Economic Development Specialist

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
JOB POSTING # 49-25
POSTED: 07/18/2025
EXPIRATION: until filled
TITLE: Economic Development Specialist (Position Code #1012)
SALARY: Full Salary Range for this position is $70,0000-$109,786. This role’s targeted salary is $70,000-$85,000.
DEPARTMENT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIVISION: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
GENERAL PURPOSE

The Economic Development Specialist supports Joliet’s economic growth by helping to attract and retain businesses, marketing the city's assets, and guiding development projects. This role requires strong analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills, with an emphasis on collaboration, research, and customer service.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with business retention, attraction, expansion, and marketing strategies.
• Manage and update site selection databases to track available land and commercial properties.
• Prepare customized site selection packages for businesses looking to expand or come to Joliet.
• Promote and assist with economic incentive programs, including financial evaluations.
• Support redevelopment projects by helping draft agreements and participating in confidential negotiations.
• Identify and pursue redevelopment opportunities, especially within TIF Districts, the Core Area SSA, the Enterprise Zone, and other areas with special financial incentive designations.
• Assist with content creation for the City’s economic development social media platforms and newsletter.
• Research and maintain data on demographics, labor trends, and other indicators to update Joliet’s economic profile, monthly and quarterly reports, and pitch decks.
• Guide prospective businesses through city permitting and licensing processes to help streamline project development.
• Collaborate with regional and state economic development partners to move projects and initiatives forward.
• Represent the City at networking events and professional conferences.
• Stay informed on current trends and best practices in economic development.
• Attend the Land Use & Economic Development Committee and City Council meetings as needed.
• Perform additional tasks to support the City’s economic development initiatives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning, economics, business, public administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred but not required.
• 2–3 years of experience in economic development, municipal government, real estate, or related areas.
• Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.
• CEcD or AICP certification preferred but not required.
• Spanish language skills preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Understanding of real estate, economics, finance, land use, and development processes.
• Familiarity with tax increment financing (TIF) and other economic incentive tools.
• Ability to build strong, trustworthy relationships with businesses, developers, brokers, property owners, internal staff, and other stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Skilled in preparing clear presentations, reports, and data-driven analyses.
• Comfortable and competent in interacting with executive management, elected officials, and other positions of authority.
• Experience with marketing and social media strategies for economic development.
• Capable of using databases for site selection and market research.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a creative, solution-oriented mindset.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks.
• Effective communicator—both written and verbal—with persuasive presentation skills.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, professionalism, and high ethical standards in all work.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must possess or obtain a valid State of Illinois motor vehicle operator’s license.

SELECTION GUIDELINES:

Formal application; rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related test may be required.
The duties listed above are only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed in the various departments. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

A full job description is available in Human Resources upon request.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION EMPLOYER