing businesses in staying in the community and expanding, and seek to recruit new
businesses to locate in Albany Park/ Mayfair commercial district.
• Coordinate commercial real estate development projects in partnership with developers,
investors, local elected officials and City of Chicago.
• Identify and help to develop neighborhood and business leadership and resources for the
Albany Park Chamber of Commerce and Lawrence Avenue Development Corporation. This
includes meeting arrangements, agenda preparation, and keeping financial records.
• Direct the activities of the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce, involving recruiting and retaining
membership base of approx. 150 members and collect yearly dues.
• Coordinate and direct regular Chamber membership services including: promotions, technical
assistance, special events such as networking events, meetings tours, grand openings and/or
public events, monthly e‐newsletters, website and social media pages (Twitter, Facebook).
• Organize and provide liaison for business community in their need for city services, police and fire protection and other government assistance.

The North River Commission (NRC) is a community-based organization founded in 1962 by concerned residents and neighborhood institutions.
NRC unites over 100 civic associations, businesses, schools, institutions and places of worship on the northwest side of Chicago to improve the
quality of life for all constituents in our community by creating affordable housing, quality education, arts & cultural endeavors, open spaces, and stable neighborhood businesses.

• Maintain and coordinate contracts, grants and related reports and documents, program
evaluation and budgeting.
• Maintain knowledge of the community, as well as knowledge current in field, including
study and attendance at workshops, trainings or seminars.
• Supervise interns, volunteers, and other economic development staff.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Requirements:
We are seeking a friendly, independent, self‐motivated individual with excellent oral and written
communication skills. The successful candidate must have a bachelor’s degree and the ability to run
Board of Directors meetings, organize special events, and make presentations at public meetings,
conferences and tours. Experience in community organizing, social networking, marketing and project
management will be valued. Reliable transportation will also be needed.

Qualifications:
• Superb oral and written communication skills, research skills, public speaking ability and
outgoing personality.
• Experience in a position of significant responsibility within a non‐profit or business setting
and/or a community based organization is a plus. Basic knowledge of finance for small
businesses and an understanding of marketing and promotion techniques.
• Experience and commitment working with urban communities and with people from a variety of
cultures, income groups, and ethnic origins is an asset.
• Experience and commitment working with volunteer Board of Directors is a plus.
• Must have a flexible schedule. Position requires occasional evening and weekend hours.
• Computer fluency is required. Budget maintenance experience is a plus.

This unique opportunity combines an understanding of economic development strategies and
community organizing to strengthen the quality of life for over 1,100 businesses in the Albany
Park/Mayfair communities. Interested candidates should expect a minimum commitment of five (5)
days per week with typical work hours from 9:00AM to 5:00PM at the North River Commission’s office located at 3403 W. Lawrence Avenue, Suite 201, Chicago, IL 60625 near the end of the CTA Ravenswood Brown Line’s Kimball stop. This is a paid position commensurate with work experience and includes benefits.