Job Opportunities at ECDC

The Evanston Community Development Corporation is a non-profit economic development organization
dedicated to revitalization of the Westside of Evanston, Illinois.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Spring, 2011

Basic Function:

Exciting opportunity to lead high energy organization in revitalization of historic African American neighborhood. This position is responsible to work in partnership with the Board of Directors to provide leadership and vision and the development and management of programming for the revitalization of Evanston's Westside; set up and management of the organization's office; overseeing all employees and contract staff; raising and managing necessary funds; and the building and maintaining of relationships in the community.

Status:

Full-time: 40+ hours per week, some evening and weekend meetings required
Reports to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors

RESPONSIBILITIES:

    Programming:
  • Working with the Board and Partners, develop and oversee all ECDC programming per the strategic plan: including economic development and loan programs, workforce, and outreach / special events
  • Keep abreast of legislation, best practices, and other developments in the field of economic development
    Administration and Communications:
  • Maintain a positive, high energy, and high functioning office
  • Support the Board Chairman and the operations of the Board of Directors
  • Coordinate the work of Board, Standing, and Ad Hoc Committees
  • Oversee all employees and contract staff
  • Maintain required program monitoring records and issue reports as required to funders and the community
  • Establish and maintain relationships with federal, state, and local government officials - including all aldermanic representatives and key staff, community groups, and other partners and funders
  • Represent ECDC to the media and members of public and private sectors
  • Maintain memberships in the chamber of commerce, economic development, and finance organizations
    Financial Development and Management:
  • Develop an annual budget with the Board and oversee all financial management.
  • Research and write grants to foundations, corporations and government entities.
  • Coordinate fund development efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Minimum 5 years experience in economic development and progressively responsible management experience.
  • Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree and CEcD or CFRE preferred
  • Demonstrated experience in economic development and one or more of the following: nonprofit management, fund development, business ownership, or commercial lending
  • Highly motivated and dependable; ability to work independently and take initiative
  • Highly personable, energetic and creative. Ability to work with diverse sectors of the community.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to write clearly and produce compelling correspondence, reports, and grant proposals; and prepare and deliver public presentations.
  • Strong computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, Access.
  • Access to a car and valid driver's license.

Salary

Minimum $60,000 plus Benefits and Performance Bonus

PROGRAM DIRECTOR - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Spring, 2011

Basic Function:

Exciting opportunity to develop emerging business community on the Westside of Evanston. New position to provide leadership and management expertise for economic development programming. Key program responsibilities include: Virtual Incubator, Social Enterprise, Minority Contractor Network, and Microloan Fund.

Status:

Full-time: 40 hours per week, some evening and weekend work required
Reports to the Executive Director
This is a new position

RESPONSIBILITIES:

    Programming:
  • Develop and maintain business programming that supports business attraction, expansion, and new enterprise development
  • Expand the West End Market and Virtual Incubator
  • Develop and oversee ECDC's ex-offender Social Enterprise--Second Chance Produce
  • Facilitate new Minority Contractor Network to support Evanston's Neighborhood Stabilization Program
  • Build and Maintain the Business Microloan Fund, and provide staffing to the Loan Committee
  • Keep abreast of legislation, best practices, and other developments in the field of economic development
    Administration and Communications:
  • Build and maintain relationships with all Westside businesses
  • Build and maintain relationships with all business and economic development programming partners, in particular funding partners, such as, the City of Evanston and banks
  • Maintain required program monitoring records and issue reports as required to funders and the community
    Financial Development and Management:
  • Work with the Executive Director to develop an annual budget and manage funds
  • Research and write grants to foundations, corporations and government entities for business programming, in particular for lending programs
  • Staff the Loan Committee
  • Oversee Market Manager, Second Chance Produce Manager, Business Mentors, and Business Intern

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Minimum 2 years experience working in business or economic development
  • Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following: business ownership, commercial lending, community organizing, or economic development
  • Highly motivated and dependable; ability to work independently and take initiative.
  • Highly personable, energetic and creative. Ability to work with diverse sectors of the community.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, Access.
  • Access to a car and valid driver's license.

Salary

Minimum $40,000 plus Benefits and Performance Bonus

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
position open until filled, ECDC reserves the right to discontinue, close, or reopen the job search at any time

Evanston Community Development Corporation - P.O. Box 6599 Evanston, IL 60204