Economic Development Coordinator

Exploreelginarea; Elgin, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Elgin Development Group (EDG) A Division of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking an Economic Development Coordinator to support business retention and expansion initiatives, research, marketing, events, and stakeholder engagement. You will assist the Director of Economic Development and act as a primary contact for local businesses and partners.

This role offers exposure to regional economic development, data analysis, and project management, with opportunities to contribute to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• 1–3 years of professional experience in economic development or related fields.
• Experience with research, project coordination, customer service, or stakeholder engagement is preferred.
• Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Support BRE visits scheduling and follow-up communications.
• Maintain CRM records and assist with dashboards and reporting.
• Assist with grants, incentive programs, and marketing materials.
• Conduct demographic, workforce, economic research.
• Plan events and engage stakeholders.

Skills

Communication skills

Organization

Time management

Project management

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

Data analysis

Customer service

Relationship building

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor's degree (Business Administration / Economics / Public Administration / Urban Planning / Marketing / Communications / Political Science / Community Development or related field)

Tools

CRM tools

GIS mapping tools

Data dashboards (BI)

Job description

Elgin Development Group (EDG) A Division of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce

Economic Development Coordinator

The Economic Development Coordinator supports the mission of the Elgin Development Group by assisting with business retention and expansion initiatives, economic development projects, research, marketing, events, and stakeholder engagement activities. This position provides administrative and project support to the Director of Economic Development while serving as an important point of contact for local businesses, community partners, and investors.

This is an excellent opportunity for an emerging professional interested in economic development, business development, community development, public administration, urban planning, or chamber of commerce leadership. The Coordinator will gain broad exposure to regional economic development initiatives and contribute directly to projects that strengthen the Elgin area economy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Supporting the Economic Development Director in the following areas:

• Site selection and business recruitment support, including site visit coordination and property research.
• Development project tracking and management.
• Assistance with grants, incentive programs, and business resource identification.
• Workforce development partnership support with employers, schools, and workforce agencies.
• Small business and entrepreneurship support activities.
• Data visualization, dashboards, and economic reporting for investors and stakeholders.
• Expanded database/CRM management and economic development records maintenance.
• Support on special projects and other duties and responsibilities as assigned from time to time.

Business Retention and Outreach

• Assist in coordinating and scheduling business retention and expansion (BRE) visits.
• Conduct follow-up communications with local employers and business stakeholders.
• Maintain records of business contacts, visits, and project activity in CRM and reporting systems.
• Help identify business needs and connect employers with appropriate resources and partners.

Economic Development Research

• Research demographic, workforce, economic, and industry data.
• Assist with preparation of community profiles, business recruitment materials, and responses to Requests for Information (RFIs).
• Maintain inventories of available commercial and industrial sites and properties.
• Compile data and performance metrics for reports, grant applications, and presentations.

Marketing and Communications

• Assist with website updates, social media content, newsletters, and promotional materials.
• Develop stories highlighting business successes, expansions, investments, and workforce initiatives.
• Support preparation of presentations, investor reports, and marketing collateral.

Events and Stakeholder Engagement

• Assist with planning and execution of economic development programs, committee events, workforce forums, and educational workshops.
• Attend community meetings and networking events as a representative of EDG when appropriate.
• Support investor and partner engagement activities.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain databases, prospect records, and economic development files.
• Track key performance indicators and prepare monthly and quarterly reports.
• Provide general administrative support to the Economic Development Director and EDG initiatives.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Marketing, Communications, Political Science, Community Development, or a related field preferred.
• Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

Experience

• One to three years of professional experience, internships, or significant project involvement in economic development, business, government, nonprofit organizations, chambers of commerce, community development, marketing, or related fields.
• Experience with research, project coordination, customer service, or stakeholder engagement is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to analyze and present data clearly.
• Customer-service mindset and professional demeanor.
• Ability to build positive relationships with business leaders, public officials, and community partners.
• Willingness to learn economic development tools, practices, and strategies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with CRM systems, GIS mapping tools, or economic development databases.
• Interest in pursuing a career in economic development, chamber leadership, community development, or public administration.

Related Links : https://www.elginchamber.com/