Remote Economic Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

MUST RESIDE IN ILLINOIS

*This is a full-time, remote position based in Illinois. The role requires regular statewide travel and the ability to work effectively within a geographically distributed organization.

*Work authorization required. IMEC is unable to sponsor visas for this role.

Opportunity Overview

The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and highly regarded executive to serve as its next President & Chief Executive Officer. The successful candidate will be a mission-driven leader capable of advancing the IMEC mission while strengthening the competitiveness of Illinois manufacturing.

This is a unique opportunity to lead one of Illinois' most important manufacturing and economic development organizations at a pivotal moment for the manufacturing sector and the broader economy. Manufacturing is undergoing profound transformation driven by:

• artificial intelligence and automation,
• workforce disruption and supply chain restructuring,
• cybersecurity and national security priorities,
• reshoring and domestic manufacturing investment, and
• increasing demands for innovation, resiliency, and competitiveness.

As the trusted advisor and strategic partner to manufacturers across Illinois, IMEC plays a critical role at the intersection of manufacturing competitiveness, workforce development, innovation, operational excellence, economic development, public-private collaboration, and statewide manufacturing initiatives.

The next President and Chief Executive Officer will be responsible not only for leading a high-performing organization, but also for positioning IMEC to remain an indispensable partner to Illinois manufacturers in an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment.

About IMEC

IMEC is a statewide manufacturing improvement and economic development organization dedicated to helping Illinois manufacturers achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence, and global competitiveness.

Through a statewide network of more than 50 professionals and strategic partners, IMEC serves more than 3,000 manufacturers annually, providing strategic consulting, operational improvement, workforce solutions, technology adoption, and business transformation services.

As a nonprofit organization and part of the national Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) network, IMEC plays a leadership role within a complex and evolving ecosystem that includes manufacturers, federal and state agencies, academic institutions, workforce organizations, industry associations, economic development partners, and public-private collaborations. The organization is widely recognized for its trusted partnership, measurable impact, and commitment to strengthening the competitiveness, resilience, and long-term growth of Illinois manufacturing.

The Role

The President & Chief Executive Officer serves as the IMEC chief strategist, organizational leader, and primary external representative, responsible for strategic leadership, organizational performance, stakeholder engagement, financial sustainability, and long-term organizational positioning. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President & Chief Executive Officer leads a mission-driven organization operating in a highly collaborative, stakeholder-intensive, and rapidly changing environment.

Success in the role requires the ability to balance strategic vision and operational execution, internal organizational leadership and external stakeholder engagement, mission impact with financial discipline, and statewide influence with organizational effectiveness.

As the IMEC chief spokesperson, relationship builder, and strategic leader, the President & Chief Executive Officer will serve as a key convener within Illinois' manufacturing ecosystem, bringing together manufacturers, government agencies, educational institutions, workforce organizations, funding partners, and other stakeholders to advance the IMEC mission and strengthen the competitiveness of Illinois manufacturing.

Key Leadership Priorities

Strategic Positioning and Organizational Growth

• Lead the IMEC long-term strategic direction and organizational evolution, positioning the organization to respond proactively to emerging trends in manufacturing, workforce development, technology, and economic development.

Stakeholder and Ecosystem Leadership

• Build and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, legislators, funding agencies, economic development organizations, universities, workforce partners, and industry leaders.
• Strengthen the IMEC statewide and national visibility, influence, strategic partnerships, and public leadership while positioning the organization as a trusted partner to government, industry, workforce, and economic development stakeholders.

Financial Sustainability and Resource Development

• Ensure the long-term financial health and organizational sustainability of IMEC.
• Lead efforts to diversify revenue streams through grants, public-private partnerships, strategic funding relationships, and mission-aligned growth opportunities.
• Maintain strong oversight of budgets, grants, contracts, compliance, and organizational risk.

Organizational Leadership and Execution

• Lead and develop a high-performing, geographically distributed leadership team.
• Ensure operational excellence, accountability, agility, and measurable organizational impact.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be a highly respected executive leader with demonstrated success leading complex, mission-driven, stakeholder-oriented organizations. Strong candidates may come from a variety of executive leadership backgrounds, including economic development, manufacturing extension, workforce development, public-private partnerships, innovation organizations, or other related mission-driven and stakeholder-oriented executive leadership environments.

Regardless of career path, the successful candidate will possess exceptional executive leadership capability, strategic judgment, financial and operational sophistication, stakeholder management skills, relationship-building ability, and the capacity to lead effectively within a complex stakeholder environment.

Equally important, the successful candidate demonstrates a self-motivated, proactive, and highly collaborative leadership style, operating independently while cultivating relationships across a geographically dispersed network and driving organizational impact through influence, initiative, and effective communication.

Education & Experience

The successful candidate will possess:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required; a master's degree or other advanced degree is preferred.
• Significant executive leadership experience with responsibility for organizational strategy, financial performance, operations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, mission-driven, stakeholder-oriented organizations.
• Experience building strategic partnerships and collaborating across government, industry, workforce, education, and economic development organizations.

Desired Leadership Characteristics

The successful candidate will be a strategic, visionary, and forward-looking executive with exceptional relationship-building capability, strong executive presence and communication skills, financial and operational sophistication, and the political, organizational, and interpersonal acumen necessary to lead effectively in a complex and collaborative environment.

Equally comfortable engaging manufacturers on the shop floor, leading strategic discussions in the boardroom, and representing IMEC with policymakers, partners, and stakeholders at the state and national levels, the individual will possess an entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to balance long-term vision with operational excellence.

The Opportunity Ahead

IMEC enters this leadership transition from a position of strength, with a respected brand, strong statewide relationships, a talented team, and significant strategic opportunities ahead. The next President & Chief Executive Officer will have the opportunity to shape the future of one of Illinois' most important manufacturing support organizations and play a meaningful role in strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of Illinois manufacturing for years to come.

As manufacturing continues to evolve amid technological change, workforce transformation, supply chain realignment, and increasing global competition, IMEC is uniquely positioned to help manufacturers navigate this rapidly changing environment. The next leader will have the opportunity not only to build upon a strong foundation, but also to architect the next chapter of growth at IMEC by strengthening strategic partnerships, diversifying organizational resources, and expanding the organization's impact across Illinois.

Compensation

IMEC offers a competitive executive compensation package, including an anticipated annual base salary of $300,000-$330,000 and participation in a performance-based incentive program. The total rewards package includes comprehensive medical benefits (PPO and QHDHP options), up to an 8% employer 401(k) match, generous paid time off beginning at five weeks annually, and 10+ paid holidays. This is a full-time, remote position based in Illinois. The role requires regular statewide travel and the ability to work effectively within a geographically distributed organization.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume or CV, a brief cover letter outlining interest in the opportunity and, if desired, any additional materials relevant to the candidate's leadership background and experience.

Additional inquiries or supporting materials may be submitted confidentially to: IMEC Vice President of Talent | Amanda Hawley, SPHR | ahawley@imec.org

IMEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IMEC does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, pregnancy, reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, citizenship status, work authorization status, order of protection status, arrest record, conviction record, military status, unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, genetic information, family responsibilities, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Search Committee

The search is being led by the President & CEO Search Committee of the IMEC Board of Directors. Candidate review will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled. All inquiries and candidate discussions will be handled with appropriate discretion and confidentiality.