Dir. of Econ Dev and Business Services, Andersonville Chamber of Commerce - Chicago

Andersonville is a neighborhood within the City of Chicago with an economic development strategy grounded in support of locally owned, independent businesses and long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
Andersonville Chamber of Commerce provides marketing, advocacy, technical assistance, business attraction, stewardship of built environment, long range planning, and Special Service Area management in order to foster an environment in which local businesses can thrive and serve the community. More information at andersonville.org.

Position Title:
Start date:
Reports to: Essential Functions:

Director of Economic Development and Business Services Salaried, full time, exempt position
Winter 2014 Executive Director
Development & management of programs in economic development, business services, business technical assistance, and business finance.

Duties and Responsibilities
Manage economic development initiatives, including:

• Business attraction and recruitment, including research, outreach, and marketing
  
• Market data: annual updates and interpretation of demographics, market studies, leakage, and
  constituent surveys
  
• Property owner and commercial broker outreach and advocacy
  
• Strategy on major development projects with an eye towards their benefits for local businesses
  
• Available property tracking & promotion
  
• Work with Executive Director on long-range development plans
  
• Act as staff liaison to the Neighborhood Development Committee
  Manage business services including:
  
  • One-on-one technical assistance to individual businesses and landlords, providing individualized market
    and consumer data reports, available space information, and consultations on business plans,
    marketing, finance, and city processes/services
    
  • Annual slate of business workshops, networking events, and roundtables
    Manage business finance programs, including:
    

• Community capital research and initiatives designed to make capital from within the community
  available to community businesses
  
• Outreach and assistance to businesses with city programs including TIF, SBIF, and TIF-Works.
  
• Andersonville Façade Incentive program
  
• Andersonville National Historic District tax credits
  Administration
  

• Develop budget and work plans for own program areas
  
• Administer City of Chicago Neighborhood Business Development Center contract
  
• Report on economic development activities to ACC board and Andersonville Special Service area
  commission
  Communications and public outreach
  

• Collaborate and provide information about Andersonville’s economic development efforts to an
assortment of constituents including block clubs and local elected officials and staff. Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree in urban planning, urban policy, economic development, community development or other relevant field is preferred.
  
• At least three years’ relevant experience in one or more of these fields: small business development, local business attraction, City of Chicago business licensing and permitting, community capital, business incubator development, business training, economic localization, small business finance
  
• Demonstrably excellent skills in program administration and development – especially within a non-profit or community organization
  
• Skill at actively engaging with property owners, brokers, and current and potential businesses.
  
• Experience in successful outreach to a variety of constituencies
  
• Familiarity with Andersonville or similar communities a plus
  
• Budgeting and financial oversight a plus
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication
  
• Demonstrably high level of self-motivation, ability to work effectively in a low-structure environment, and
  strong multi-tasking capabilities
  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access. Internet/social media fluency. GIS helpful.
  Salary and Benefits
  Annual salary is commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits package. Supportive, creative, and friendly work environment.
  Email resume and cover letter by January 27, 2014 to: eshepard@andersonville.org. NO phone calls, please.