City of Evanston
Evanston, IL
Economic Development Specialist
Salary Range: $25.681 -
$32.888/hour*
*Starting salary is dependent upon
qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for the range.
NATURE OF WORK:
This position performs responsible professional work to
assist in the development and implementation of City of Evanston economic
development programs and projects that support commercial, office, and
industrial businesses and development activities. Work for this position is primarily focused
to include business retention of existing Evanston businesses, with a focus on
retail business. Additional work
includes conducting marketing and business attraction work associated with
bringing nationally recognized commercial businesses as well as supporting the
innovation and development of new locally-based businesses. This position will
require regular reports to the City Manager, Elected Officials, and other
senior City staff on business recruitment. The Economic Development Division is
comprised of a staff of four and is located within the City Manager’s
Office. The Economic Development
Specialist reports to the Economic Development Manager; the Economic
Development Manager reports to the City Manager.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
· Bachelor’s degree (Master’s
preferred) from an accredited college or university in planning, public
administration, or business with a focus on real estate and/or economics or
similar discipline; and at least two (2) years of progressively responsible
economic development based experience; and two years’ experience using personal
computer and the internet related to economic development research.
· Experience (at least two (2) years)
working for a local chamber of commerce, business district improvement area, or
special service area in which job responsibilities involved direct contact with
business districts and individual businesses is preferred.
· Knowledge of marketing,
communications, and public relations, with experience in outreach and
communications to a broad base audience;
· Innovative, self-motivated,
creative, resourceful and independent thinking; Strong problem solving skills
with an ability to quickly assess the issues and challenges and begin to
develop alternative solutions for preferred economic development projects and
programs.
· Ability to review, understand and
discern key information from market analysis, economic or fiscal impact
reports, or other related economic development studies and reports; ability to
take information and adapt, as appropriate, to Economic Development priorities
and strategies.
· Ability to understand, administer
and adapt the process of land use regulations as administered by local
municipalities throughout the U.S., and articulate their theoretical basis,
generally, and specifically related to commercial business expansion and
attraction;
· Considerable knowledge of and
ability to use Internet search engines, word processing software, email, and
Windows operating systems,
· Experience utilizing social media
software in a professional capacity through marketing, social campaigns,
advertising, and/or business promotion,
· Ability to work with and relate to a
diverse group of citizens from varying socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
· Excellent communication,
organizational and project management skills.