Who: Land of Lincoln Economic Development Committee. The goal of the EDC is to create a more vibrant, diverse, multi-generational community through economic development efforts that attract and retain a broader range of stable employment opportunities. This is accomplished through leveraging Sangamon County and the City of Springfield’s historical significance, strong education system and choices, state-of-the-art medical facilities, geographic location, low cost-of-living and broad human outreach initiatives. The Land of Lincoln Economic Development Committee (EDC) was created in Springfield and Sangamon County, Illinois, late in 2017 with the expectations that it will form a 501-c3, public-private, economic development corporation. After an in-depth analysis of the current economic development efforts, regional leaders saw the need to form an entity that is laser-focused on primary job creation and retention and economic growth for the region.
What: The President/CEO of the Economic Development Committee will be responsible for the recruitment of new industries/businesses to the Sangamon County Region and plays an important role on the committee in achieving overall goals and objectives. This position will report to a Board of Trustees and is responsible for implementing economic development initiatives in collaboration with local business leaders, state and local government officials, site selection consultants, and staff. Specific economic development responsibilities include those associated with entrepreneurship development, workforce development, business retention and expansion, business recruitment and marketing. As this is a newly created position, it offers a unique opportunity to shape and influence this start-up corporation into a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity for the region. Specific roles and responsibilities include:
• Provide strategic vision of the 2030, “County of the Future”, and gain buy-in and support for how to sequence and prioritize that vision
• Implementation of a strategic plan that will optimize Sangamon County and the City of Springfield’s economic success
• Grow businesses, both organically and through new business relocations, to enhance the tax base (corporate, individual income, real estate, etc.). Consider economic incentives, development funds, financing options
• Act as a primary point of contact and ombudsman for all non-retail business attraction, retention and expansion projects
• Bring government, business and other leaders together as supporters, resources and funders of the EDC
• Lead overall efforts for regional responses to Requests for Information, partnering with key county and government entities
• Coordinate all incentive packages utilizing state, local and federal resources, as well as applicable private sector resources to ensure successful completion of business development projects
• Develops annual marketing plan for the recruitment of companies in specified industry sectors
• Prospect lead generation in target industry sectors
• Maintain data for prospect activity tracking
• Cultivate relationships with national brokers, site selectors and others for lead generation
• Host prospects and organize tours/meetings providing a first-class customer service experience
• Organize marketing recruitment trips to various out of market cities and coordinate participants including business volunteers and regional economic development partners
• Work with regional economic development partners in the recruitment of companies
• Give presentations to all size groups (including use of PowerPoint and various presentation platforms)
• Conduct Business Retention surveys annually in targeted industry sector
• Coordinate with Communications/Marketing for press items related to new relocations
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with companies recruited and act as a local resource as they grow
• Responsibilities and duties may extend beyond those listed Compensation
Qualifications: This position requires an experienced Economic Development professional with a proven track record of creating, implementing and transforming a communities’ vision. The individual should possess the following qualities and skills and have a desire to be part of an energetic, fast-paced, start-up environment:
Minimum Experience and Education Requirements:
• 15+ years’ experience in economic development, sales, real estate or related field
• Strong understanding of public policy processes and familiarity with local, state and federal government
• Proven track record in economic development and/or significant community development initiatives
• Experience in resource planning, including budgeting
• Bachelor Degree, Master’s Degree a plus
Read more and apply here.
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In the heart of Chicago, we offer degrees in fields of study that can change your life and change the world. CUPPA students and alumni are uniquely skilled to build and transform sustainable urban neighborhoods and communities and to address the challenges presented in the 21st century. Find our more about our Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees at cuppa.uic.edu.
Follow our job postings below and our national job tweets at @CUPPACareers. For student internships and student opportunities, head to the CUPPA Student Opportunities Blog
Have a job or internship to post? Send an email with the title, location, job description, and contact information to cuppa@uic.edu