President and Chief Executive Officer – Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, IL

About the role

The Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council (BNEDC) seeks a talented, knowledgeable, visionary, and collaborative leader to serve as its next President & Chief Executive Officer.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive economic development strategy aligned with the organization’s mission and regional priorities.
• Advise the Board of Directors on emerging opportunities, challenges, and strategic initiatives.
• Lead business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts.
• Cultivate relationships with site selectors, developers, entrepreneurs, and investors.
• Support workforce development initiatives and efforts to attract and retain talent.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for BNEDC.
• Foster strong partnerships among municipalities, county governments, educational institutions, utilities, the chamber of commerce, and other economic development partners.
• Build consensus among diverse stakeholders to advance regional economic priorities.
• Represent the organization at local, state, national, and international events.
• Lead fundraising and investor engagement efforts to ensure the organization’s long-term sustainability.
• Identify and secure grants, sponsorships, and other funding opportunities.
• Oversee all operations, personnel, programs, and financial management of the BNEDC.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing staff team.
• Ensure accountability through performance measurement, reporting, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the administrator of the local portion of the Illinois Enterprise Zone.

Requirements

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in economic development, business administration, public administration, urban planning, or a related field of study.
• A master’s degree is preferred but not required.
• At least 7 years of experience in a responsible leadership position in economic development, business development, community development, public administration, chamber leadership, or another related field.
• A CEcD certification is also a desirable qualification.
• A strong understanding of economic development tools, incentives, workforce development strategies, and public-private partnerships.
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Desired qualifications include:
• Strong understanding of economic development tools, incentives, workforce development strategies, and public-private partnerships.
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills are essential.

Pay

The starting salary range for the position is $160,000 to $180,000 DOQ/E. The BNEDC will also provide a comprehensive and attractive package of fringe benefits.

Schedule

N/A

Benefits

N/A

Benefits

N/A

Application

To apply for this job please visit https://www.govhrusa.com/careers-page-govhr/?rpid=1651268&postid=WpOQ3VIdE2w.

Contact

Confidential inquiries should be directed to Mark Peterson, MGT Consultant, at (309) 825-5091.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The BNEDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.