Economic Development Director

Gurnee, Village of (IL); Gurnee (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Village of Gurnee is seeking an experienced Economic Development Director to lead strategic efforts for business attraction, retention, and redevelopment. The role requires building strong relationships with developers, investors, and regional partners while guiding incentive programs and partnerships to advance the community’s economic goals.

Ideal candidates will bring a proactive, results-driven approach, familiarity with municipal processes, and the ability to coordinate across Village

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a relevant field (Economic Development, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Marketing, Finance).
• Master’s degree preferred in a related field.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements short- and long-range economic development strategies focused on business attraction, retention, expansion, and redevelopment.
• Serves as primary 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.
• Leads business retention and expansion outreach, responds to inquiries and development opportunities.
• Develops and administers incentive programs, redevelopment agreements, and public-private partnerships.

Education

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

Job description

The Village of Gurnee, Illinois (population 31,295), is seeking an experienced and collaborative professional to serve as its next Economic Development Director due to an upcoming retirement.

Located in northeastern Illinois between Chicago and Milwaukee, Gurnee is a dynamic regional destination that combines a strong business climate, diverse commercial base, and exceptional quality of life. Strategically positioned along the I-94 corridor approximately 38 miles north of downtown Chicago, Gurnee serves as a major hub for commerce, entertainment, tourism, and employment within Lake County and the greater Chicagoland region.

Gurnee is home to nationally recognized attractions including Six Flags Great America and Gurnee Mills, one of the Midwest’s premier shopping destinations featuring over 1.9 million square feet of retail space. The community also features more than 20 commercial shopping centers, multiple industrial and office parks, a robust hospitality sector with over 1700 hotel rooms, and a diverse restaurant and service economy.

• 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

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university 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

The ideal candidate will be a proactive, relationship-driven, and results-oriented economic development professional who will:

• Build familiarity with Gurnee’s business community and establish strong, trusted relationships with businesses, developers, investors, and property owners
• Be a visible and engaged representative of the Village and a responsive resource to the business community
• Bring a“go-getter” attitude, proactively identifying opportunities for business attraction, retention, expansion, redevelopment, and investment
• Establish strong rapport and credibility with elected officials, Village staff, businesses, and community partners
• Successfully navigate municipal processes and coordinate across departments to move development projects and initiatives forward
• Communicate effectively and confidently with a wide range of audiences, including businesses, developers, elected officials, and the public
• Be collaborative and results-oriented, with the initiative and follow-through to turn opportunities into outcomes

Direct, hands-on experience working with developers, business recruitment, redevelopment initiatives, incentive programs, and strategic planning is highly desirable.

The Village of Gurnee is committed to providing high-quality municipal services while fostering a welcoming, innovative, and business-friendly environment. Gurnee offers an outstanding location, strong economic base, extensive amenities, and a collaborative organizational culture dedicated to continued growth and community success. Residency is not required, yet a high level of community involvement is expected.