Economic Development Coordinator

Economic Development Coordinator

Typical starting salary: $57,368.10 - $74,578.53

Department/Division:
Community Development Department 

Position Summary:

This position is characterized by the responsibility for understanding and advancing all activities and programs within the Economic Development Division administration and to assist and support business growth, while establishing and utilizing positive, harmonious and effective working relationships. The ability to recognize and nurture the organic relationships between and among the business community, institutions, and creative industries in Urbana is necessary to be effective in this role.

Responsibilities include research, analysis, database management, preparation of reports, and support of the following economic development programs and projects: Downtown Strategic Plan, economic development elements of Comprehensive Plan, grant programs, and community promotion.

Essential Functions:

• Actively supports and upholds the City’s mission and values.
• Assists the Economic Development Supervisor in promoting private investment and coordinating projects.
• Communicates with and makes presentations to diverse groups and individuals, adapting all aspects of the presentation appropriately to the audience. Provides written and visual materials that are easily understood by the intended audience or reader.
• Coordinates with the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, Chamber County Chamber of Commerce, Experience Champaign County, Champaign County Black Chamber of Commerce, and other business groups for the purposes of promoting economic development in the community.
• Contributes content and assists in maintaining the Economic Development Division’s portion of the City’s website and stand-alone sites.
• Prepares and submits reports to other departments, State of Illinois, and Champaign County, as required.
• Leads and facilitates and/or serves on project teams, as required. Works across departmental lines in an engaged and productive manner to support alignment and effectiveness of limited resources.
• Assists the Economic Development Division in various tasks and duties.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required / Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in economics, urban planning, public or business administration, finance, or a closely related field; and
• Two (2) years of experience working for a public or private agency with a primary focus on economic development, redevelopment, urban planning, commercial real estate, marketing, or public administration affecting the community; OR
• Four (4) years of experience in a field dependent on building and maintaining high quality business relationships (e.g., business development, promotion, independent consulting, etc.) with evidence of the ability to perform quantitative and administrative tasks.
• Must possess or obtain a valid State of Illinois driver’s license within 15 days of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of central business district redevelopment, especially previous experience in managing a downtown revitalization project, or experience managing a business or a business organization.
• Municipal government experience.
• Basic knowledge of Geographic information systems for mapping and graphic purposes.
• Certification by Grow America as an Economic Development Finance Professional, the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or the International Economic Development Council as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or the Community Development Institute as a Professional and Community Development (PCED). 

For a complete list of duties and qualifications, please refer to the job description.