Community and Economic Development Manager

Our Mission is to provide the Northwest Side and Belmont Cragin with the tools and

resources to preserve affordable housing, prevent displacement, and provide

business development assistance to local small businesses.

We develop and implement innovative community-based strategies that drive

economic opportunity, build resilient neighborhoods, and ensure an equitable

framework for the future wellbeing of Belmont Cragin and the Northwest Side of

Chicago. We advance our mission by providing technical assistance and access to

capital for small business owners, counseling for renters as well as community

development and cultural place keeping work. These initiatives build wealth, prevent

displacement, and empower community leaders.

Our Vision is a resilient Latine community where all individuals, families, and business

owners are thriving economically and culturally. We are working toward a future

where everyone has the resources and support to achieve their personal potential

and see their dreams become a reality.

Our Values:

• Resident-Led: We center the voices and leadership of Belmont Cragin residents

in every decision, ensuring community priorities drive neighborhood change.

From board to staff, residents and program participants-the community is

central to decision making and programming.

• Responsive: We adapt quickly to emerging needs and opportunities, meeting

our community where they are with timely, relevant support.

• Relational: We build deep, trust-based relationships across sectors, believing

collaboration is the foundation of sustainable impact. We believe strong

relationships are built on mutual exchange, where giving and receiving hold

equal value.

• Innovative: We pilot creative solutions that challenge traditional approaches to

community and economic development. We are inspired by thinking outside

of the box and we welcome new ideas and approaches.

• Data-Driven: We use metrics and lived experience together to guide strategy,

measure impact, and continuously improve outcomes. We value both

quantitative and qualitative measures to drive impact.

About the Position: The Community and Economic Development Manager supports

neighborhood-based economic development initiatives through business

engagement, placemaking, special events, and the coordination and implementation

of commercial corridor stabilization and revitalization efforts throughout the Belmont

Cragin community. This role works to advance priorities identified in the Avenues for

Growth, Quality of Life plans, and Grand Vision Corridor Plan along with ongoing

community feedback, to develop and implement strategies that strengthen local

commercial corridors, enhance neighborhood identity, and foster vibrant,

community-centered spaces.

Working closely with local businesses, property owners, residents, artists, community

partners, and public stakeholders, the Community and Economic Development

Manager helps lead projects that promote equitable economic growth and long-term

neighborhood vitality. The position supports a wide range of initiatives including

corridor activation, storefront improvement programs, public space enhancements,

small business engagement, community outreach, vendor and event coordination,

and the implementation of commercial development strategies designed to attract

investment and increase economic opportunity within Belmont Cragin.

Duties include planning, organizing, developing, and implementing economic and

community development initiatives, capital projects, strategic and special projects

that are in line with equitable transit-oriented development and attract and retain

culturally relevant businesses that meet the needs of the community. Performs

various planning and research work, including activities related to job

growth/retention, data collection & analysis, transportation, general community

development, economic resiliency, and quality of life.

The Manager serves as a visible and collaborative representative of the organization

in the community and plays a key role in building authentic relationships, coordinating

cross-sector partnerships, and ensuring that development efforts remain responsive

to the needs and culture of the neighborhood. This position requires strong project

management, communication, and community engagement skills, as well as the

ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, community-driven environment.

Job Responsibilities:

Management (40 % of time)

• Maintain a database of vacant and occupied commercial spaces in Belmont

Cragin

• Establish and oversee a calendar of community events that engage businesses

and residents

• Coordinate and manage community impact projects (CIP). CIP meets the direct

concerns and needs of community members (businesses and residents) and

requires considerable community engagement to identify, address and

provide sustainable solutions.

• Prepare and report progress on projects, monitoring from planning to

completion.

• Maintain centralized location of business corridor data and information

pertaining to work outputs and outcomes

• Establishes, develops, and maintains effective working relationships with

departmental staff, municipal employees, local business owners, and the

public.

• Oversee and host various community engagement meetings to both

understand needs and to discuss possible solutions.

• Collaborate with cross-departmental staff to implement corridor beautification

and community revitalization strategies.

• Lead and coordinate placekeeping and placemaking initiatives that strengthen

neighborhood identity, activate public spaces, and support community

engagement.

• Cultivate and leverage strategic partnerships to identify funding opportunities

that advance economic development efforts in Belmont Cragin.

• Manage the procurement and oversight of contractors and consultants to

support the implementation of Community and Economic Development

projects and initiatives.

Strategy (30 % of the position)

• Lead and execute neighborhood-wide initiatives that support placemaking and

economic development.

• Conduct special research and/or analyze the economic activities of the

Belmont Cragin service area, report findings and address needs through

strategic activities.

• Support the development and implementation of marketing strategies for

Belmont Cragin’s commercial corridors

• Establish partnerships with city programs, neighborhood organizations, and

other entities that are mission aligned, innovative, and that advance the

Belmont Cragin commercial corridors

• Increase the presence of arts and culture driven initiatives, exploring arts and

economic development programming that supports culturally-relevant

placemaking and events

• Attract new businesses that are culturally relevant and that build on the

vibrancy of the neighborhood

Engagement (20% of the position)

• Collaborate with local Aldermanic offices, and other elected officials, to

support community and economic development

• Partner with local nonprofit organizations on their transportation equity and

bike safety work

• Develop and manage community groups that support economic development

and placemaking (artists, block clubs, Chambers of Commerce, community

gardens, etc)

• Connect businesses to the resources of the NWSCDC and build awareness of

the organization and its work

Miscellaneous (10% of the position)

• Attend and actively participate in required educational programs and staff

meetings

• Protect organization's value by keeping information confidential
• Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading

professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in

professional organizations

• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications:

• A bachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, Economics, or similar major

is preferred or years of equivalent experience.

• 1 to 2 years of prior community and economic development experience in

Latinx communities and LMI populations.

• Experience with project management and program management.
• Experience with creating and implementing community programming
• Event coordination and event budgeting experience
• Ability to perform duties in an independent and self-directed manner
• A detailed-oriented person who thinks creatively, strategically, and

collaboratively.

• Comfortable presenting to and collaborating with large community groups
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office tools
• English/Spanish bilingual preferred

Work Schedule:

Typical work schedule is 9-5 Monday through Friday. Based on need, evening and

weekend work occasionally may be required.

Work Environment:

• This position operates primarily in a professional office environment that is fully

accessible

• This position also involves occasional travels to locations throughout the

neighborhood and city to meet and collaborate with partners.

• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones,

photocopiers, scanners, filing cabinets, and fax machines

• The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle

or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

• This position is an in-person office role that can work hybrid one day per week

as coordinated with their supervisor.

• Workplace is a smoke- and drug-free environment

Equal Opportunity Employer Disclaimer:

Decisions and criteria governing the employment relationship with all employees are

made in a non-discriminatory manner, without regard to race, ethnicity, creed, religion,

color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin,

citizenship status, military service and/or marital status, order of protection status,

handicap, disability, or any other factor determined to be unlawful by federal, state, or

local statutes

Healthcare

Dental

Paid time off

Life insurance (short and long term)

Professional development stipend

Hybrid work schedule

Proficient in both English and Spanish