Economic Development Manager

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 Winnetkas 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 Villages 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 Villages lead and single point of contact for potential businesses and applicants and for the Villages 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 regarding 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 Villages economic development activities. Manage the Villages 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 Villages 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 Villages 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.

• Bachelors 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.

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.

Position Range (1/1/26): $110068 - $154876 DOQ.

For questions or assistance please contact Ann Eriksson Human Resources Manager at or.