Economic Development Coordinator

Salary Range: $40.308 – $51.62/hour

*Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications but, in most cases, is no higher than the midpoint for the range.

NATURE OF WORK:

The Economic Development Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and implementing the City of Evanston’s economic development programs and initiatives. This includes working directly with businesses to retain and expand their operations in the community. The Economic Development Coordinator will also develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, such as elected officials, community leaders, and business executives.   This position initiates, coordinates, directs, and implements activities, programs, and projects that support retail, office, and industrial businesses and development activities.  Work for this position is primarily focused on business district management and revitalization through infrastructure improvements, placemaking, events, and grant programs - to support small businesses.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):

• Helps implement the Evanston Thrives Business District Action Plan recommendations
• Acts as liaison between the Economic Development Division and designated business associations and/or neighborhood groups;
• Meets and works with business district / merchant associations and individual businesses concerning economic development issues and challenges.
• Prepares reports on economic development activities for administrative and City Council decision-making
• Edits monthly Economic Development Report
• Administers small business grants and loans
• Oversees city-owned property leases
• Coordinates business district events
• Implements economic development programs and initiatives, including the recommendations of Evanston Thrives Business District Action Plan focused primarily on business district infrastructure and placemaking recommendations.
• Manages non-SSA business districts, including convening and leading district association meetings, coordinating district events, social media, and other communications with the help of district volunteers and the Economic Development Program Specialist as needed
• Administers the City’s small business grant programs, including Storefront Modernization Program, Great Merchant Grant, Entrepreneurship Support Program, Sustain Evanston, and Legacy Business Alliance.
• Recommends the creation of new programs to support business retention and business district revitalization
• Leads and supports placemaking and planning initiatives currently underway, including Evanston Thrives, One Howard, and the Howard Street SSA creation.
• Identifies and recommends new solutions to business district improvements and helps coordinate resources to implement solutions, including drafting RFPs for consulting services, interviewing consultants, coordinating community member input, and collaborating with elected officials.
• Recommends and oversees the implementation of innovative engagement with the business community, including promotional social media, enhanced graphic-oriented communications, and increased use of video. 
• Visits with businesses to retain and expand their operations in the community.  Occasionally visits new business prospects to attract them to Evanston.
• Develops and maintains relationships with key stakeholders, including elected officials, community members, business owners, brokers, and property owners.
• Coordinates with Economic Development Program Specialist and provides them with guidance on division efforts under the supervision and direction of the Economic Development Manager.
• Acts as the initial point of contact for general inquiries from new and existing business walk-ins and phone inquiries; acts as Economic Development liaison for 311 inquiries.
• Assists in the preparation of professional responses to prospect requests.
• Helps develop and improve presentation materials / in-house publications.
• Participates in the development of marketing and sales strategies that will result in new prospect activity.
• Represents the City at economic development events and trade shows for which prospective businesses for Evanston are present.
• Assists as needed in the preparation of presentations and supporting materials for production to City Manager, City Council, Committee meetings, key business groups, and/or other special interest groups.
• Works with the Economic Development Division Manager and the Community Engagement Team, local merchant districts, and Chamber of Commerce Officials to coordinate announcements and the promotion of new business openings, existing business expansions or key anniversaries, and general business activities and special events.
• Provides timely reports to the Economic Development Division Manager and City Manager on activities and progress on retention, expansion, and attraction efforts that are used to brief City Council and other elected officials.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

Must possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning or a related field; and five (5) years or more of progressively responsible economic development experience; and three (3) or more years working in the real estate planning or development firm with direct experience with economic development practice, theory, and analysis as applicable to planning and (re)development initiatives, programs, and regulations; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Must Possess a Valid driver’s license and safe driving record. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities in the following areas:

• Ability to think and act innovatively and creatively in a highly independent environment. 
• Strong problem-solving skills with an ability to quickly assess issues and challenges and begin to develop alternative solutions for preferred economic development projects and programs.
• Ability to review, understand and discern essential information from market analysis, economic or fiscal impact reports, or other related economic development studies and reports; ability to take information and adapt, as appropriate, to Economic Development priorities and strategies.
• Ability to understand, administer and adapt the process of land use regulations as administered by local municipalities throughout the U.S., and articulate their theoretical basis, generally and specifically related to commercial business expansion and attraction;
• Considerable knowledge of and ability to use social media, internet search engines, word processing and spreadsheet software, email, Google Workspace, Windows operating systems, and GIS.
• Ability to work with and relate to diverse citizens from varying socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to be customer service oriented and a team player, as well as the capability to work effectively with a diverse group of employees, citizens, and stakeholder groups.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Thorough knowledge of basic office computer hardware and software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills
• Confident public speaker and presenter

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:  

The ability to work in a primarily sedentary position and occasionally use force to exert up to 10 pounds. The ability to lift, carry or otherwise move objects, books, materials, etc., using up to 25 pounds of force frequently and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

The employee is subject to inside environmental conditions: protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from indoor temperature changes. There are no environmental hazards associated with this classification.

SUPERVISION:

The Economic Development Planner reports to the Economic Division Development Manager, who outlines work assignments, reviews work in progress, and assesses completed work.  Works closely with all relevant departments/divisions to assist and inform in processing economic development-related issues and policies; best practices as appropriate.  Guidance is provided via the strategic plan, economic development vision statement, economic development work program, City Code, City policies and procedures, applicable state and federal laws and regulations, ensuring that planning initiatives are met.  Work is evaluated at least annually concerning progress toward achieving goals, leadership, communication skills, customer service, and ability to work productively and effectively with employees at all levels in the organization as well as community groups, businesses, major employers, and the general public.

PUBLIC CONTACT:

The employee has regular and frequent contact with department and division employees and other City employees; regular contact with individual citizens and groups, including business associations and elected officials.  Facilitation of presentations during public meetings is part of the scope of work for this position.

SELECTION METHOD: Qualifications Assessment, Structured Oral Interview

TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST: Category List

LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST: Two (2) Years

To apply for this position, please apply online at www.cityofevanston.org on or before the closing date.

Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position.  Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.

The City of Evanston is committed to making all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities.  Any citizen needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact the Human Resources Office at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY).