Director of Economic Development & Growth

Village of Gurnee; Gurnee (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Village of Gurnee in Illinois seeks an experienced Economic Development Director to lead short- and long-range strategies for business attraction, retention, expansion, and redevelopment. You will liaison with developers, brokers, investors, and regional organizations to advance projects.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in economic development or related fields, municipal experience, and a track record with incentives, redevelopment, and strategic planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, or a closely related field required.
• Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, redevelopment, planning, business development, municipal administration, or a related field.
• Municipal or public sector experience strongly preferred.
• Experience working with developers, business recruitment, redevelopment initiatives, incentive programs, and strategic planning is highly desirable.
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License must be held.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements short- and long-range economic development strategies and initiatives focused on business attraction, retention, expansion, and redevelopment
• Serves as the primary point of contact and liaison to existing businesses, developers, brokers, investors, and regional economic development organizations
• Coordinates redevelopment and revitalization efforts for commercial, retail, industrial, and mixed-use properties throughout the Village
• Leads business retention and expansion outreach efforts and responds to business inquiries and development opportunities
• Develops and administers incentive programs, redevelopment agreements, and public-private partnership initiatives
• Assists in negotiating development agreements and evaluates the fiscal and economic impacts of proposed projects
• Creates and implements community branding, marketing, and promotional strategies to position Gurnee as a premier location for business investment and tourism
• Prepares reports, agenda materials, and presentations for the Village Board, commissions, committees, and stakeholders
• Monitors commercial occupancy trends, redevelopment opportunities, and regional economic conditions affecting the Village
• Represents the Village at professional meetings, conferences, networking events, and community functions

Skills

Economic development

Municipal administration

Planning

Business development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Master’s degree preferred

Valid Illinois Driver’s License

Job description

The Village of Gurnee in Illinois seeks an experienced Economic Development Director to lead short- and long-range strategies for business attraction, retention, expansion, and redevelopment. You will liaison with developers, brokers, investors, and regional organizations to advance projects.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in economic development or related fields, municipal experience, and a track record with incentives, redevelopment, and strategic planning.