Description

Position Summary:

The City of Urbana is seeking qualified applicants for an exciting opportunity to lead the economic growth and development initiatives for the City of Urbana as the Economic Development Manager. This position oversees advanced Economic Development activities through management of the Economic Development Division. Responsibilities include personnel administration; coordinating work programs; and leading efforts to attract responsible investment, support business retention and expansion, and strategic planning and development.

Responsibilities include management and oversight of advanced and complex professional Economic Development activities and programs for the City of Urbana, managing the Economic Development Division. Responsible for supervising, coaching, and mentoring staff, developing and coordinating work programs and priorities, and ensuring the division is operating in accordance with federal, state and municipal statutes, and the City’s priorities, mission, and values as reflected in the Imagine Urbana Comprehensive Plan.

Responsible for business attraction and retention activities, preparation of development and redevelopment agreements, and tax base growth and stabilization efforts.  Prepares, monitors, and coordinates the administration of economic development plans, projects, and programs. Oversees the administration of tax increment finance districts, Urbana Enterprise Zone, economic development loan and grant programs, and other economic development incentive programs. Undertakes special Economic Development projects as necessary. Markets economic development programs and the City of Urbana as a location site for business and industry. Coordinates with other economic development-related groups, including the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, Experience CU, Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and other business associations and resource organizations. The Economic Development Manager ensures that the economic development staff are working in concert on shared priorities. 

Our Ideal Candidate:

• Consistently adheres to schedules, timelines, and work plans, while strengthening the Economic Development Division’s organizational systems to improve daily task management and longterm record keeping. 
• Demonstrates a strong aptitude for organization and process, ensuring structure, clarity, and efficiency in all work.
• Actively listens and responds with empathy, especially when dealing with sensitive or emotionally charged situations; demonstrates strong personal resilience during highly charged public hearings, maintaining composure and professionalism in challenging situations.
• Demonstrates consistency between words and actions, reinforcing the City’s Zoning Ordinance and codes.
• Maintains professionalism and focus even amid frequent interruptions or shifting demands
• Is highly organized and maintains accuracy and consistency in planning documents, maps, and reports.
• Consistently adheres to rules, policies, and ethical standards – even when no one is watching.
• Strengthens team culture by being open, respectful, and generous with knowledge.

Requirements

Required / Minimum Qualifications:

•  Knowledge and skills typically acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, urban planning, real estate, or a related field and
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible and directly related professional work experience in economic or real estate development, including at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Must possess or obtain a valid State of Illinois driver’s license within 15 days of employment.
• Knowledge of municipal economic development tools, including tax increment financing, loans, grants, enterprise zones, development agreements, and various incentive programs.
• Ability to research, compile, and summarize a variety of informational and statistical data and materials.
• Manage or facilitate complex, multi-year projects involving multiple stakeholders and a wide array of disciplines, sensitive political issues and challenges, and diverse communities.

Preferred/Desirable Qualification(s)

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in one of the fields outlined above; membership in related professional organizations; and designation as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and/or American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification are desirable.
• Experience in managing a downtown revitalization or business development project is preferred.

For a complete list of duties and qualifications, please refer to the job description.