Lombard, IL – Economic Development Specialist

The Village of Lombard (population of over 43,891) is seeking a full-time Economic Development Specialist in the Community Development Department.

The ideal candidate for this newly established position will be responsible for assisting in the planning, implementation, coordination and communication of various economic development programs and goals of the Village. This position will provide support to the Village’s economic development strategic planning efforts and will serve in an ombudsperson role with businesses and property owners and the Village’s economic development partners. The work is performed under the general direction of the Community Development Director, with close collaboration with other Village officials and staff. The position recognizes the importance of economic development communication as a key component of maintaining and strengthening the local business climate in a thoughtful and strategic manner.

Varied responsibilities include:

• Performing economic development outreach activities and facilitates new business opportunities.

• Effectively engaging with property owners, developers and others regarding proposals as it pertains to Village grant opportunities and assistance opportunities potentially available through other local, county, state or federal programs.

• Coordinating the grant application processes with businesses and property owners from initial inquiry through final completion and payment activities.

• Serving a primary role in development, implementation and management of the Community Development webpages. This task includes, but is not limited to, providing a strong informational presence to the development community, businesses and residents. This role also recognizes the importance of all facets of the development process and will assist other Community Development divisions in the development and release of informative materials to advance economic development and project development initiatives.

• Working with other Village staff and officials, initiates and conducts strategic planning studies as needed; researches, writes and presents reports and individual business grant request reports; serves as a contact for economic development (Business District and/or Tax Increment Financing District) inquiries.

• Establishing working knowledge of economic development, planning and marketing principles; demonstrates ability to successfully engage with economic and community development entities to achieve desired results.

• Compiling data, preparing analyses and reports, presenting reports to key personnel, Village Committees, elected officials, and business and economic development partners.

• Providing assistance to other Village officials and serving in both a coordination and support role for various private or Village Special Event activities.

Must be a self-starter requiring little direction to accomplish tasks with a high level of optimism, and enthusiasm. Ability to plan, develop and coordinate economic development programs; ability to make oral presentations; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, officials, businesses and the public.

The minimum qualifications for this position include graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Economics or closely related field and at least three (3) years of professional experience in Economic Development programs and activities in a municipal, or economic development organization background. Professional certification or completion of core training in Economic Development for CEcD is desired.

Job requires possession of a valid Illinois driver’s license.

The salary range is $84,906-$118,866 with an anticipated starting salary up to $89,200 DOQ. The general hours for this position are: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Attendance at meetings outside the traditional work schedule in order to meet the responsibility of this position will be required.
This exempt position is eligible for a complete benefit package including health and dental insurance, IMRF pension, life insurance, paid sick and vacation days, and paid holidays.
The application deadline for this position is April 1, 2024. Please submit a completed application and resume to: https://laserficheforms.villageoflombard.org/Forms/LombardEmploymentApplication
No phone calls: The Village will contact any applicants that are selected for an interview.

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