City Of Highland Park, Business Development Manager

Primary Purpose: Serves as the principal contact between the City and the business community, the City's ombudsman, and liaison to local business development organizations. Implements activities, policies and procedures related to the City's Economic Development Strategic Plan including business development and marketing strategies to attract, retain and expand private sector investment in the City; advocates in all areas of economic development, with an emphasis on broadening the sales tax base to sustain a balanced and healthy business climate; advises and provides staff support to the Business & Economic Development Commission, whose mission is to develop initiatives and policies to improve the City's commercial establishments; and provides staff support to the City Council.
Supervision Received:
Reports to and works under the general guidance and direction of the Deputy City Manager.
Supervision Exercised:
The Economic Development Coordinator is responsible for the supervision of the Economic Development Clerk.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Contributes to the development of the City's economic development strategic plan and implements activities, policies and procedures related to this plan including: attraction of new businesses and retention and expansion of existing businesses to maintain the City's vibrancy and ensure a diverse yet complimentary business mix, promote a stronger economic base, and the resources to support high quality public services to the community which improve the quality of life of its residents and enhance the experience of its visitors. Markets and administers business incentive programs.The key point of contact for brokers, developers, new and existing businesses. Serves as the City's ombudsman to ensure that the needs of the business community are adequately addressed.Provides staff support to the Business and Economic Development Commission.Facilitates communication among stakeholders, building bridges between public and private sectors, and understands the mission and resources of each group. Works with business groups to develop and implement short-term and long-term economic development objectives and programs, including public/private partnerships.Conducts research related to economic development; oversees research studies; prepares reports and recommendations to City elected and appointed officials and City staff on matters related to economic development initiatives, issues, services and plans.Oversees development and updating of the City's economic development promotional and informational materials. Directs and oversees economic development content on the City's website to maintain a strong marketing presence and keep content up-to-date.Maintains information regarding demographics, traffic counts, utilities, zoning, transportation, City services, target businesses, financing tools and incentives in order to provide information to prospects, property owners and real estate professionals.Establishes ties with various local, state and regional agencies and coordinates projects, as necessary.Prepares and manages the City's economic development budget.Performs other related duties as requested.Required Minimum Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education:
A bachelor's degree in business, marketing, public administration, urban planning, public relations, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience:
Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in local government or related field is preferred.
Certification or License:
A valid driver's license is required.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Proficiencies:
Excellent writing and verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively present ideas both orally and in writing; the ability to plan, organize, supervise and carry-out complex research projects effectively, and present reports and recommendations following such research and analysis; knowledge of effective principles, practices, and techniques of economic development; knowledge of business concerns, needs, practices, markets, relocation needs and initiatives; knowledge of the City Code and various building and zoning regulations; understanding of the short-term and long-term socioeconomic, fiscal, and political implications of planning and development decisions; knowledge of external community image building and marketing; computer literacy; the ability to manage a variety of projects simultaneously; skill in exercising good judgment, maintaining confidentiality, and making responsible decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City and Chamber officials, public agencies, other professionals, property owners, attorneys, and fellow employees, and the general public.
Safety Functions: Becomes familiar with and observes all applicable safety and security policy/procedures.Immediately reports all unsafe conditions and acts to supervisor.Keeps work area clean, orderly, and free of hazards.Adheres to all safety rules and established work procedures.Maintains appropriate physical fitness to perform essential job functions.Work Environment:
Most work activities are conducted in an office environment and include significant public contact, sometimes involving individuals exhibiting high levels of stress or emotion. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
This employee is frequently required to perform job duties out of the office i.e. attraction visits, walking in and around the business districts to conduct business and property owner outreach, and investigate beautification and regulatory issues.
The position requires some evening and weekend work.
Tools and Equipment Used:
Office equipment including a computer with Windows and Microsoft Office Suite, copier, printer, scanner, fax machine, calculator and phone.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, talk, hear, read a computer monitor and printed and handwritten documents and forms; use fingers to operate a keyboard to enter information into computer records. The employee may be required to occasionally lift and/or move objects/files weighing up to 10 pounds.
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the job requirements change.

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