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SMALL BUSINESS/DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR, Seize the Future Development Foundation- Aurora, IL

SEIZE THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION
POSITION DESCRIPTION

SMALL BUSINESS/DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Definition
Attract and retain small commercial development in key business corridors with a focus on downtown within the city of Aurora.
Duties include:
·       Administering a downtown redevelopment grant program
·       Providing professional experience to Aurora’s downtown organization, Aurora Downtown
·       Assisting prospective businesses by providing relevant data
·       Assisting real estate representatives and consultants
·       Facilitating the progress of projects through the city of Aurora approval process
·       Participating in meetings with government councils and local redevelopment organizations
·       Coordinating and administering special projects

Essential Functions of the Job
·       Develop relationships with site location consultants/professionals to facilitate small business attraction through direct and electronic mail, familiarization tours and direct contact.
·       Contact existing Aurora small businesses to assist with proposed expansion plans and address any issues relating to business retention.
·       Attend corridor business association and task force committee meetings to help implement redevelopment in targeted areas.
·       Utilize state and federal programs for the promotion of Aurora.
·       Attend outside committee meetings as necessary for the purpose of tracking the progress of specific small business projects and/or issues that affect small business.
·       Maintain and create a variety of work related computer databases.
·       Perform special studies as required.
·       Conduct research as necessary and evaluate findings
·       Administer grant programs (pending funding)
·       Visualize future development possibilities using various software applications and mapping.

Required Knowledge and Abilities
·       Excellent organizational skills
·       Ability to read and understand business plans and complex reports
·       Ability to communicate effectively with various levels of people
·       Ability to operate computers with working knowledge of software programs
·       Ability to maintain good working relationship with various agencies, city personnel and general public
·       Ability to work under time pressures and meet deadlines
·       Self-motivated with a strong commitment to small business development

Qualifications for Hire
·       B.S. Degree in Planning, Business or Public Administration or related field
·       Computer experience with working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with the Adobe Creative Suite, Trimble SketchUp, and/or ArcGIS a plus.
·       Maintain a valid driver’s license.
·       Fluency in Spanish preferred.
·       Master’s degree preferred.

Equipment/Job Location
May work long hours and weekends. May sit for long periods of time for various business meetings. Will work in a professional office environment as well as out of doors. Will operate office equipment

Salary commensurate with experience ($40,000-$50,000)

Posting closes September 4, 2014

Send resume and cover letter to
David Hulseberg
President/CEO
Seize the Future Development Foundation
43 W. Galena Blvd.
Aurora, IL 60506