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Director of Cluster Growth, Chicago, deadline Nov. 4

World Business Chicago is seeking a Director of Cluster Growth to aid in the execution of World Business Chicago’s Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs to improve the business climate of the area and empower the business community to improve the ecosystem supporting key emerging, existing, and evolving business clusters within the Chicago area.
WBC supports cluster growth to increase the productivity with which companies can compete, nationally, and globally. This position will also serve as the lead liaison to regional economic development partners in connecting the key initiatives and work of the Plan (including all 10 strategies) to regional efforts and networks. The Director of Cluster Growth position is a full-time position that reports to the Executive Director of the Plan for Economic Growth & Jobs.

Primary Responsibilities

Elevating the Strategic Work of the Plan for Targeted Cluster Growth
  • Work with Plan leadership, Research staff, Business Development staff, and external economic partners in identifying emerging, existing, and evolving business clusters and sub-clusters to target for focused growth within Chicagoland’s economy
  • Compile detailed profiles on clusters by reviewing quantitative data, amassing and compiling qualitative information, and extrapolating trends
  • Develop growth strategies for clusters (including supply chain mapping, infrastructure development, workforce development, etc.)
  • Direct Plan Analysts to analyze current trends in cluster growth – specifically lead analysis to understand long-term cluster trends and transfer analysis into useful information for marketing and business development that tells the story of growth opportunity within cluster (including analyzing economic trend data, financial modeling, best practice gathering via local and global experts, project scoping, impact analysis, and the like)
  • Identify gaps, barriers, opportunities in ecosystem of cluster growth, identify ways to fill gaps through projects, programs, or aiding external partners
  • Elevate public service delivery and business enabling environment reforms for all businesses in Chicagoland
  • Support WBC Plan catalytic initiatives to grow economy for all
  • With cross-cutting focus on the 10 Strategies, manage ongoing support for external initiatives focusing different elements of cluster growth
Connecting, Collaborating, and Convening Strategic Private-Sector Partners
  • Convene cluster leaders and lead executive-level industry leaders in setting and executing the near and long-term agenda for specific business cluster strategy goals
  • Interview companies to identify trends within clusters in Chicago – identify barriers and opportunities to growth within targeted clusters and hone in on strategic expansion needs of companies within these clusters
  • Act as a resource for WBC and industry partners to be an expert on a cluster within the region
  • Work closely with external cluster partners (including Current, Chicagoland FOOD, SINC) on developing specific strategies for cluster growth
  • Develop regional partnerships within workforce development, entrepreneurship & innovation, infrastructure development as it supports cluster growth and economic inclusiveness
  • Serve as a liaison to regional EDOs within developing best practices in cluster growth
  • Align cluster development work with Intersect Illinois, the State of Illinois’ public-private economic development agency
  • Serve as a thought leader in focus area, develop outbound communications
  • Coordinate Advisory Council for Chicagoland Manufacturing fully informed on the condition of all Plan related activities and all the important factors required to achieve its objectives
Elevating the Work of WBC and the Plan Staff
  • Assist Business Development in supporting City of Chicago in their business attraction, expansion, and retention within area
    • Work with Marketing, Business Development units to develop marketing activities to grow leads for business attraction, expansion, and retention both nationally and internationally
    • Support WBC Business Development unit in identifying targeted sectors within cluster that are ripe for relocation or expansion
  • Work with Metro Chicago Exports and FDI staff in aligning cluster work in supporting development of traded cluster sectors
  • Work with the Director of Strategic Civic Partnerships to grow targeted emerging and existing clusters inclusively for Chicago
  • Work with Plan Director and Workforce Development Staff in identifying workforce development strategies for specific clusters

Qualifications

  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with a wide range of individuals within and outside of WBC
  • Broad base of knowledge and skills related to building effective partnerships with private sector leadership
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to clearly communicate to all levels of management
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload in order to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
  • Detail oriented with a high level of energy and a “can-do” attitude
  • Entrepreneurial approach is a must, and experience working in a start-up environment with evolving priorities and processes preferred
  • Strong interpersonal written/verbal communications skills
  • A passion for outreach and engagement that makes a difference for the region’s future
  • A good sense of diplomacy in dealing with confidential information
The ideal candidate has a minimum of 7-10 years of experience in a leadership role related to business cluster growth strategies within the field of economic development and has distinctive project management and analytical skills. Relevant graduate degree or equivalent work experience preferred. IEDC CEcD certification strongly preferred. The candidate should also have extensive experience working with senior (C-suite) leadership, possess excellent written and oral communication skills, and have relevant expertise and experience in cluster growth strategies. Must have solid computer skills with the capability to master new software applications and technologies in database management including Salesforce.com and have advanced expertise required in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access.

Salary

Salary will be commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits package.

To Apply

If interested, please send a cover letter and resume by November 4, 2016 to:
Carrie Simmons
World Business Chicago
177 N. State St., Ste. 500
Chicago, Illinois, 60601
Due to the large volume of applications we receive, we cannot reply individually to each applicant. Once you have your application, please do not contact us unless we ask you for further information. World Business Chicago is an equal opportunity employer.
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