Economic Development Coordinator (Chicago)

Position Title : Economic Development Coordinator

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Department: Economic Development

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Economic Development Manager

Position Summary

The Economic Development Coordinator supports the day-to-day operations of the Berwyn Development Corporation's (BDC) Economic Development Department, assisting the Economic Development Manager with project tracking, business and developer inquiries, incentive and grant administration, data and research support, and departmental reporting.

This role is responsible for maintaining accurate project, property, and business records, coordinating documentation for incentive programs, TIF reporting, and grants, and supporting the Manager's efforts to advance development, redevelopment, and business attraction throughout Berwyn.

This role suits an organized, detail-oriented, and analytical professional who is comfortable working with data, financial and property information, and a range of internal and external stakeholders, and who can manage multiple ongoing tasks and deadlines within an established framework of departmental priorities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position supervises the Vacancy Coordinator.

Supervision Received

Reports to the Economic Development Manager.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Development & Redevelopment Support

• Serve as a day-to-day point of contact for routine developer, property owner, and business inquiries, referring complex matters to the Economic Development Manager.
• Maintain accurate records of active development and redevelopment projects, tracking schedules, milestones, and follow-up actions.
• Coordinate due diligence materials, property information, and incentive request documentation to support active projects.
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of available commercial properties, vacant buildings, and strategic sites.

Business Attraction, Retention & Expansion Support

• Respond to routine business and site-selection inquiries, providing information on properties, demographics, zoning, and incentives.
• Support proactive outreach to existing businesses, scheduling visits and documenting findings for follow-up by the Manager.
• Maintain records of business assistance activity, referrals, and outcomes, including support for programs such as Cook County Small Business Source.

Incentives & Program Administration Support

• Assist with intake and initial review of incentive program applications (e.g., the Finish Line Grant) for completeness and eligibility.
• Track approved incentives, project milestones, reimbursement requests, and compliance deadlines.
• Prepare supporting documentation for committee, board, and government body review.

TIF & Grant Administration Support

• Maintain organized records and documentation for TIF-supported projects and grant-funded initiatives.
• Track grant and TIF reporting deadlines on the departmental calendar and help assemble required reports.
• Assist with reimbursement requests, budget tracking, and coordination with Finance on grant expenditures.

Data, Research & GIS Support

• Maintain and update BDC's commercial property, business, and vacancy databases.
• Use GIS, property records, and market data — including demographic and census tract mapping — to support development research and site analysis.
• Help prepare Berwyn's annual commercial vacancy analysis and other economic development reports.
• Compile demographic and market information for developers, businesses, and stakeholders.

Project & Departmental Support

• Maintain the department's project dashboard, tracking status, deadlines, and next actions across active initiatives.
• Support preparation of departmental reports for the Executive Director, Board of Directors, Economic Development Commission, and City.
• Maintain organized project files, standard operating procedures, and documentation.
• Provide general administrative support to the Economic Development Manager as needed.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret basic financial, property, and demographic information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with GIS, CRM, or economic development software preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the Economic Development Manager and other BDC and City staff, taking direction while showing initiative on routine tasks.
• Knowledge of Berwyn, Cook County, and the Chicagoland development environment preferred; Spanish-language proficiency a plus.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in economic development, urban planning, public administration, business, finance, real estate, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 1–3 years of experience in economic development, planning, local government, commercial real estate, or a related field preferred.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Prolonged periods at a desk and computer; ability to lift up to 15 pounds.
• On-site, office-based role, 5 days a week, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; some travel may be required.

Other Duties

This description is not a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities required of this role. Duties may change at any time, with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

BDC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Benefits :

• 401(k)
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave