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Economic Development Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Oak Park

Economic Vitality Administrator

Oak Park, IL

$17.75 - $24.50/hr

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 ...

Hasana, Inc.

Social Media Consultant

Chicago, IL

... an economic development strategy to lift women out of poverty and as a community development ... Description of Duties / Responsibilities: * Assist in managing social media properties (LinkedIn ...

Surf Internet

Government Affairs Manager

Naperville, IL · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

... * Assist in resolving government concerns and escalations related to construction activities ... Build partnerships with economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and community ...

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All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Assistant JobsEconomic Development Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Economic Development Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$22

$33

How much do economic development assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for economic development assistant in Chicago, IL is $22.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does an Economic Development Assistant typically collaborate with other departments or external partners?

Economic Development Assistants often work closely with various internal departments such as planning, zoning, and public relations, as well as external stakeholders like local businesses, community organizations, and government agencies. Their collaboration may involve gathering data, preparing reports, coordinating events, and supporting grant applications. Building strong communication and organizational skills is key, as the role frequently requires facilitating meetings and ensuring all parties are aligned on economic initiatives. This teamwork fosters a broad professional network and provides valuable insight into community development processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Economic Development Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Economic Development Assistant, you need a background in economics, public administration, or related fields, along with strong research and data analysis skills. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Office Suite, GIS software, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems is often required. Excellent communication, organization, and relationship-building abilities help you collaborate with stakeholders and manage multiple projects. These skills are essential for supporting economic growth initiatives and ensuring effective project execution within communities.

What is the difference between Economic Development Assistant vs Economic Development Coordinator?

AspectEconomic Development AssistantEconomic Development Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesSupports project research, data collection, and administrative tasks related to economic growth initiatives.Leads project planning, stakeholder engagement, and implementation of economic development strategies.
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant experience; some roles may prefer a bachelor's degree.Bachelor's degree in economics, public administration, or related field; experience preferred.
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, often part-time or entry-level roles within government or non-profit organizations.Office-based, with some fieldwork and community engagement activities.

The main difference between an Economic Development Assistant and an Economic Development Coordinator lies in their responsibilities and experience level. Assistants typically support research and administrative tasks, while Coordinators lead projects and stakeholder interactions. Both roles are vital in economic growth initiatives but differ in scope and leadership responsibilities.

What does an Economic Development Assistant do?

An Economic Development Assistant supports economic development initiatives within a city, county, or organization. Their responsibilities often include conducting research, assisting with grant applications, preparing reports, coordinating meetings, and communicating with local businesses and stakeholders. They help implement programs that promote business growth, job creation, and community revitalization. This role is essential for supporting senior staff and ensuring that economic development projects run smoothly. Strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills are important for success in this position.
What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL? For Economic Development Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Economic Development Assistant jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Economic Development Assistant job openings:
Economic Development Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,778 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Director of Community Development and Economic Development

Village of Morton Grove

Morton Grove, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Description:DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The Village of Morton Grove is seeking a qualified and motivated individual to serve in the newly created role of Director of Community Development and Economic Development. This position serves under the direction of the Village Administrator and is appointed by the Village President with the concurrence of the Board of Trustees. The position is responsible for advancing the economic development projects of the community while overseeing the planning, zoning, building permits, and inspections for the Village. To learn more, please review the complete employment brochure here, Community Development Director Job Ad.

The Village of Morton Grove (5.1 square miles) is a diverse suburban community (pop. 25,297) that offers hometown charm and has been featured as one of the best places to live in Illinois. The Village is close to downtown Chicago, O’Hare Airport, Interstates 94 and 294 and is serviced by Metra trains and Pace buses. The Village has outstanding restaurants and shops and a balance of residential, retail, and commercial properties that provide diverse offerings to its residents. Almost 20% of the Village encompasses the Cook County Forest Preserve allowing residents to take advantage of many biking and hiking trails, golf courses, and parks. Morton Grove is described as an “Incredibly Close. Amazingly Open” community of neighbors that enjoys living in Morton Grove and care about each other.

The Village of Morton Grove is seeking an individual to serve in the newly created role of Director of Community Development and Economic Development to oversee the current functions of the Community Development and Building and Inspection Divisions. The Community Development Department includes five full-time staff members and contractual staff for health and building inspections. The Department serves as the liaison for several Commissions including the Economic Development Commission, Plan Commission / Zoning Board of Appeals, and Appearance Commission.

Requirements:

To address operational needs, the Village is creating the position of Director of Community Development and Economic Development to oversee current divisions of Community Development and Building and Inspection Services. The position directs, supervises, and coordinates the administration of Planning, Permitting, and Inspection Services. The position also serves as a Department Director is expected to coordinate with their fellow Department Directors to coordinate resources and projects efficiently and effectively. The position is responsible for drafting and administering the Budgets for the Department and the Village’s TIF Districts.

The responsibilities of the position include:

  • Provides technical support and/or guidance for development plans and projects, initiates and directs the conduct of special studies and projects in such areas as annexation, zoning, geographic and demographic base file development and analysis, market research, open space, expansion strategy, building, and inspections, etc.
  • Confers with public agencies, private organizations and individuals regarding projects and Village planning requirements; speaks before and develops planning interests of civic and citizen associations and interest groups.
    Acts as liaison to the Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals, Appearance Commission, and the Economic Development Commission (EDC) and prepare associated materials in support of these public bodies.
    Oversees all building construction activities to ensure that building permits and occupancy permits are issued in accordance with the Village Code.
  • Create and develop brochures, flyers, web pages and/or related marketing and promotional materials which will help in promoting real estate and/or development within the Village in support of economic development.
  • Monitor and identify trends in the marketplace, to target general groups or types of businesses, or industries, which may be considering relocating in this area. Solicit individual businesses or industries to determine their interest in suitable sites within the community. Assist interested companies from initial contact for site selection purposes through project completion.
  • Develop and maintain a suitable inventory of available commercial and industrial sites and space within existing structures which will be shared on a regular basis with the commercial real estate and developer community; establish ties with existing commercial/office/industrial property owners and leasing agents to provide them with assistance and marketing support.
  • Administer existing and new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts when created to insure compliance with all statutory requirements and to maximize the potential success of the district’s mission.
  • Advises the Village Administrator and Board of Trustees on enforcement of building, life safety, environmental, and health codes.
  • Oversees all staff within Community Development and the Building and Inspections Departments to ensure routine and special assignments of the Village are completed.
  • Review and make recommendations regarding the use of other available statutory economic development tools such as the establishment of special taxing districts and business development districts under circumstances appropriate for the use of those redevelopment tools.
  • Coordinates all project reviews and short- and long-range planning with Village departments and other local, State and Federal agencies. Supervises various work project groups and collects the planning input of the various Village departments