WOMEN'S BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

State of Illinois•Chicago, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3) is committed to providing minority, women, persons with disabilities, and veteran-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs across the state with equitable access to opportunities and resources. Through dynamic partnerships, targeted outreach, and tailored programs and initiatives, OE3 builds an inclusive business ecosystem for communities that have traditionally faced systemic barriers to entry and growth. OE3 seeks a passionate and experienced Women Business Development Specialist (PSA Opt 1) to lead and enhance our engagement with women. In this role, you will represent OE3, promote economic development, and support women's businesses. The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong background in business development and community engagement, particularly with women. If you want to make an impact and join our team, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements

Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of four (4) years of college in economic development, marketing and business administration.
Requires three (3) years of professional administrative experience in business and economic development.
Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.

Nice To Haves

Prefers two (2) or more years of experience working with economic development organizations and chambers of commerce, incubators, universities and/or non-profit specifically who serve Women businesses.
Prefers two (2) or more years of experience communicating and conducting presentations for Women businesses.
Prefers two (2) or more years of experience providing Women business owners one-on-one business support.
Prefers at least one (1) year experience in proven ability to create and implement economic and strategic plans.
Prefers one (1) or more years in project management.

Responsibilities

Develops, recommends, organizes, and implements policies and programs for the Office of Women’s Business Development.
Acts as a senior field representative, executes critical assignments in providing technical assistance to Women’s businesses, including areas of business and workforce development.
Creates economic development plans that coordinate and research economic development resources and compiles information to identify economic assets and liabilities.
As a spokesperson and senior representative, travels to and conducts seminars with business representatives and local government officials.
Establish and maintains working relationships with business representatives and government officials.
May support additional target populations for the office with outreach, community engagement, and research.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.