Economic Development Manager, Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, Chicago

 Position: Economic Development Manager

Location: Chicago, IL (Neighborhood: Edgewater)

Type: Full-Time, Exempt

About the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce

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, property owners, external partners, agencies, community organizations, government officials, and other interested parties to attract and retain businesses in Edgewater. The position will manage programs that beautify the streetscape, promote the area, and improve the overall vibrancy of the commercial districts in the community. Overseeing the delivery of the Special Service Area (SSA) business plan, the position will execute contracts and agreements with vendors for services provided within the SSA. Ensuring compliance with the policies and procedures of the SSA and City of Chicago's Department 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 

• Staffing and managing Edgewater’s Economic Development and Planning Committee and their work plan

• Designing and implementing programs that bring awareness to the Edgewater community as a tool for economic development and business attraction

• Managing the Edgewater Development Corporation Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC) grant program and work plan

• Completing monthly deliverables and other duties and responsibilities as needed and/or assigned

• Overseeing neighborhood planning along the commercial corridors in Edgewater including coordinating with consultants to spearhead plans

Overseeing management of SSA #26:

• Leading SSA Commission meetings

• 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

• Recruiting new SSA commissioners as needed

• 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

• Managing programs and services for the SSA, such as: landscaping, holiday decorations, snow removal, trash removal, litter removal, tree maintenance, installation of wayfinding signage, installation of public art, installation of bike racks, and more as needed

• Managing special projects, such as demographic and marketing studies, as needed

• Help manage the Elevate Devon Corridor Plan project, in partnership with the Rogers Park Business Alliance and Loyola University

• Representing Edgewater at small business expos, and other events as needed

• 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

• Completing monthly reports and any other required deliverables for the SSA program

Qualities

• Highly collaborative with a relationship-building style of communications and strong customer service skills

• A demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects in a deadline-driven, team-oriented environment

• A motivated self-starter who takes initiative and employs highly developed problem-solving skills

• Solid verbal and written communication skills; ability to make presentations and communicate information professionally and clearly

• Must respect and embrace diversity in all its forms when interacting with peers, supervisors, community partners, business owners, and residents

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree, emphasis in business or urban planning a plus

• Experience with analysis, strategic planning, project management, and small business development and/or community development 

• Experience with budgetary management and compliance with proper financial controls and procedures

• Public speaking and strong writing skill required

• Availability for occasional evening and weekend events

• Familiarity with the Edgewater area/far north side of Chicago a plus

Compensation and Benefits 

The Economic Development Manager is a full-time salaried position. Benefits include paid vacation and holidays, matching retirement contributions, health insurance and a flexible work environment.

To Apply:

Email a cover letter and resume to Christina@edgewater.org by Friday, March 25, 2022. 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.

Economic Development - Crystal Lake, IL

Economic Development Manager
City of Crystal Lake, IL

This is an exceptional opportunity to provide future vision and guidance to the Community Development Department in the largest community of McHenry County.

Crystal Lake is a city with a rich history, rewarding quality of life and tremendous community spirit. With its high-quality retail, residential and service sector development, Crystal Lake has been a major economic engine in northeastern Illinois for the past decade. Located 50 miles northwest of Chicago, Crystal Lake residents enjoy the many employment, cultural, and recreational opportunities of a major metropolitan city, yet live in a pleasant, small-town atmosphere. Originally incorporated as a farming village in 1874, Crystal Lake became a city in 1914 and has retained its charming historical downtown as a reminder of a its rural beginnings. While an independent city, Crystal Lake is more suburban and character and is a residence of choice for many who work in the Chicagoland area. Crystal lakes resident population, well primarily Caucasian is diverse, with the population of representing minority citizens of African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian and Pacific Islander races/cultures. The City's population in 2010 was 40,743. The City encompasses 18.7 miles of land with 15,176 households, an average household income of $103,948 and a median home price of $227,300.

THE POSITION
Under the general direction of the Director of Community Development, the Economic Development Manager of the City of Crystal Lake provides oversight of programs and initiatives to attract new businesses along with encouraging expansion and retention of existing businesses to the City.

CANDIDATE CRITERIA

Minimum Job Requirements Are:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business or closely related field;
•At least 5 years of related work experience in economic development initiatives pertaining to business retention and expansion, recruitment of new business and implementation of general marketing programs specific to municipal settings, in the private sector or governmental environment;
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices, laws, ordinances, statutes and financial tools pertaining to economic development;
•Strong marketing skills and exceptional oral, written and interpersonal communications skills;
• Ability to present an energetic and enthusiastic presence when representing the City; and working within outside agencies, boards, commissions and the media.
• A strong, creative skill set along with the ability to research, compile, and present relevant analysis regarding economic trends, strategic plans, and City competitiveness;
• Knowledge of and experience with the application of development, real estate transactions, and business attraction/retention principles; and
•Ability to gather, analyze and review data to make informed decisions and recommendations.

Desirable Attributes Include:
•A visionary with the highest integrity, who believes in transparency, promotes high ethical values, and works well with the Director of Community Development, City Manager and Mayor/City Council and the community at large;
•An innovator who is current on technology and committed to utilizing it to its fullest;
•A professional who will be the positive public face of the City, is well-respected in the business communityand is an effective force to advance the City’s economic development initiatives;and
• A collaborator with Department members and all City Departments, who maintains an atmosphere of teamwork where work is productive and enjoyable.

For a full description of this position and details on how to apply, please visit:

http://www.crystallake.org/home/showdocument?id=11433

The position will remain open until filled.