Economic Development Manager chez Village of Winnetka, IL

About the Department

The Economic Development Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing economic development and business assistance, business development (existing business retention/expansion and new business attraction), marketing/branding activities, and special events.  The Economic Development Manager will act as a liaison to the Winnetka business community by working closely with the Community Development Department, as well as Village advisory boards and the Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe Chamber of Commerce. The Manager will have a key role in the implementation of Winnetka’s Downtown Master Plan and will utilize planning and zoning expertise to assist the Village in special projects such as site redevelopment, public infrastructure improvements, and process improvement. 

• Manage and oversee new business development by creating and implementing strategic business attraction, retention, and expansion initiatives and visits to attract targeted retail and permitted/desired uses. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with business owners, business tenants, real estate professionals, brokers, landlords, and developers.
• Develop and maintain a commercial property database and directories of businesses and available sites.
• Expand the Village’s knowledge of its market, including vacancies, leases, acquisitions and leakage to create a targeted growth strategy.
• Design, prepare, and implement marketing strategies and promotional materials; forge partnerships and cross-promotional co-advertising/marketing opportunities with business district stakeholders.
• Act as a liaison/ombudsman to the business community by assisting prospective businesses with information such as site locations, process requirements, zoning information, preliminary walk-throughs, etc. Serve as the Village’s lead and single point of contact for potential businesses and applicants, and for the Village’s commercial tenants in the Winnetka train station and 93 Green Bay Road.
• Develop the economic development budget for annual programing and initiatives in coordination with the Deputy Village Manager; manage funds, track, and monitor economic development expenses. 
• Work closely with the Community Development Department to streamline Village processes and address zoning and Code issues with regards to the business community.
• Work closely with the Police Department to provide safety, parking, and liquor licensing information to the business community. 
• Monitor the business climate in regard to available space and economic development opportunities, as well as monitor and report on relevant trends.
• Manage outreach and communication activities related to the business community and the three business districts, especially focusing on an improved web presence. Manage and promote the social media presence for the Village’s economic development activities. Manage the Village’s downtown banner program. 
• Collaborate to improve, expand, and promote local special events. Coordinate and recommend sponsorship opportunities with local businesses, non-profit organizations, and events. 
• Attend meetings of the Village Council, advisory boards, and/or ad hoc committees to make presentations and follow current issues. 
• Act as the Village’s liaison in the potential redevelopment of the Village-owned Post Office site and other redevelopment opportunities. Coordinate with Village staff and stakeholders on public infrastructure projects in the business districts. Serve as the Village’s lead and point of contact for businesses during development and infrastructure projects. 
• Assist in the implementation of the 2016 Downtown Master Plan and 2018 Downtown Streetscape & Signage Master Plan by creating economic development strategies from the action plan, coordinating follow-up studies and analysis, and continuing to engage the business community in the Plan Vision.
• Gather and interpret data and prepare reports and recommendations.
• Prepare reports and communications for the Deputy Village Manager, Village Manager, and Village Council as directed, including weekly Council updates.
• Plan meetings and events.
• Serve as liaison between the Village, business districts, merchant groups, and the Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe Chamber of Commerce.
• As directed, attend public, professional, and community meetings as a Village representative.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Duties

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning; real estate; public administration; business administration; or a closely related field. 
• Four (4) years’ of progressively responsible related work experience, preferably in a municipal or planning consultant environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Weekly work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 40 hours weekly. May require occasional attendance at evening and morning meetings.

Other Qualifications

Position Range: $106,346 - $149,639, DOQ.

For questions or assistance, please contact Ann Eriksson, Human Resources Manager, at (847) 716-3546 or [email protected].