Position Summary:

The City of Urbana is seeking qualified applicants for an exciting opportunity to lead the economic growth and development initiatives for the City of Urbana as the Economic Development Manager. This position oversees advanced Economic Development activities through management of the Economic Development Division. Responsibilities include personnel administration; coordinating work programs; and leading efforts to attract responsible investment, support business retention and expansion, and strategic planning and development.

Responsibilities include management and oversight of advanced and complex professional Economic Development activities and programs for the City of Urbana, managing the Economic Development Division. Responsible for supervising, coaching, and mentoring staff, developing and coordinating work programs and priorities, and ensuring the division is operating in accordance with federal, state and municipal statutes, and the City’s priorities, mission, and values as reflected in the Imagine Urbana Comprehensive Plan.

Responsible for business attraction and retention activities, preparation of development and redevelopment agreements, and tax base growth and stabilization efforts. Prepares, monitors, and coordinates the administration of economic development plans, projects, and programs. Oversees the administration of tax increment finance districts, Urbana Enterprise Zone, economic development loan and grant programs, and other economic development incentive programs. Undertakes special Economic Development projects as necessary. Markets economic development programs and the City of Urbana as a location site for business and industry. Coordinates with other economic development-related groups, including the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, Experience CU, Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and other business associations and resource organizations. The Economic Development Manager ensures that the economic development staff are working in concert on shared priorities.

Our Ideal Candidate:

Consistently adheres to schedules, timelines, and work plans, while strengthening the Planning Division’s organizational systems to improve daily task management and long‑term record keeping. Demonstrates a strong aptitude for organization and process, ensuring structure, clarity, and efficiency in all work.
Actively listens and responds with empathy, especially when dealing with sensitive or emotionally charged situations; demonstrates strong personal resilience during highly charged public hearings, maintaining composure and professionalism in challenging situations.
Demonstrates consistency between words and actions, reinforcing the City’s Zoning Ordinance and codes.
Maintains professionalism and focus even amid frequent interruptions or shifting demands

Is highly organized and maintains accuracy and consistency in planning documents, maps, and reports.

Consistently adheres to rules, policies, and ethical standards – even when no one is watching.

Strengthens team culture by being open, respectful, and generous with knowledge.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Actively supports and upholds the mission and values of the City of Urbana.
Responsible for the overall management of the City’s Economic Development functions, including business retention and attraction, assisting with facilitation and negotiation of real estate development agreements, small area planning, tax base stabilization and enhancement, annexation strategies, and development and use of various economic development incentive tools.
Manages the department’s economic development activities, programs, and staff; serves as lead staff on related projects and programs, including the establishment and administration of tax increment finance districts, enterprise zones, preparation of development and redevelopment agreements; and creation and implementation of strategic plans, with emphasis on downtown, and other priority areas identified in Imagine Urbana.
Oversees the activities of the Economic Development Coordinator and/or Economic Development Specialist, including the establishment and administration of tax increment finance districts, establishment and administration of an Enterprise Zone, preparation of development and redevelopment agreements, and implementation of the Downtown Strategic Plan.
Oversees the activities of the Market at the Square Coordinator, including management of Market at the Square and various marketing and public relations duties.
Oversees the activities of the Arts and Culture Program Specialist, including management support of the Arts and Culture program.
Collaborates with stakeholders, businesses, developers, and community organizations to identify opportunities and address challenges in key sectors.
Coordinates with City departments, agencies, and external partners to align economic development efforts with broader community development goals.
Prepares and presents reports to City boards, commissions, and City Council on economic development and planning initiatives and outcomes.
Prepares and manages the division's budget, oversees staff, and ensures efficient and effective divisional operations.
Represents the City at regional, state, and national forums, advocating for policies and initiatives that support economic development.
Provides guidance and mentorship to staff, facilitates professional development opportunities, and promotes a culture of collaboration and innovation within the division.

Assists in the preparation of strategic plans and projections related to economic development of the City of Urbana as necessary.
Prepares fiscal impact projections, cost-benefit analyses and other economic analysis reports as necessary to assess the effects of new development and other activities.
Researches, prepares, and negotiates proposals for development, redevelopment, and annexation agreements in conjunction with the Mayor, City Administrator, Community Development Services Director, and other internal and external stakeholders.
Maintains and updates an electronic database of all commercial and industrial firms located in the City, with the assistance of Economic Development and Planning Staff.
Maintains community profile and marketing information for business attraction purposes, with assistance of the Economic Development staff.
May act as or delegate responsibility of City staff liaison to various economic development interest groups, the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Experience Champaign Urbana (ECU), the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, and the Champaign County Regional Plan Commission (CCRPC), under the direction of the City Administrator and the Community Development Director.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required / Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge and skills typically acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, urban planning, real estate, or a related field and
Five (5) years of progressively responsible and directly related professional work experience in economic or real estate development, including at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Must possess or obtain a valid State of Illinois driver’s license within 15 days of employment.
Knowledge of municipal economic development tools, including tax increment financing, loans, grants, enterprise zones, development agreements, and various incentive programs.
Ability to research, compile, and summarize a variety of informational and statistical data and materials.
Manage or facilitate complex, multi-year projects involving multiple stakeholders and a wide array of disciplines, sensitive political issues and challenges, and diverse communities.

Preferred/Desirable Qualification(s)

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in one of the fields outlined above; membership in related professional organizations; and designation as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and/or American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification are desirable.
Experience in managing a downtown revitalization or business development project is preferred.

For a complete list of duties and qualifications, please refer to the job description.

City of Urbana

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Economic Development Manager