EAST CENTRAL REGIONAL MANAGER (SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR, OPT 1)

Position Overview

The Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is looking to hire a Regional Economic Development Manager in the East Central Region. This position will join a field team of fourteen managers in the Regional Economic Development (RED) bureau to serve as the face of the DCEO in communities statewide. Team RED works with businesses, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, consultants, legislators, and other stakeholders to develop and execute strategies for regional economic development, coordinate workforce development efforts, business development/attraction/expansion, local investments, and partnerships. Most importantly, Team RED represents the State to communities to bring programs, dollars, and new ideas to help their economies grow and attract businesses and jobs with an equity lens. If you are interested in joining our team of compassionate and community-oriented managers, we invite you to apply for the Regional Economic Development Manager with DCEO.

Job Responsibilities

1.  Formulates the Office of Regional Economic Development (Team RED) strategic plan, setting priorities for economic and business development in the Central Region.

2.  Manages, develops and directs all economic development programs for the East Central Region of the Office of Regional Economic Development.

3.  Creates Regional Economic Development Plans that coordinate and synchronize regional development, transportation, workforce and other related government entities.

4.  Directs annual budget development and justification.

5.  Supervises staff.

6.  Develops regional partnerships with businesses, industries and local governments to develop regional programs that promote economic development.

7.  Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

1.  Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college with coursework in economic development, marketing, business development, or closely related fields of study.

2.  Requires prior experience equivalent to four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization with specific experience in business and/or economic development.

Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)

1.  Prefer four or more years of progressively responsible administrative experience in business development, marketing, stakeholder engagement, sales, or economic and workforce development. (I.E Community Relations, Business Attraction, Expansion, Retention, External Affairs, government affairs, project management, strategic planning, small business support).

2.  Prefer two or more years of experience in federal, state, or local government.

3.  Prefer a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Urban Planning, Public Policy, or Public Administration.

4.  Prefer one or more years of experience in a Customer Relations Management System (CRM) (Sales Force.com).

5.  Prefer Economic Development of Finance Professional Certification or a Certified Economic Development Certification.

6.  Prefer one or more years of experience in analyzing and reporting on outreach and stakeholder engagement data.

Conditions of Employment

1.  Requires a valid driver’s license.

2.  Requires ability to travel with some overnight stays on a regional and statewide basis to conduct meetings, and to conduct community or business visits.

3.  Requires the ability to pass a background check.

Agency Overview

The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is to support and maintain a climate that enables a strong economy for our customers - taxpayers, businesses, workers and communities - by keeping, attracting and growing businesses, maintaining a skilled workforce, and enhancing communities so that the climate here is one in which businesses, small and large, and workers, can succeed to the greatest extent possible. The Illinois Department of Commerce delivers impactful and efficient programs and services through focused on business, community, and workforce development.