Economic Development Specialist - North River Commission

Job Title: Economic Development Specialist

Job Type: Full Time

Location: Chicago, IL

Salary: $62,000/yr

Job description: 

North River Commission (NRC) is dedicated to fostering economic growth and sustainability within our community. We are committed to enhancing the wellbeing of our diverse community through collaboration, engagement, and coalition-building. We strive to create a vibrant, thriving economy that benefits all residents and businesses. As we expand our efforts, we are seeking a motivated and experienced Economic Development Specialist to join our team. Our office is located in Albany Park, one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city. The NRC service area covers a large chunk of Chicago’s northwest side, starting from the Chicago River on the east to Cicero Ave on the west, from Devon on the north and to Addison Ave on the south. NRC is also the sole service provider for Special Service Area #60 (SSA 60) which covers the commercial corridors of Albany Park and Irving Park.

Program Manager - Old Town Merchants & Residents Association

Introduction – Old Town Merchants and Residents Association 

The Old Town Merchants and Residents Association is a 501(c)(6) community organization that functions simultaneously as a chamber of commerce and residential association in the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago. Our goal is to continue Old Town’s evolution as a safe and vibrant place to live, work, and laugh. The association organizes events through the year, including the Wells Street Art Festival and Networking events. OTMRA is a delegate agency of the City of Chicago and the Sole Service Provider for Special Service area #48. 

Introduction – Special Service Area #48 – Old Town

 Special Service Areas (SSAs) are locally controlled, locally funded taxing districts used for local community development. They are governed by local taxpayers, and the funds generated are used for programs related to public way beautification and maintenance, enhanced security, snow removal and landscaping services. 

Old Town SSA #48 was established on December 9, 2009, and was reconstituted in 2018. On January 1, 2019, the boundaries of SSA #48 were expanded and granted a 15-year extension. There are eight active Commissioners. 

Job Description Summary 

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Program Manager oversees the operations of Special Service Area #48 and ensure that all services and programs are effectively managed and implemented. The Program Manager is an employee of the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association with primary duties and responsibilities to SSA #48. The interaction of these entities reflects a ‘checks and balances’ approach that supports transparency and accountability. Communication and respect are the hallmarks of a successful SSA.

Interviews targeted to start the week of 12/11/2023 

Please email cover letter and resume to otmra@oldtownchicago.org. Full Description also available here.

Director of Community Development – Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, Chicago, IL

Job Type: Full-time position with occasional evening and weekend hours required (exempt)

Compensation: $55,000 – $60,000. Includes insurance: medical, dental, LT/ST disability; PTO and Simple IRA.

To Apply:  Submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@lincolnparkchamber.com.

Summary:

The Director of Community Development oversees economic development initiatives and business district management. This position also oversees a variety of programs and projects, hires and manages vendors, creates and monitors budgets and administers small business development initiatives.

SSA Program Manager - Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce (CLOSES 7/31)

Who: The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce (WPBCC) is the business association for the Chicago communities of Wicker Park and Bucktown. We work to increase the economic development of our Members and encourage profitable relationships within the community. We work to promote our business members through a variety of efforts, including marketing initiatives, special events, networking opportunities, and sponsorship programs. WPBCC activities include technical assistance to businesses, networking events, member newsletter, marketing programs, promotional materials, community relations, and business attraction and retention. WPBCC is the Sole Service Provider for the WPB Special Service Area (SSA) #33, which funds numerous programs and services in the commercial districts of Wicker Park and Bucktown.

What: The SSA Program Manager is a key leader in the dynamic team at the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce. Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the SSA Program Manager supervises the operations of Special Service Area #33 programming and services to ensure all programs, services and committees are conducted and completed in an efficient and orderly manner, as well as, oversee office employees to maintain office standards and policies. The SSA Program manager is a full-time employee of the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce. Office hours are 9am-5pm, Monday – Friday, with some additional time required outside of normal business hours to assist with meetings, programs and events.
The core duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Director of Community Development - Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce - Chicago, IL

Director of Community Development 

Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce

Chicago, IL

Position Title: Director of Community Development 

Classification Status: Full-time position with occasional evening and weekend hours (Exempt) Reports To: President and CEO

Start Date: August 2016

To Apply: Please send cover letter and resume to jobs@lincolnparkchamber.com. No phone calls please.

Summary: The Director of Community Development coordinates and oversees a variety of programs and projects; manages vendors; creates and monitors budgets; and directs business district and economic development initiatives.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

Special Service Areas

• Serve as the project director for the Clark Street and Lincoln Avenue Special Service Areas (SSA)

• Coordinate and lead meetings, prepare materials, reports, agendas, minutes, etc. for SSA commission

• Solicit contractor bids, negotiate contracts and manage vendors

• Draft, manage and monitor SSA budgets

• Complete all SSA paperwork and documentation required by the City’s Department of Planning and Development

• Lead public way aesthetic improvement projects, corridor planning and façade rebate programs

• Oversee special events, promotions, marketing initiatives

• Maintain contact with property and business owners within SSA boundaries and implement outreach programs

• Work closely with volunteer SSA commission to execute annual work plan

Government Affairs and Economic Development

• Lead and manage business attraction initiatives throughout the neighborhood

• Collaborate with LPCC leadership on development and implementation of legislative agenda

• Work closely and build/maintain relationships with area neighborhood associations, elected officials, city departments, businesses and developers on zoning, policy and community relations issues

• Stay informed about local news, projects and developments affecting Lincoln Park

Other

• Attend all SSA events, activities and meetings

• Attend all LPCC events and activities

• Attend community and neighborhood association meetings as LPCC representative

• Coordinate other projects or activities as directed by the LPCC President

• Work as “team player” with other staff members to fulfill LPCC mission

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least four years of work experience (required)

• Must have own transportation (required)

• Strong project management experience and community or economic development experience (preferred)

• Knowledge of urban planning and economic development (preferred)

• Strong understanding of financial statements and budgets

• Self-starter and ability to work independently

• Experience facilitating effective meetings

• Extraordinary organization skills and attention to detail

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and a quick learner of other software

• Occasional evenings/weekends required

About the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce:

Founded in 1947, the LPCC is a nonprofit organization that serves as a resource, leader and advocate for the Lincoln Park business community while encouraging and supporting economic development in the area.

Project Coord.- Department of Planning & Development - Chicago, IL

Project CoordinatorDepartment of Planning and Development
City of Chicago, IL

Number of Vacancies: 1

Within the Business Development Division, position functions as part of a team responsible for providing program management and technical assistance to Special Service Areas (SSA). This includes but is not limited to fiscal and programmatic overview, evaluation of program successes and challenges and a clear understanding of city-wide policies, procedures and any tax implications which may impact other programs. In addition, position will be required to attend meetings within the various program districts and communicate and interface with various stakeholders.

DUTIES

• Assist with SSA work plan/budget management and oversight 
• Coordinate annual ordinance packet preparation 
• Conduct community presentations on the SSA program 
• Assist in maintaining a current database of SSA information
• Analyze and evaluate program efficiency and recommends improvements for same 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Public or Business Administration, Social Sciences, Planning or a related field, supplemented by three years of experience in program administration, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Preference will be given to candidates who possess the following:

• Masters Degree in Public or Business Administration, Urban Planning or a related field 
• Experience working with and/or for a Special Service Area or Business Improvement District or local Chamber of Commerce 
• Experience managing or coordinating economic development projects and/or programs
• Experience managing or directing projects related to the responsibilities of this position
• Proficiency with Excel

Accepting applications through February 22, 2016 at www.cityofchicago.org/CAREERS