Director of Economic Growth & Community Partnerships

Gurnee, Village of (IL); Gurnee (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Village of Gurnee, Illinois, seeks an experienced Economic Development Director to lead strategic planning, redevelopment, and business retention efforts. The role focuses on attracting investment, coordinating with developers and partners, and administering incentive programs to strengthen the local economy.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree, 5+ years in economic development, and a valid Illinois driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, or a closely related field.
• Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Minimum of five 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.

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 and maintains demographic, market, and economic data; develops reports, presentations, marketing materials, and informational resources
• Monitors commercial occupancy trends, redevelopment opportunities, and regional economic conditions affecting the Village
• Serves as staff liaison to economic development-related committees and commissions and collaborates with chambers of commerce, tourism agencies, and other partner organizations
• Coordinates with Village departments including Planning, Community Development, Finance, Public Works, and Administration to facilitate development projects and business initiatives
• Pursues and administers state, federal, and regional grants related to economic and community development
• Represents the Village at professional meetings, conferences, networking events, and community functions
• Prepares reports, agenda materials, and presentations for the Village Board, commissions, committees, and stakeholders
• Performs related duties as assigned

Skills

Relationship building

Effective communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Illinois Driver’s License

Job description

The Village of Gurnee, Illinois, seeks an experienced Economic Development Director to lead strategic planning, redevelopment, and business retention efforts. The role focuses on attracting investment, coordinating with developers and partners, and administering incentive programs to strengthen the local economy.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree, 5+ years in economic development, and a valid Illinois driver’s license.