The City of Decatur is hiring an Economic Development Specialist to help attract new businesses, support redevelopment projects, and drive long-term economic growth. This role collaborates with City departments, business leaders, and community partners to implement business retention and recruitment strategies, leverage incentive programs, and lead revitalization efforts across Decatur.

If you’re a proactive problem-solver with a passion for building strong communities and experience in economic development, we invite you to help shape Decatur’s future.

We support our employees with a strong package that includes:

• Competitive Benefits: 14.5 paid holidays per year (including 2 employee-selected days), comprehensive health coverage, an excellent pension plan, paid vacation, and sick leave.
• Relocation Assistance: Financial support to help cover moving expenses for qualified candidates.
• Dedicated Health Center: Free check-ups, chronic condition management, immunizations, bloodwork, and many free prescriptions for employees and their dependents.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial support for continuing education and professional development.

Business Retention, Expansion & Recruitment

• Develops, implements, and manages city-wide business retention and expansion programs.
• Assists in recruitment efforts, including responding to RFPs/RFIs, planning and executing company site visits, conducting real estate searches, and participating in marketing and networking events.
• Assists in evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of businesses, industries, and/or communities.
• Assists in the preparation of customized, confidential, professional responses to prospect requests.
• Participates in the development of captivating marketing and sales strategies that will result in new prospect activity.
• Develops and maintains a comprehensive inventory of available commercial, office and industrial building spaces and sites within the community for economic development purposes; tracks vacancy rates within the City by commercial industry.

• Identifies and develops viable financing solutions to support local businesses or development projects, ensuring alignment with project goals and funding requirements.
• Maintains knowledge of state and federal incentive programs, including grants and tax incentives, and assists in applying these tools to support development.
• Interprets and applies relevant statutes, rules, and policies; provides technical assistance to business leaders, economic development professionals, and local officials.
• Assists with the creation of economic development incentive packages for prospects interested in locating in Decatur (includes coordination with City Legal Department to draft and create redevelopment agreements).
• Oversees all development agreements ensuring that all parties are compliant.
• Responsible for the oversight of the City’s tax increment financing (TIF) districts including all required reporting and serves as staff liaison to the Joint Review Board.

• Conducts research and gathers data using surveys, interviews, and other methods to support development initiatives.
• Completes writing assignments and prepares well-organized reports; communicates findings and recommendations clearly and professionally.
• Assists in implementing the economic development goals outlined in the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

• Collaborates with internal departments (e.g., Public Works, Legal) and external agencies or stakeholders to support project planning and execution.
• May plan and coordinate outreach and engagement events to promote programs, initiatives, or development opportunities.
• Represents the City in regional and national convention and trade shows.
• Develops and maintains relationships with retail broker community.

• A bachelor’s degree in business, economics, public administration, or a related field, plus at least one year of experience in economic development.
• A solid understanding of economic development principles and tools, including GIS, LOIS, and related systems.
• Familiarity with local government operations, process improvement, and TIF is a plus.
• Equivalent combinations of education, experience, and training may be considered.

Residency
Employees are required to reside within 50 miles of the corporate limits of the City of Decatur. Upon appointment, employees may reside outside these limits but must comply with the residency requirement within 12 months to maintain employment.

Why Decatur?
Located in the heart of Central Illinois, Decatur offers the perfect balance of professional opportunity and quality of life:

• Affordable, accessible living within easy reach to Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis.
• Land of Lincoln: Explore Abe's legacy with visits to the nearby Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Lincoln’s Tomb, and the family’s first Illinois home.
• Shopping and Dining: Browse locally owned boutiques and specialty shops and savor diverse delights at unique restaurants and quaint eateries.
• Entertainment Abounds: Enjoy concerts at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, performing arts at Millikin University, and shows in the historic Lincoln Theatre downtown.
• Outdoor Recreation: Revel in Lake Decatur with boating and kayaking or explore the City’s 2,000 acres of parkland for golfing, walking, biking, dog exercising, or playing disc golf.
• Enriched by Art: Appreciate murals gracing city walls and sculptures stretching from the Scovill Zoo to the Children's Museum.
• Family Fun: Cool off at Splash Cove waterpark or head to Overlook Adventure Park for mini golf or the ropes course.