Economic Development Specialist - The City of Evanston, IL

Job Title:	Economic Development Specialist
Opening Date/Time:	Mon. 07/27/15 12:00 AM Central Time
Closing Date/Time:	Fri. 08/07/15 11:59 PM Central Time
Salary:	$27.65 - $35.41 Hourly
Job Type:	Full-Time
Location:	Field - Citywide, Evanston, Illinois
Department:	City Manager's Office

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Nature of Work  Benefits  Supplemental Questions
*Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for the range. 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 Senior Economic Development Coordinator; the Senior Economic Development Coordinator reports to the Economic Development Divisions Manager; the Economic Development Division Manager reports to the City Manager.
Essential Functions:
Conducts business visitations of businesses located in Evanston's neighborhood business districts and subsequent identification of retailers or businesses in districts through business visits that are interested in expansion or require additional retention assistance. Develops and supports a retail incubation program that supports entrepreneurs or area businesses interested in opening a new business that does not currently exist in a district or in Evanston. Acts as initial point of contact for general inquiries from new and existing business walk-in and phone inquiries; acts as Economic Development liaison for 311 inquiries. Assists in the preparation of customized, confidential, professional responses to prospect requests. Contributes to the constant improvement of presentation materials / in-house publications. Participates in the development of aggressive marketing and sales strategies that will result in new prospect activity. Works to create economic development incentive packages for prospects interested in locating in Evanston (includes coordination with City Law Department to draft and create redevelopment agreements). Meets and works with business district organizations concerning economic development issues and challenges. Develops and maintains a comprehensive inventory of available commercial, office and industrial building spaces and sites within the community for economic development purposes; tracks vacancy rates within the City by commercial industry. Represents the City in regional and national convention and trade shows for which prospective businesses for Evanston are present. Develops and maintains relationships with retail broker community. Assists as needed in preparation of Power Point presentations and supporting materials, for presentation to City Manager, City Council, Committee meetings, key business groups, and/or other special interest groups. Works with Economic Development Division Manager and the Public Information Officer and Chamber of Commerce Officials to coordinate announcements and the promotion of the new businesses openings, existing business expansions or key anniversaries, and general business activities and special events. Provides timely reports to the Economic Development Manager and City Manager on activities and progress on retention, expansion, and attraction efforts that are used to brief City Council and other elected officials. Performs other duties as assigned or directed.
Minimum Requirements:
Must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in planning, public administration, or business with a focus on real estate and/or economics or similar discipline.  Master's degree is preferred. Must possess two (2) or more years of progressively responsible economic development based work experience including economic development research experience.  Possession of two (2) or more years of experience working for a local chamber of commerce, business district improvement area, special service area, or related municipal position in which job responsibilities involved direct contact with business districts and individual businesses is preferred. Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving record. Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas: 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. SUPERVISION: The Economic Development Specialist reports to the Senior Economic Development Coordinator who outlines work assignments, reviews work in progress, and assesses completed work.  Works closely with all relevant departments/divisions to assist and inform in the processing of economic development related issues and policies; best practices as appropriate.  Guidance is provided via the strategic plan, economic development vision statement, economic development work program, City Code, City policies and procedures, applicable state and federal laws and regulations, ensuring that planning initiatives are met.  Work is evaluated at least annually with respect to progress toward achieving goals, leadership, communication skills, customer service, ability to work productively and effectively with employees at all levels in the organization as well as community groups, businesses, major employers and the general public. PUBLIC CONTACT: The employee has regular and frequent contact with department and division employees and other City employees; regular contact with individual citizens and groups, including business associations and elected officials.  Facilitation of and presentations during public meetings are part of the scope of work for this position.