What: The mission of the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is to create and support a thriving business environment, contributing to a vibrant Edgewater community. We organize and present marketing, education, networking, and advocacy programs to increase commercial activity and strengthen existing businesses and Chamber members in the Edgewater community. Founded in 1984, the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization and the Edgewater Development Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting organization, serving the Edgewater business community.
Summary of Position
The Economic Development Manager is responsible for building strong relationships with businesses, external partners, agencies, community organizations, government officials, and other interested parties to attract and retain businesses in Edgewater. This work includes coordinating the development and delivery of an effective communications strategy that furthers Edgewater’s objective to attract and retain businesses.
The position will manage programs that beautify the streetscape, promote the area, and improve the overall vibrancy of the district. Overseeing the delivery of the Special Service Area (SSA) business plan, the position will execute contracts and agreements with suppliers for services provided within the SSA. Ensuring compliance with the policies and procedures of the Special Service Area and City of Chicago's Dept. of Planning and Development, they will prepare necessary documents, policies, and programs for SSA Commission approval.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Managing business attraction and retention strategies, including:
- Promoting the Edgewater community throughout Chicago
- Identifying and engaging with prospective businesses and helping them to secure space in Edgewater through connections with brokers, landlords, and developers
- Maintaining a current database of existing businesses and available spaces in Edgewater
- Working with landlords in renting storefronts; providing information and encouragement to prospective business owners and investors
- Marketing Edgewater’s commercial corridors to fill vacant storefronts
- Visiting newly opened businesses and maintaining strong relationships with business owners to ensure business retention in Edgewater
- Participating in events that promote Edgewater as a business-friendly area including selected networking events and business roundtables
- Staffing Edgewater’s Economic Development Committee
- Designing and implementing programs that bring awareness to the Edgewater community as a tool for economic development and business attraction
- Completing monthly deliverables and other duties and responsibilities as needed and/or assigned
- Staffing SSA commission meetings as the SSA Manager
- Managing relationships with SSA commissioners, ensuring that the SSA is in program compliance with the City of Chicago and that SSA commissions operate in sync with Edgewater’s mission and goals
- Managing and implementing projects & services approved by the SSA commissioners
- Developing an annual budget and workplan with commissioners for submission to the City; reviewing financials and audits; assisting Commissioners in drafting and adhering to bylaws; acting as a liaison among the SSA Commissions, City agencies, the Chamber and taxpaying constituents; help to identify new SSA commissioners, as needed
- Overseeing neighborhood planning along the commercial corridor in Edgewater including coordinating with consultants to spearhead plans
- Managing special projects, such as demographic and marketing studies, as needed
- Representing Edgewater at small business expos
- Making recommendations for improvements to organizational systems and implementing changes and modifications to current systems, as needed
- Building relationships in a mission-based environment that lead to support for the organization and its programs
- Highly collaborative with a relationship-building style of communications and strong customer service skills
- A demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects in a demanding, deadline-driven, team-oriented environment
- A motivated self-starter who takes initiative and employs highly developed problem-solving skills
- Proven ability to build relationships in a mission-based environment that lead to support for the organization and its programs
- A commitment to community-based work and a desire to work in a flexible, friendly office environment
- Ability to work successfully in a multi-faceted, high stress environment, handling multiple tasks and projects
- Candidate will be a team player, assisting all areas of the organization when needed.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with people of diverse and divergent backgrounds
- Solid verbal and written communication skills; ability to make presentations and communicate information professionally and clearly. Some public speaking experience a plus
- Must respect and embrace diversity in all its forms when interacting with peers, supervisors, community partners, business owners, and residents
- Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in real estate development, business and marketing, or urban planning a plus
- Experience in economic development, small business development and/or community organizing required
- Experience in business development, sales, and relationship management
- Experience directing and developing systems analysis, programs, strategic planning, project management, and organization development
- Experience with budgetary management and compliance with proper financial controls and procedures
- Availability for evening and weekend events
- Detailed familiarity with the Edgewater area
Email a cover letter and resume to Christina@edgewater.org by Friday, July 31, 2020. No calls, please. The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of individuals and is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment.