What: North Branch Works (NBW) is a membership-supported nonprofit organization that has promoted job-creating economic development along the North Branch of the Chicago River for more than 35 years. NBW is also a City of Chicago “delegate agency” providing services to a wide array of businesses and advocating for environmentally and economically sustainable development in the North Branch, Addison, Kennedy business corridors and surrounding communities.
The Director of Business & Economic Development will build and maintain relationships with local companies and the community through outreach and marketing of city and business services, explore and document company needs, and connect them to solutions. A successful applicant will possess self-confidence, the ability to connect with business owners & community members, and demonstrate how they worked effectively to help others and benefit the community in past jobs or endeavors.
This job requires a multi-tasking professional with strong communications skills, the ability to meet deadlines, with a background in urban planning, economic development, and outreach to implement a variety of community-based programs and business development services.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct outreach to firms in our service area to explore/obtain/explain issues related to business retention/expansion; work with company leadership to resolve issues resulting in retention that supports private investment and job creation.
- Assist with new-member recruitment and member retention. Help plan member events and update membership marketing materials. Work with Executive Director to set target membership goals.
- Write, edit and produce our monthly e-newsletter. Compose and gather relevant articles for the e- newsletter including new member stories and features. Ask staff for articles on their programs, events, and seek additional relevant info to include in e-news.
- Work with Executive Director to prepare and submit contract budget and workplan documents in coordination with the Department of Planning and Development and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.
- Manage City delegate agency contracts. Track and report monthly and quarterly progress on contracts including business outreach, economic development programs, and real estate listings for our area.
- Work with the local real estate community to market space in our area and address expansion/relocation needs of area businesses. Assist with area land use planning and development initiatives.
- Update NBW’s website with business incentives, real estate, membership info, events, and other relevant info as needed.
- Update social media by tweeting and making Facebook posts at least once a week and as needed.
- Help create and plan networking events, business workshops and fundraisers.
- Attend meetings with elected officials, stakeholder groups, represent NBW in public.
- Results-focused entrepreneur and strategic thinker; outside-the-box problem solver, uncovering opportunities and getting results
- Strong marketing and sales skills
- Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong project management skills; able to successfully manage a large portfolio in advance of multiple deadlines
- Exceptional communication skills; relationship-oriented; collaborative team player with high levels of enthusiasm and personal and professional integrity Additional Skills
- Substantial grant writing or business writing experience, understanding principles of targeted marketing and donor engagement
- Customer/donor and relationship management skills that build relationships with individuals through direct outreach and through marketing activities (e.g. events)
- BA or BS in urban planning, business administration, public policy, or related field; Master’s degree preferred
- 3+ year’s work experience
- Emphasis on excellent sales and market skills, self-starter and ability to work independently and as a team member
- Strong time management skills, ability to meet deadlines and complete tasks. Diligence in record keeping and reporting
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, proficiency in Microsoft office suite, Salesforce.com, and Constant Contact; ability to pick up and learn databases quickly
- Reports to Executive Director
- Local travel in Chicago is required
- Full Time – Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week. Some nights and weekends will be require
- Salary - $37,500+ including generous benefits program
- To apply, email a resume and cover letter to admin@northbranchworks.org by April 30, 2020