Must Reside in Northern Illinois (Greater Chicago Travel)

Position Description and Responsibilities

The primary function of the position is to work with IMEC leadership and team to develop strategic alliances and identify key partner resources that can help support IMEC's mission and operations. These alliances and resources can be used to expand IMEC's outreach to targeted industry sectors, enhance IMEC's relationships with organizations involved in economic development, and organization with financial and other resources to support IMEC's operations. As a secondary function, this position may also assist in developing assistance opportunities and service delivery to clients. This position will work with small and medium sized manufacturers in the Chicago Metropolitan area to help them advance to Next Generation Manufacturing.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Communications or related field. Three years’ experience in economic development, grant writing and/or business assistance programs at higher education institution.

Demonstrate the ability to synthesize and present data succinctly to non-technical business executives and interact effectively with all levels of stakeholders. Must be able to communicate effectively with community organizations, public stakeholders, third-party resources, client personnel and employees at all organizational levels; and develop effective working relationships with staff and a network of technical resources. Individual must be a team player with the ability to exercise independent, sound judgment and discretion; be able to plan; well organized; work well under

pressure; take initiative, and be flexible and cooperative.

Preferred:

Possess an active knowledge of regional economic development strategies, policies and programming. Advanced experience and credentials in continuous improvement, quality, lean, six sigma, strategy, marketing, supply chain, information services, and technology. Position requires tact and diplomacy in dealing with manufacturers, professional associations, government agency representatives and consultants. The demonstrated capacity to diagnose company needs and effectively communicate IMEC's value to all levels of the company, from production personnel to top management.

Virtual work environment. Requires sitting for extended periods of time, standing, visual acumen, manual dexterity and fingering for working with computer key boards.

Regular daily travel in the metropolitan area with occasional extended travel to remote facilities across the state. Applicants must be capable of accessing manufacturing facilities which may not be ADA accessible. Please submit an electronic application, including (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) the names and contact information for three references. The University of Illinois conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of contingent offer of employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. IMEC and its Subrecipient organizations, including Bradley University, SIU, NIU, and UIC are EOE/AA/M/F/Disabled/Veteran Employers.

About IMEC

IMEC is a team of improvement specialists and technicians dedicated to providing organizations in Illinois with the tools and techniques to create sustainable competitive futures. The experienced hands-on team at IMEC works closely with its clients to plan critical business improvements in the areas of Leadership, Strategy, Customer Engagement, Operations, and Workforce.

With more than 50 full-time staff and partners positioned statewide, IMEC delivers the local expertise to not only plan and strategize, but to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of client improvements. In fact, IMEC assists more than 1,100 companies each year with successful business improvement projects.

IMEC team members enjoy their jobs because of the challenge in working with a variety of organizations in a broad range of industries. They also gain satisfaction from providing assistance and advisement to help organizations succeed in a demanding marketplace. Click HERE to learn more about IMEC.