OUTDOOR RECREATION DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the State’s business attraction and development agency responsible for fostering a healthy, active business climate for all Illinoisans and their communities, seeks to hire an Outdoor Recreation Development Manager. This new position will focus on supporting the growth of businesses that support outdoor recreational opportunities for Illinoisans and visitors. An ideal candidate possesses not only a drive to support and grow Illinois’ economy, but an ability to work with a diverse array of stakeholders to oversee the continued development of outdoor recreation in Illinois. Experience in economic development and business development, community engagement, leadership, marketing/communications, and outdoor recreation preferred.   

Essential Functions

• Formulates policy, strategic planning and administrative procedures for the Outdoor Recreation Unit within the Office of Tourism to support expansion and success of Illinois’ outdoor recreation industry.
• Coordinates outdoor recreation industry marketing strategies and programs with private organizations and state agencies managing outdoor assets.  Provides direction and assistance on advertisements, brochures, public relations, and promotions.
• Develops and manages the annual unit budget and controls appropriation of expenditures.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with courses in business, marketing and economic development.
• Requires prior experience equivalent to four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization or marketing and economic development, preferably in the public sector and with a focus on outdoor recreation. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefer at least ten (10) years of experience in business/economic development, coalition leadership, public relations, marketing or communications.
• Prefer at least two (2) years of demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
• Prefer at least five (5) years’ experience working in the area of outdoor recreation. 

Conditions of Employment

• Pequires appropriate, valid driver’s license. 
• Requires the ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. 
• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history. 
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description. 

About the Agency

The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois’ world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois’ reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.