As the principle economic development agency in McLean County, the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council (BNEDC) serves 22 municipalities and nearly 170,000 residents.  Bloomington Normal is widely considered to have one of the most vibrant economies in the mid-west anchored by such prestigious employers as State Farm Insurance, Country Financial and Illinois State University.  The BNEDC is charged with strategically leveraging all of the existing community assets to grow the local economy and to enhance the quality of life of our region.

Governed by a Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from business, education, labor and government, the EDC is supported by nearly 75 investor organizations.  Guided by its core mission to attract and retain new business investment and job growth, the BNEDC provides a wide variety of programs and services designed to promote all types of economic development activity.  Established in 2003, the BNEDC has become a respected and valued organization within McLean County and has already had a profound and lasting impact on the prosperity of Bloomington, Normal and McLean County.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the CEO, the Business Retention and Expansion Manager advances the mission of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, its Board, Executive Committee, and CEO by building relationships with local businesses, presenting economic development resources for expansion and reporting data from business interviews.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Interview local business leaders
• Accurately enter data from interview findings
• Prepare and present analysis of business data trends
• Track and present available economic development incentives and resources
• Answer and follow-up on all economic development business inquiries
• Assist local businesses with expansion projects
• Sell everything Bloomington, Normal and McLean County has to offer
• Provide superior customer service
• Complete special projects and other assignments as directed by the CEO and assist in the coordination of EDC projects and events
• Assist other staff members when needed

Education and Experience:

• Associates or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university preferred
• Minimum of five years’ experience in similar position preferred
• IEDC CEcD preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge and skilled in the use of computers and computer software, such as email programs, spreadsheets, word processing, databases, project management and presentation programs
• Knowledge of office equipment and processes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail
• Good analytical skills along with a working knowledge of research techniques
• Ability to complete assigned tasks on time with only general instructions and with minimal supervision
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to speak to large public audiences

Physical Demands:

• Operate normal office equipment
• Travel, as needed
• Use computer extensively with required visual acuity

Additional Requirements:

• Periodic weekend and weeknight commitments
• Ongoing Economic Development education
• Pursuit of IEDC’s CEcD designation

Salary and timeline:

• Salary based on education and experience
• Position open until filled

If interested please submit resume to Patrick Hoban at patrick@bnbiz.org