Economic Development Manager, Oak Park EDC, Oak Park, IL
The Economic Development Manager will report to the Executive Director and be responsible for building relationships within the business community that result in projects that will increase the vitality of Oak Park.
Specific responsibilities include: Building and maintaining a network of property owners, developers, and tenants; Engaging with the local business community to understand and address needs and challenges; Maintaining close working relationships with local public and private stakeholders; Identifying sites suitable for small or large-scale development activity; Actively recruiting businesses and developers who fit an identified need in the Village; Supporting the Executive Director in soliciting, refining and negotiating preliminary development proposals; Performing entitlement and financial feasibility studies; Coordinating the efforts of developers with property owners, Village officials, lenders and builders; Supporting businesses and Village staff with incentive proposals, zoning requests, and project evaluation; Performing demographic and market analyses; Maintaining a database of available property in Oak Park; and developing and presenting material to the OPEDC board, Village Board, and various local organizations and commissions.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Real Estate, Economic Development, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Marketing, or related field preferred; Master’s degree in Real Estate, Economic Development, or Urban Planning a plus; 3-5 years experience in economic development, real estate, planning, business development or similar; Understanding of urban planning principles including transit-oriented development, affordable housing, and sustainability initiatives; Strong sales skills and a desire to help prospective business owners and stakeholders; Working knowledge of real estate development and leasing processes and economics; Existing network with Chicago-area commercial brokers a plus; Experience with local and County-level business incentive programs; Experience with municipal marketing and business attraction programs; Experience simultaneously managing multiple projects; Strong verbal and written communication skills; Ability to exercise independent judgment; Strong analytical skills with ability to be a self-starter; Proficiency in MS Office applications.
If interested, please submit a resume and optional cover letter via email to admin@opdc.net. No phone calls please.
OPEDC is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Position is open until filled.