Contract Economic Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Description
Department: Village Manager's Office
FLSA: Non-UnionExempt
Pay Grade: 10
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
DEFINITION
Under the general supervision of the Assistant Village Manager of Economic Vitality, plan, direct, manage and oversee assigned operations of the Economic Vitality Office, including the administration of various economic development policies, programs, services, and initiatives.
The emphasis of this role is real estate and business development centered on investment attraction as well as retention and growth of existing village businesses. Responsibilities generally include: incentive policy administration; proforma analysis; negotiation and administration of development agreements; business recruitment, expansion or formation; sustainable development facilitation; strategic promotion of the Village and its unique assets; relationship building with real estate investment stakeholders; intergovernmental (local, regional, and statewide) collaboration on economic development; accelerating strategic investments in economic development/redevelopment priority areas (commercial corridors, business districts, key development sites, etc.); facilitating public-private partnerships in support of new investments; management of the Village's real estate assets and implementation of policies and procedures governing Village property acquisitions, assembly, and dispositions; MBE/WBE/DBE/VBE support and initiatives; administration of Village cultural (Heritage, Arts, Entertainment) affairs programs and initiatives; economic research, analysis, and reporting; community engagement and information exchange initiatives; and, administration of other areas of the Village's comprehensive Economic Vitality Program as assigned by the Assistant Village Manager of Economic Vitality; facilitating an ongoing relationship between the Village, local businesses, and related partner agencies to maintain a thriving and vibrant business community; continuous outreach and engagement to assess local business needs, concerns, and interests; coordination of technical and financial assistance and other support resources to achieve Village goals for business retention and growth; navigational assistance to ensure seamless service and efficient problem-solving with the business community concerning Village government operations; welcoming and supporting the integration of new businesses into the community; organizational, special events, and promotional marketing support for village business district associations, improvement districts, and special service areas;
The Economic Vitality Administrator coordinates assigned activities with other Village departments, outside agencies, and private entities; represents the Village on external boards and committees; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Assistant Village Manager of Economic Vitality.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general administrative direction from Assistant Village Manager of Economic Vitality.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES--Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential duties and responsibilities
1. Provides coordinated, meaningful services and programs to existing local business, business district associations, improvement districts, special service areas and to development prospects designed to promote economic development/vitality throughout the community.
2. Initiates and implements specific efforts toward facilitating investment in the Village.
3. Establishes and implements a comprehensive business retention program and related services to support the preservation and growth of local businesses.
4. Coordinates outreach, engagement, and assistance to local businesses, business district associations, special service areas, and business improvement districts.
5. Administers business assistance grants, incentive programs, and related contracts.
6. Coordinates development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned partner-agency agreements; and, provides organizational assistance to partner agencies as needed.
7. Assist with marketing local business districts and related special events.
8. Implements organizing and capacity-building initiatives to create, stabilize and/or grow business district associations and activity.
9. Serves as the liaison/ombudsperson between Village departments and business stakeholders to effectuate seamless service, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving where necessary.
10. Conducts and/or coordinates educational outreach and information exchange with the business community.
11. Assist with advancing workforce development initiatives in support of the local business community.
12. Facilitates support to the business community in the advancement of other Village goals for sustainability and resilience; diversity, equity and inclusion; affordability; neighborhood vibrancy; and, community health and safety.
13. Engages villages businesses systematically to maintain a current understanding of local business needs, concerns, and interests.
14. Develops policy and programs, initiates services, and manages special projects to advance Village economic vitality goals for business retention and growth.
15. Under the supervision of the Assistant Village Manager of Economic Vitality, coordinate implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy based on areas of responsibility within the Economic Vitality Office.
16. Participate in the development and administration of the Economic Vitality Division budget; approve the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approve expenditures and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
17. Explain, justify and defend Economic Vitality programs, policies, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
18. Represent the Economic Vitality Office to other Village departments, elected officials and outside agencies as assigned; coordinate Economic Vitality activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations when directed.
19. Work with Assistant Village Manager for Economic Vitality and the Village Manager's Office to prepare and manage all reports for Performance Management Program of the Village within established deadlines.
20. Prepare written materials as needed and within established deadlines for the Assistant Village Manager for Economic Vitality to present to the Board of Trustees.
21. Provide staff assistance to the Assistant Village Manager of Economic Vitality; participate on a variety of boards, commissions and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
22. Possess complete integrity and exemplify professional and personal characteristics of impeccable behavior which meet the highest standards.
23. Provide staff support to assigned boards and commissions as assigned.
24. Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive resident inquiries and complaints.
25. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
• Operations, services and activities of a comprehensive economic development and community development administration program;
• Principles and practices of business development, including local, state and federal development incentive programs and practices;
• Principles and practices of inclusive economic development including but no limited to polices, programs, and practices that support small, women, minority, and disadvantage business enterprises;
• The business development community, promoting business development programs through personal contacts with existing and potential businesses, and business associations and organizations;
• Methods, programs, procedures and techniques for promoting and assisting local or small businesses, property owners, real estate developers and business and development associations and organizations;
• Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations related to local or small businesses and real estate investment and development;
• Effective communication strategies to get the proper message to a variety of business and non- business audiences;
• Methods and procedures for conducting business-related research for loans, grants, and other resources for promoting and assisting local or small businesses;
• Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and PowerPoint; General concepts related to business attraction, retention, expansion programs, and business marketing plans and techniques;
• Methods for conducting analyses of business market and financial data using business and financial software and business analytical tools;
• Advanced principles and practices of community and economic development. Management skills to analyze programs, policies and operational needs;
• Principles and practices of program development and administration;
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration;
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation;
• Principles and practices of planning and zoning; and,
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
Ability to:
• Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of lower level staff as directed;
• Support and direct the operations, services and activities of Economic Vitality Division as a part of a large, sophisticated organization in an urbanized environment and doing so diplomatically, effectively managing stressful situations, and projecting a demeanor of calm leadership;
• Effectively demonstrate and set the clear expectation of providing excellent service to all constituents;
• Identify and respond to community and Village Board issues, concerns and needs;
• Interact with neighborhood organizations and other stakeholders in a constructive, cooperative and supportive manner while effectively representing the Village's interests;
• Oversee the research, analysis and evaluation of new methods, programs, procedures and techniques for promoting and assisting local businesses;
• Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations; Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Use office computers and software applicable to the position;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including Village and other government officials, the business community, neighborhood community groups, and the general public;
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports. Prepare and administer large and complex budgets;
• Attend evening and weekend meetings as needed;
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals;
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques;
• Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contracted in the course of work.
• Establish and maintain interpersonal skills in the workplace to effectively communicate and interact with others; and,
• Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance.
Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:
- Making observations
- Communicating with others
- Reading and writing
- Operating assigned equipment.
Sustain cognitive abilities that enable the potential for:
- Making sound decisions
- Demonstrating intellectual capabilities.
Diversity Equity & Inclusion Statement
The Village of Oak Park commits itself to diversity, equity and inclusion by recognizing that creating a mutually respectful, multicultural and equitable environment does not happen on its own, it must be intentional. This includes providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, military or veteran status or any other characteristics.
Requirements
Experience and Training Guidelines
Experience: Five years of progressively responsible professional and/or management experience in community and economic development; AND
Training: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration or public policy, urban planning, or a related discipline. A Master's degree is highly desirable.
License or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain an IEDC certification is desirable.