Director Of Community Development

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@lincolnparkchamber.com. No phone calls or walk ins.

Summary: The Director of Community Development (DCD) oversees economic development initiatives and business district management. In addition, the DCD oversees a variety of programs and projects, hires and manages vendors, creates and monitors budgets and administers small business development initiatives.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

Special Service Areas

• Serve as the project director for the Clark Street and Lincoln Avenue Special Service Areas (SSA)
• Coordinate and lead meetings, prepare materials, reports, agendas, minutes, etc., for SSA Commission
• Solicit contractor bids, negotiate contracts and manage vendors
• Draft, manage and monitor SSA budgets
• Complete all SSA paperwork and documentation required by the City’s Department of Planning and Development
• Lead public way aesthetic improvement projects, corridor planning and rebate programs
• Assist with events, promotions and marketing initiatives for Clark Street and Lincoln Avenue
• Maintain contact with property and business owners within SSA boundaries and implement outreach programs
• Work closely with SSA Commission to execute annual work plan
• Recruit, maintain and oversee SSA Commission
• Manage public way use permits for streetscape elements
• Serve as a liaison between businesses and City of Chicago departments and local elected officials

Government Affairs and Economic Development

• Lead and manage business attraction initiatives throughout the neighborhood
• Collaborate with LPCC leadership on development and implementation of legislative agenda
• Work closely and build/maintain relationships with area neighborhood associations, elected officials, city departments, businesses and developers on zoning, policy and community relations issues
• Stay informed about local news, projects and developments affecting Lincoln Park
• Serve as LPCC liaison to the Small Business Advocacy Council and participate in meetings and briefings
• Stay abreast of neighborhood safety concerns, build relationships with local police commanders, and administer safety and improvement programs
• Write letters of support and opposition for proposed legislation and in support of our members

Additional Responsibilities

• Attend all SSA events, activities and meetings and assist with set up
• Attend all LPCC events and activities and assist with set up
• Attend community and neighborhood association meetings as LPCC representative
• Coordinate other projects or activities as directed by the LPCC President
• Work as “team player” with other staff members to fulfill LPCC mission

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of work experience (required)
• Strong project management experience and community or economic development experience (preferred)
• Knowledge of urban planning and economic development (preferred)
• Familiarity with the Lincoln Park area and the LPCC’s activities (preferred)
• Strong commitment to the mission of the LPCC and helping Lincoln Park businesses
• Strong understanding of financial statements and budgets
• Experience in facilitating effective meetings
• Extraordinary organization skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and a quick learner of other software
• Ability to be flexible and manage multiple projects at once
• Candidate must be organized, a self-starter, able to meet deadlines and work independently to accomplish goals
• Able to work in collaboration with a small, creative, entrepreneurial team
• Occasional evenings/weekends required