Vice President of Business Expansion & Attraction

 📍 Rockford, IL | 💼 Full-time | 💲 Starting at $95,000+

At the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC), we believe business is personal—and community growth is built on connection. Our Chamber values are clear:

• We work as a team.
• We are connectors, convenors, and collaborators.
• We make business personal.
• We are forward-thinking.
• We strive for operational excellence.
• We are energized by good work, good laughter, and good coffee.

We’re seeking a Vice President of Business Expansion & Attraction to lead regional business growth initiatives. Reporting to the CEO, this role is responsible for engaging targeted industries, building relationships with decision-makers, and managing business retention, expansion, and attraction projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead GRCC’s business retention, expansion, and attraction efforts—from prospecting through project completion
• Supervise and grow a team dedicated to business development
• Generate and manage new business leads, ensuring a robust pipeline
• Partner with local and state agencies to develop incentive packages and site solutions
• Promote Rockford as a destination for business growth at conferences and regional events
• Collaborate across GRCC departments to meet organizational performance goals

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, economic development, public administration, or related field
• 5–7 years of business development/economic development experience
• Proven leadership skills with a collaborative, forward-thinking mindset
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to connect across audiences
• Proficiency with CRM/enterprise software (GrowthZone preferred) and Microsoft Office

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary starting at $95,000+, commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, retirement match, PTO, a really good ice machine)
• Hybrid work environment
• Professional development opportunities
• A supportive, team-based culture driven by excellence and energized by laughter and coffee

Apply today to join a forward-thinking team shaping the future of the Rockford Region. Send your resume and cover letter to cpusateri@rockfordchamber.com or apply directly on LinkedIn.