Business Development, Regional Specialist

About the Job: Business Development, Regional Specialist

World Business Chicago is a public-private, non-profit partnership that drives inclusive economic growth and job creation, supports business, and promotes Chicago as a leading global city.

Position Summary

The Business Development, Regional Specialist will lead the implementation and execution of the newly formed Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP) within World Business Chicago. This full-time position, reporting to the Senior Vice President of Business Development and located at the offices of World Business Chicago, will manage the outcomes of the new seven county regional economic development initiative housed within World Business Chicago. The role will be to support and pitch the regional partners of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will with an intention to produce leads and generate Pro-Chicagoland Decisions for the partnership. The work embodies a wide variety of work, including community and economic development support services; coordination and assistance with projects (attraction and retention), in support of our mission while facilitating the Business Development, Federal Funding, Research and Innovation elements outlined in the partnership agreement.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Ensure delivery of all assets and key performance indicators associated with the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership
• Travel throughout the seven (7) counties and develop and maintain relationship with key economic development partners
• In conjunction with the GCEP partners, develop a marketing and outreach plan based on data and information collected by the World Business Chicago Research Center for the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership
• Work with World Business Chicago colleagues to ensure the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership is represented in appropriate work
• Participate in community engagement efforts, placemaking, and assist with special projects throughout the GCEP region
• Proactively attend conferences and build relationships with key foreign CEOs, consuls general, and other members of the international community
• Lead the RFP process from site consultants and other real estate brokers looking for information on Chicagoland
• Promote Chicago as the ideal location for corporate expansion needs (for instance by initiating and speaking at business seminars, participating in networking events, etc.)
• Work with GCEP to identify, plan and execute strategic event to cohost with partners
• Complete regularly required status reports and maintaining project tracking databases
• Conduct other related tasks and assignments not specified above

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Client-focused
• Proactive and highly responsive
• Results and goal-oriented
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Presentation skills
• Team player with strong work ethic
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Familiarity with Salesforce software a plus

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in economic development, strategic partnerships, business development, public administration, marketing, or a related field preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in business, urban planning, public policy or related field or equivalent work experience in a related field

Requirements

• Willingness to work in a hybrid work environment, with an expectation of at least 3 days spent in office/in field per week
• Willingness to work occasional workday evenings as project and strategic opportunities arise.
• Full COVID-19 vaccination is required by the first day of work unless there is an exemption due to medical or religious reasons

If interested, please submit your cover letter and resume to HR@worldbusinesschicago.com