Economic Development Coordinator

Exploreelginarea

Elgin Development Group (EDG) A Division of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce

Economic Development Coordinator

The Economic Development Coordinator supports the mission of the Elgin Development Group by assisting with business retention and expansion initiatives, economic development projects, research, marketing, events, and stakeholder engagement activities. This position provides administrative and project support to the Director of Economic Development while serving as an important point of contact for local businesses, community partners, and investors.

This is an excellent opportunity for an emerging professional interested in economic development, business development, community development, public administration, urban planning, or chamber of commerce leadership. The Coordinator will gain broad exposure to regional economic development initiatives and contribute directly to projects that strengthen the Elgin area economy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Supporting the Economic Development Director in the following areas:

Site selection and business recruitment support, including site visit coordination and property research.
Development project tracking and management.
Assistance with grants, incentive programs, and business resource identification.
Workforce development partnership support with employers, schools, and workforce agencies.
Small business and entrepreneurship support activities.
Data visualization, dashboards, and economic reporting for investors and stakeholders.
Expanded database/CRM management and economic development records maintenance.
Support on special projects and other duties and responsibilities as assigned from time to time.

Business Retention and Outreach

Assist in coordinating and scheduling business retention and expansion (BRE) visits.
Conduct follow-up communications with local employers and business stakeholders.
Maintain records of business contacts, visits, and project activity in CRM and reporting systems.
Help identify business needs and connect employers with appropriate resources and partners.

Economic Development Research

Research demographic, workforce, economic, and industry data.
Assist with preparation of community profiles, business recruitment materials, and responses to Requests for Information (RFIs).
Maintain inventories of available commercial and industrial sites and properties.
Compile data and performance metrics for reports, grant applications, and presentations.

Marketing and Communications

Assist with website updates, social media content, newsletters, and promotional materials.
Develop stories highlighting business successes, expansions, investments, and workforce initiatives.
Support preparation of presentations, investor reports, and marketing collateral.

Events and Stakeholder Engagement

Assist with planning and execution of economic development programs, committee events, workforce forums, and educational workshops.
Attend community meetings and networking events as a representative of EDG when appropriate.
Support investor and partner engagement activities.

Administrative Responsibilities

Maintain databases, prospect records, and economic development files.
Track key performance indicators and prepare monthly and quarterly reports.
Provide general administrative support to the Economic Development Director and EDG initiatives.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Marketing, Communications, Political Science, Community Development, or a related field preferred.
Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

Experience

One to three years of professional experience, internships, or significant project involvement in economic development, business, government, nonprofit organizations, chambers of commerce, community development, marketing, or related fields.
Experience with research, project coordination, customer service, or stakeholder engagement is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Ability to analyze and present data clearly.
Customer-service mindset and professional demeanor.
Ability to build positive relationships with business leaders, public officials, and community partners.
Willingness to learn economic development tools, practices, and strategies.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with CRM systems, GIS mapping tools, or economic development databases.
Interest in pursuing a career in economic development, chamber leadership, community development, or public administration.