The City of West Chicago is excited to announce a new position within our growing Business and Community Relations Department. We are hiring our first Business Support Specialist, a key role that will strengthen the City’s support for local businesses and contribute to major economic development initiatives already underway.
As the Business Support Specialist, you will work closely with a collaborative, service-oriented team responsible for economic development, communications, special events, and cultural programming. You will serve as a primary resource for local businesses, assist with business registration and licensing, maintain business and property data, and support outreach efforts that help West Chicago’s business community thrive.
The first year will include hands-on involvement in several high-profile projects, including developing and launching an improved business registration platform, developing the commercial property and vacancy inventory, assisting with updated incentive programs, supporting business retention visits and quarterly reporting, and re-launching key business communication tools such as the Business E-Newsletter and business spotlight features. Together, these initiatives offer a meaningful and varied portfolio of work that blends relationship-building, project coordination, data management, communication, and hands-on engagement with the business community.
The Business Support Specialist provides operational and relationship-focused support to the City’s business community. This position coordinates the City’s business registration and licensing processes, maintains accurate data on business activity and available properties, supports business outreach and retention efforts, and contributes to business-focused communications and reporting. Working collaboratively with the Business & Community Relations team, the Specialist ensures that businesses receive responsive assistance and helps connect them with City resources, incentive programs, and opportunities for growth. This role supports the implementation and tracking of the City’s economic development initiatives.
Essential Functions of this Position (Generally up to 60% of the time annually)
- Coordinate the City’s business registration and applicable licensing processes, including reviews, renewals, approvals, and record management.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for business inquiries, providing guidance on City processes, permits, incentives, and available resources.
- Organize business outreach and retention visits, document outcomes, and provide follow-up assistance to address concerns and support investment.
- Maintain the City’s available property and vacancy inventory, with emphasis on downtown and priority development sites.
- Manage business-facing content on the lifestyle/event-focused website and related digital platforms, ensuring information is current, accurate, and aligned with BCR messaging.
- Coordinate business owner and property owner meetings, workshops, and engagement activities, ensuring effective logistics and follow-up.
Essential Functions of this Position (Generally up to 30% of the time annually)
- Develop and distribute business-focused communications, including the monthly business e-newsletter and business highlights features, in coordination with the Communications Specialist for brand alignment.
- Provide supplemental staff support to the Economic Development Commission, including agenda preparation, reporting, and engagement with business stakeholders.
- Track and report data on private investment, business activity, and incentive use to support quarterly and annual reporting.
- Support the administration of business surveys, compile results, and prepare recommendations to improve City service delivery and business engagement.
- Assist with administration of local incentive programs, ensuring timely communication of available resources and tracking program outcomes.
Other Functions of this Position (Generally up to 10% of the time annually)
- Represent the City at business, networking, or community events as needed, including after hours.
- Support cross-departmental projects and BCR initiatives through research, outreach, logistics coordination, or data support.
- Perform related duties as assigned to support business engagement and department operations.
Essential Safety Responsibilities And Duties Of All Employees
- Become familiar with and adhere to all City and Department safety and security policies/procedures.
- Report all potential hazards, accidents and injuries consistent with City policy and procedure.
- Immediately report all unsafe conditions and acts to a supervisor.
- Recommend improvements to safety and security practices.
- Obey and adhere to all work safety rules and practices.
- Complete assigned safety training.
Experience:
At least three to five years in economic development, municipal operations, business services, or a related field. Experience with customer service, business relations, or municipal permitting is preferred. Experience working with CRM systems, GIS, or economic development data platforms is also preferred.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, business, economics, public administration, or related field; or equivalent experience.
Special Requirements And/or Training
Experience with economic development data platforms is preferred. Strong interpersonal and customer service skills. Valid Illinois driver’s license. Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends. Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.
Knowledge Of
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Economic development practices and business services.
- Municipal licensing and regulatory processes.
- Property and investment data management.
Skilled In
- Database and website management.
- Professional writing and communication.
- Relationship building with business stakeholders.
Ability To
- Provide responsive service to businesses.
- Manage multiple projects with accuracy and timeliness.
- Translate data into clear and accessible reports.
- Perform all physical demands and essential duties of the position independently with or without reasonable accommodation.
Equipment And Tools Routinely Used To Perform Essential Duties
- Laptop computer; cell phone; VOIP desk phone; printer; copy machine; fax machine.
Software Routinely Used To Perform Essential Duties
- Microsoft Office Suite, CRM systems and other technology and social media platforms.
We are seeking a strong bilingual candidate who is organized, service-oriented, comfortable with data and communication tools, and enthusiastic about supporting businesses, improving processes, and building relationships. This role is ideal for someone who wants to contribute to a supportive, mission-driven team environment, see the impact of their work in real time, and help shape a new position that will support a growing and evolving community. If you are motivated by community impact and want to help build a stronger, more connected business environment in West Chicago, we encourage you to submit your cover letter and resume for consideration.
