Economic Development Manager

Annual Salary Range: $94,993.43–$156,739.17
Starting Salary Range: $94,993.43–$125,866.29
Job Type: Full-time, Non-Union/Non-Exempt, Civil Service

About the Role

The City of Urbana is seeking qualified applicants to lead economic growth and development initiatives as the Economic Development Manager. This position oversees advanced Economic Development activities through management of the Economic Development Division, including personnel administration, work program coordination, and efforts to attract responsible investment, support business retention and expansion, and drive strategic planning and development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee management of the City's Economic Development functions, including business retention and attraction, real estate development agreements, small area planning, tax base stabilization and enhancement, annexation strategies, and economic development incentive tools.
• Manage the department's economic development activities, programs, and staff; serve as lead staff on related projects, including establishment and administration of tax increment finance districts, enterprise zones, and preparation of development and redevelopment agreements.
• Oversee the Economic Development Coordinator and/or Economic Development Specialist, including administration of tax increment finance districts, enterprise zones, and implementation of the Downtown Strategic Plan.
• Oversee the Market at the Square Coordinator, including management of Market at the Square and related marketing and public relations duties.
• Oversee the Arts and Culture Program Specialist, including management support of the Arts and Culture program.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, businesses, developers, and community organizations to identify opportunities and address challenges in key sectors.
• Coordinate with City departments, agencies, and external partners to align economic development efforts with broader community development goals.
• Prepare and present reports to City boards, commissions, and City Council on economic development and planning initiatives and outcomes.
• Prepare and manage the division's budget, oversee staff, and ensure efficient and effective divisional operations.
• Represent the City at regional, state, and national forums, advocating for policies and initiatives that support economic development.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to staff, facilitate professional development opportunities, and promote a culture of collaboration and innovation within the division.
• Assist in the preparation of strategic plans and projections related to economic development of the City of Urbana.
• Prepare fiscal impact projections, cost-benefit analyses, and other economic analysis reports to assess the effects of new development and other activities.
• Research, prepare, and negotiate proposals for development, redevelopment, and annexation agreements in conjunction with internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain and update an electronic database of all commercial and industrial firms located in the City, with assistance from Economic Development and Planning Staff.
• Maintain community profile and marketing information for business attraction purposes.
• Act as or delegate responsibility of City staff liaison to various economic development interest groups, including the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Experience Champaign Urbana (ECU), and the Champaign County Regional Plan Commission (CCRPC).
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, urban planning, real estate, or a related field.
• 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.
• Valid State of Illinois driver’s license (must obtain 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.
• Experience managing or facilitating complex, multi-year projects involving multiple stakeholders, sensitive political issues, and diverse communities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Membership in related professional organizations.
• Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and/or American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• Experience in managing a downtown revitalization or business development project.

Skills

• Strong organizational and process management skills, ensuring structure, clarity, and efficiency in all work.
• Active listening and empathy, especially in sensitive or emotionally charged situations.
• Personal resilience and professionalism during challenging public hearings or interruptions.
• Highly organized with a focus on accuracy and consistency in economic development documents, maps, and reports.
• Adherence to rules, policies, and ethical standards.
• Ability to strengthen team culture through openness, respect, and knowledge-sharing.

About Urbana

The City of Urbana, founded in 1833, is a home-rule municipality and the county seat of Champaign County, located in east-central Illinois. Urbana is home to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has a population of approximately 38,336. The city is known for its innovation, award-winning dining, cutting-edge technology, and world-class education. Urbana offers a gigabit-speed fiber network, award-winning mass transit, and a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community designation. The city has been recognized as one of the 10 Great Neighborhoods in America and, alongside Champaign, as the Greatest Food Town in the Midwest. Urbana is an AARP Age-Friendly Community and is led by Mayor DeShawn Williams.