Job Description

Director, Economic Development Projects

World Business Chicago is a public-private, non-profit partnership that drives inclusive economic growth and job creation, supports business, and promotes Chicagoland as a leading global city.

Position Summary:

World Business Chicago is seeking a dynamic, organized, and results-driven Director of Project Administration to support our business attraction and economic growth efforts. This individual will play a critical role in managing the administrative and operational aspects of business attraction projects, coordinating event planning initiatives, conducting market and sales research, and supporting our sales team with high-quality deliverables that drive investment and job creation. This position reports to the Vice President, Economic Development

Key Responsibilities:

Project Administration & Economic Development Support:

• Manage and track business development project workflows from inquiry to close, ensuring timely and accurate documentation and coordination.
• Collaborate with business development executives to prepare proposals, presentations, RFP/RFI responses, and investment packages.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal project coordination and interdepartmental communication.
• Maintain CRM/database records related to leads, projects, and investor engagement activities.

Event Planning & Management:

• Plan and execute investor, prospect, and partner-facing events, such as site tours, trade missions, business forums, and conferences.
• Coordinate event logistics including venue selection, vendor management, guest communications, and promotional materials.
• Partner with marketing and communications teams to ensure brand alignment and strategic messaging for all events.

Sales & Market Research:

• With the support of the WBC Research Center, conduct economic, industry, and market research to support prospect targeting, proposal development, and strategy refinement.
• Analyze trends in regional and national economic development to support strategic initiatives and business case development.
• Compile data and insights into digestible reports and briefing materials for internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Marketing, Urban Planning, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in project administration, business development support, or a related function—preferably in an economic development, public-private partnership, or consulting environment.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Strong proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), Microsoft Office Suite, and data analysis tools.
• Experience planning and executing events and trade shows, ideally in a B2B or investment context.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret and present complex data clearly.

Preferred Attributes:

• Familiarity with economic development incentives and programs.
• Experience working with site selectors, chambers of commerce, or public-sector agencies.
• Knowledge of regional and national business trends and target industry sectors.

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