Assistant Director of Economic Development

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF:

Assistant Director of Economic Development

Interviews will be conducted as applications are received.  This position will remain open until filled.

JOB SUMMARY:

This position assists the Director in managing the implementation of economic development programs for the village, including planning, coordinating, and monitoring programs and projects that are designed to retain existing businesses, attract new businesses, and secure new economic investments.  Assigned projects can include unique situations that arise in the village, sensitive or confidential issues, potential changes in village policies, or large-scale projects that require interdepartmental cooperation and coordination.  This position assumes responsibility for assigned projects and will be required to analyze different approaches to projects and make recommendations and/or decisions on how to address and manage the project and related problems.  This position supports the Director in planning, implementing, and reviewing a variety of economic development initiatives including TIF District, marketing, communication, business attraction, business retention, tourism, and workforce issues.  The position provides technical advice and recommendations regarding budget preparation to the Director and independently manages projects of a complex nature. This is a senior-level position within the department; the position will act as the acting director during the absence of the director.

JOB DUTIES:
1.    Assists the Director with day-to-day oversight of the department including the overall administration and operations of the department.
2.    Develops and coordinates, economic development projects or initiatives. Responsible for marketing the village to prospective businesses; including collecting and compiling relevant census and statistical information as well as maintenance of business lists, building and space-available inventories, market absorption dynamics, and similar information needed by prospective businesses.   
3.    Administers the village’s economic development grant programs, including reviewing CDBG applications, drafting agreements and award memos, coordinating grant payments, and monitoring compliance. 
4.    Manages the business retention visit program by scheduling visits, taking notes at the meetings, and summarizing the visits for a year-end report. Assists in the end-of-year report of visit findings that will be presented to the Village Board.
5.    Reviews and makes recommendations regarding Cook County incentive applications. Assists the Director in the management and creation of TIF districts, including making budget recommendations, reviewing TIF agreements, preparation of required reports, project management, and presentation to the Joint Review Board and other village boards and commissions.
6.    Attends and represents the village at events outside regular business hours to actively market and promote the village.  Events will be related to economic development programs including Schaumburg Business Association events, ICSC Shows, AIRE seminars, and others.
7.    Meets with property owners, developers, realtors, businesses, and prospective businesses.  Analyzes needs and recommends sites and facilities to these individuals. Assesses fiscal impact of potential developments and coordinates issues within the village.    
8.    Acts as Director in the Director’s absence. Provides technical advice and assistance to other departments, various boards, commissions, and committees on economic development-related items.  Regularly attends meetings and presents reports and staff recommendations to boards and commissions. 
9.    Provides support to the Schaumburg Business Development Commission (SBDC) by working with SBDC members to select educational topics, featured business of the month, preparation of agendas, provide steering committee assistance, and help with the general SBDC meetings.  
10.    Assists with the administration of the department budget.
11.    Performs other duties as assigned. 
 

QUALIFICATIONS:
1.    Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, business administration, or a related field. 
2.    Master's degree preferred. If the candidate does not possess a master’s degree at the time of hire, they must obtain it within five years of employment/promotion.
3.    A minimum of five years of experience in urban planning and economic development.
4.    A minimum of three years of managerial experience coordinating a range of activities undertaken by others that involve directing, monitoring, and evaluating the performance of staff.
5.    Certification with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and/or the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred.  
6.    Proficiency with current computer technology, job-specific software, and customer service systems.
 

STARTING SALARY RANGE:  $107,845.00 - $144,243.00 annually dependent on qualifications. The salary range for this position is $107,845.00 - $156,376.00.

Please attach as part of your application all necessary documents verifying that you meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

BENEFITS:

The Village of Schaumburg has a competitive benefit package with coverage that begins on the first day of employment and includes: flexible benefit Section 125 plan including health, dental, vision, and life insurance as well as medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, and a retirement plan through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.  The Village also provides paid holidays, paid vacation, sick leave, tuition reimbursement, succession development, and more.

ABOUT THE VILLAGE OF SCHAUMBURG:
The village employs approximately 600 employees in 12 departments, including police, fire, engineering and public works, communications, community development, cultural services, economic development, finance, general government, human resources, information technology, and transportation. Our employees work to serve the residents and strive to make Schaumburg the best community it can be. 

Our Core Values are the heart and soul of how we operate.  Customer service, integrity, respect, teamwork, and trust are the values we dedicate ourselves to with the goal of providing excellent services and programs to meet the needs of our community and those within our organization. They guide our actions and serve as the framework for the decisions and contributions we make every day – at every level.  Each member of the Schaumburg team is valued, belongs and provides essential services to the residents, visitors, and businesses of Schaumburg. We are proud of the rich diversity of the Schaumburg community, and we want employees to bring their own unique capabilities, experiences, and characteristics to their work in serving the community.  The characteristics of humility, empathy, respect, and open-mindedness are cornerstones of our organizational culture. The success of the village depends on our employees, and we are committed to helping employees continue growing and developing in their careers. 

SELECTION PROCESS:

The candidate screening process may consist of an application review, skills testing, employability assessment, interviews, reference checks, and other job-related testing or verifications.  Chosen candidates will be subject to a background and criminal history investigation, and qualifying pre-employment medical examination and drug screen (including cannabis).

Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to complete the application process should contact the Human Resources Department at 847-923-3900.

The Village of Schaumburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer