Growth & Retention Leader for Economic Development

Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council; Normal (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

SIMPLE IRA

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

FSA

PTO

Job summary

Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council is seeking a Manager/Director of Business Retention & Expansion to lead strategies that support regional business growth and investment. The role focuses on retention, expansion, resources, and partnerships, with strong emphasis on relationship-building and program management.

The position also oversees site readiness, incentives, and project management, coordinating with various partners.

Qualifications

• Director level requires a Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of related experience.
• Manager level requires a Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of related experience.
• CEcD or OU EDI completed or in progress preferred.

Responsibilities

• Retention – build relationships with existing businesses and address barriers to retention.
• Expansion – identify opportunities for existing business growth.
• Resources – connect businesses with resources and partners.
• Strategy – lead retention and expansion strategy development.
• Entrepreneurship – support the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
• Customer Service – guide businesses using the local enterprise zone.
• Applications – service building materials sales tax exemption applications.
• Monitoring and Reporting – monitor and report enterprise zone utilization.
• Project Management – manage all aspects of the project management system.
• Site Management – manage sites using LOIS and ensure readiness.
• RFIs – respond to RFIs from the Illinois EDC and prospects.
• Administration – handle CDC administrative tasks.
• Commercial Lease Grant Program – manage all aspects of the program.

Skills

Relationship building

Project management

Communication (written)

Organizational skills

CRM systems

MS Office Suite

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

5+ years related experience (Director)

3+ years related experience (Manager)

CEcD or OU EDI preferred

Tools

LOIS software

MS Office Suite (SharePoint, Outlook, Teams)

CRM systems

Job description

Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council is seeking a Manager/Director of Business Retention & Expansion to lead strategies that support regional business growth and investment. The role focuses on retention, expansion, resources, and partnerships, with strong emphasis on relationship-building and program management.

The position also oversees site readiness, incentives, and project management, coordinating with various partners.