Economic Business Development Manager 

Are you eager to join a growing team of connectors, convenors, and collaborators? Have you found success in building relationships to support business growth? Are you forward thinking and continually seeking excellence? Do you get energized by good work, good laughter, and good coffee?

Take a closer look at Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce. We proudly serve as a regional partner in growing our business community, building our region’s reputation, and attracting employers to northwest Illinois. Since 1910, we’ve been leading economic growth, advocating for the interests of businesses, and providing services and education that help area employers thrive.

We are seeking a second Economic Business Development Manager, responsible for proactive outreach to area businesses that have significant potential to create and retain economic-based jobs. Our Economic Business Development Managers build and maintain relationships with targeted industry companies and support their unique needs with various services and local and state programs. This work is accomplished through company visits, program management, trade organization meetings, community meetings, phone/video calls, and in-person meetings. In addition to managing a portfolio of existing businesses, the manager will also be responsible for overseeing collaborative business recruitment projects and proactive outreach to decision makers, influencers, and prospective companies.

ECONOMIC BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

The employment policy of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce provides equal opportunity to all persons.  We support a diverse and inclusive work environment where employees are respected, treated fairly, and given equal opportunities to perform to their fullest potential.  We believe it is only with a diverse and inclusive workplace that the organization can perform at its best.

JOB INFORMATION

REPORTS TO:                                    Chief Executive Officer

CLASSIFICATION                              Full Time/Part Time

FLSA STATUS                                    Exempt

EEO CATEGORY                                Professional

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS               Regular (25%-50%)

DATE PREPARED                              12/2024

JOB SUMMARY

Under direct supervision of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Economic Business Development Manager will be responsible for proactive outreach to targeted industry businesses that have significant potential to create and retain economic-based jobs and investments in the Greater Rockford area. The Economic Development Manager will build and maintain relationships with targeted industry companies and support their unique needs with various services and local and state programs. Primary activities include business visits, program management, trade organization meetings, community meetings, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings. In addition to managing a portfolio of existing businesses, the Manager will also be responsible for overseeing collaborative business recruitment projects and proactive outreach to decision makers, influencers, and prospective companies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist in marketing programs and services to local, target industry businesses to identify new expansion projects.

Plan and conduct business check-in visits within target industries to generate job creating projects, opportunities for workforce development, and to support the growth needs of local business.

Work closely with our public partners to manage the financial incentives process for eligible projects.

Engage with economic development partners and stakeholders to maintain up-to-date inventory of eligible development sites, resources, incentives, and programs.

Build and maintain a target list of companies within specific industries using GrowthZone enterprise software.

Manage expansion and recruitment projects from concept to completion.

Serve as a regional subject matter expert on specific targeted industry sectors.

Maintain accurate contact database and project management via GrowthZone to support enterprise-wide communication and accountability and to capture organizational metrics.

Serve on strategic task forces and ad hoc committees, as needed.

Collaborate with marketing and public relations teams to build the region’s reputation and promote its assets to local businesses while also targeting industries and geographies outside of the area.

Collaborate with other Chamber departments to attain the organization’s performance metrics.

Perform other duties as assigned.  

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economic Development, Public Administration, or a related field. 
• Minimum of two years’ business development experience. 
• Expertise in economic development.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS and SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Environment includes both indoor work (primarily seated at a desk or conference room table) and outdoor visits to businesses and greenfield sites, plus occasional travel to conferences and tradeshows and stakeholder meetings.
• Light physical effort; exertion of up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally, and /or up to 25 lbs. of force rarely.
• Ascending/descending steps – Occasional (30-60%).
• Stoop/Kneel/Crouch/Crawl – Rare (0-30%).
• Standing/Walking – Occasional (30-60%).
• Push/Pull/Reach using upper extremities to move objects – Rare (0-30%).
• Finger/Grasp/Handle/Feel working primarily with fingers – Constant (90-100%).
• Talk/Hear to receive detailed information by means of spoken word – Constant (90-100%).
• Repetitive Motions of wrists, hands, and/or fingers – Constant (90-100%).
• Lift up to 10 pounds – Occasional (30-60%).
• Lift up to 10-25 pounds – Rare (0-30%).
• Lift up to 25-50 pounds – Rare (0-30%).
• Lift over 50 pounds – Rare (0-30%).

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Strong interpersonal relationship skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Work and communicate effectively with all members of the community and business partners.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to express ideas clearly, concisely, and effectively.
• Ability to research, organize, analyze, verify, and present information.
• Comfortable with public speaking opportunities.
• Experience developing and making sales presentations, providing prospect client services, and simultaneously managing multiple projects.
• Ability to work under pressure and within tight deadlines.
• Possess excellent organizational skills, analytical, self-starter, team player.
• Demonstrate a strong customer service focus.
• Maintain proficiency and stay current in computer and technical skills including Microsoft Office Suite, CRM/enterprise software (preferably GrowthZone), and web-based applications.
• Must be proficient and diligent in data entry and metrics tracking.
• Possess a valid driver’s license, current insurance, and clean driving record.
• Ability to interpret and adhere to policies & procedures in accordance with company practices.
• Regular attendance.

Salary Range: $65,000 - $80,000 Annually

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, and job responsibilities may change at any time due to business needs.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required for the position.  Please discuss requests for reasonable accommodations with the hiring manager.