Job Description:
The Manager of Economic Development performs a variety of administrative, technical and professional work in preparation and implementation of economic and community development plans, programs, and services. The Manager works closely with the Department of Planning, the Department of Buildings, Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, and the Rogers Park Business Alliance to encourage business and economic development interests in the community. The Manager will be responsible for conducting participatory planning processes that provide the Alderwoman with community input for decision-making related to developments in the Ward. They also provide assistance to constituents, businesses and organizations in the planning, zoning, permitting, and coordination of ward projects.
The ideal candidate enjoys working a part of a small team, is familiar with the Rogers Park and West Ridge neighborhoods, is reliable, organized and adapts well to change.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
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● Provides assistance in the development of short and long term economic and community development plans, as well as the gathering of information and preparation of studies, reports, and recommendations to achieve such goals.
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● Serves as a member of economic development groups or task forces that promote economic and community development within the 49th Ward.
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● Regularly attends the Special Service Area monthly meetings for the 49th Ward.
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● Provides professional economic development advice and assists with the variety application
and permitting process for businesses and organizations in the ward, including business
licenses, liquor licenses, loading zones and more.
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● Serves as an advocate for economic development in line with existing Master Plans, zoning
ordinances, and the goals and needs as identified by the community.
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● Facilitates community meetings on a variety of issues related to economic development and
business coordination and solicits feedback from the community on these issues. These issues include, but are not limited to, zoning changes, Expanded Outdoor Dining program, liquor licenses, and more.
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● Facilitates zoning changes through the 49th Ward community zoning process as well as the City of Chicago processes.
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● Works closely with the Rogers Park Business Alliance and other organizations to identify areas of concern in the promotion of business location and expansion.
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● Works closely with the Department of Planning and Development on identifying available Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) funds as well as potential uses to boost economic development in the ward.
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● Becomes familiar with the existing inventory of available buildings for business and residential development sites within the community and maintains a database of these properties. This will include both public and private buildings and land areas.
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● Establishes professional relationships with property managers and landlords and creates a corresponding database with address and contact information.
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● Works closely with building owners, contractors, tenants, the Department of Buildings, and the Department of Law on building permit applications and resolving building violations.
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● Has an understanding of the variety of affordable housing options available in Chicago and creates and maintains a database of affordable housing options available within the ward.
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● Maintains strong working relationships with the general public, area businesses, other elected offices, community organizations and alliances, city agencies, property managers, and others.
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● Provides information and/or makes presentations to boards, commissions, committees, civic groups, businesses, individuals, and the general public on economic development issues, programs, services, and plans.
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● Apprises Alderwoman Hadden and the Chief of Staff of sensitive or contentious issues and makes suggestions and recommendations.
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● Conduct other related work as assigned, including providing supplemental constituent services assistance and answering incoming phone calls as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
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● Degree in Political Science, Government/Public Affairs, Community Engagement, Community Organizing, Public Administration preferably with a specialization in economic and community development, urban planning, or a related field; or any equivalent combination of experience and training.
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● Reside in the City of Chicago.
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● Working knowledge of business development, community and economic development.
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● Considerable knowledge of City of Chicago zoning and land use ordinance.
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● Considerable knowledge of the City of Chicago building code
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● Understanding of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and the Department of
Planning and Development processes.
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● Ability to communicate effectively to groups and individuals, engineers, architects,
contractors, developers, businesses, supervisors, colleagues, and the general public.
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● Ability to prepare and analyze reports and data.
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● Strong written and verbal communication.
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● Strong computer skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and database management.
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● Ability to work with a broad array of stakeholders including constituents, elected officials,
community representatives, advocates, government agencies, etc.
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