Economic Development & Grants Coordinator (Temp to Hire)

Village of Park Forest, IL (Temp to Hire)

Economic Development & Grants Coordinator

Summary: The Village of Park Forest is seeking an Economic Development & Grants Coordinator to support economic development initiatives, coordinate grant applications and funding opportunities, assist with business retention and expansion efforts, and help advance housing, planning, zoning, and community development priorities.

Reports To: Director of Building, Planning, Zoning, Housing & Economic Development

Who We Are

MGT is a leading provider of technology and advisory solutions serving state, local and education government agencies (SLED) across the United States. Through client partnerships, MGT’s almost 1,200 employees impact communities for good by managing and securing critical networks, solving complex fiscal problems, elevating education systems, and advancing equity as a performance imperative.

Founded in 1975, MGT initiated an ambitious restart in 2016, broadening the solutions portfolio to provide the most specialized solutions, tackling the most mission-critical problems that live at the top of the public agency leadership agenda. MGT drives over 20% compound annual organic growth and utilizes programmatic mergers and acquisitions to grow capabilities, attract top talent, and accelerate growth scale. Since 2020, MGT has successfully completed 13 acquisitions, driving over 60% compound annual inorganic growth.

Celebrating its 50th year in 2025, the firm attracts exceptional talent and empowers them to exceed client expectations as they navigate the dynamic demands of the clients we serve. Hear more about MGT’s culture in the words of our employees.

About the Position

This is a professional position within the Department of Building, Planning, Zoning, Housing, and Economic Development. Work is under the general direction of the department director. The Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the Village’s economic development efforts and performing various responsibilities as part of management’s economic development team.

The position is responsible for all aspects of the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) Housing Rehabilitation Programs. Additionally, the Grants Coordinator is responsible for the maintenance and administrative coordination of all Village grant applications (CDBG, capital improvements, etc.), researching additional sources of funding, and completing applications.

What You’ll Do

• As a team member, the incumbent develops policy, programs, and financial assistance/grants in the area of economic development.

• Helps coordinate the efforts of the Economic Development Task Force and Marketing Task Force for Downtown Park Forest.

• Provides initiatives for business retention, promotes business expansion, and attracts new commerce and industry to locate in the Village.

• Conducts business negotiations with local enterprises regarding start-ups, expansions, retention matters, and establishing new facilities.

• Advises on the financial feasibility of projects and analyzes requests for economic incentives.

• Assists in the formulation and implementation of tax increment financing plans.

• Researches various available housing programs to evaluate their fit with the Village’s long-term housing needs.

• Assists with routine planning and zoning issues.

• Promotes and maintains responsive community relations.

Economic Development & Grants Coordinator (con’t)

• Maintains safe work areas and equipment, promptly reports work hazards as necessary, reports all work-related injuries immediately, complies with all safety rules, and attends appropriate safety programs.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Member of the Legislative Affairs/Economic Development Committee of the Matteson Area Chamber.

• Attends trade shows.

• Member of the South Suburban Economic Development Professionals.

• Develops marketing materials for Downtown Park Forest sales and leasing.

• Meets with Village Property Manager and Finance Director regarding tenant lease negotiations.

• Meets with existing businesses to help promote good work relationships between the business community and the Village.

• Attends Park Forest Economic Development Advisory Group meetings.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, communications, or a related field preferred. The Village may accept a combination of training and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, abilities, and skills.

• Professional knowledge of software programs.

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

• Ability to work well with colleagues, business owners, contractors, homeowners and elected officials.

• Excellent human relations skills.

• Knowledge of housing construction and building codes.

Critical Mental/Physical Requirements

• Ability to understand and provide written and oral communication.

• Ability to recall information (e.g. procedures, regulations, etc.).

Economic Development & Grants Coordinator (con’t)

• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.

• Ability to function independently under general supervision.

• Ability to use common sense and safe practices to accomplish work.

• Ability to operate common office machines/equipment.

Working Conditions

• The majority of the work is performed in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature, etc. However, some housing inspection is required, which mandates driving, walking, lifting, and climbing. In these cases, severe weather extremes may be encountered.

• At times, the job may require prolonged sitting, typing, monitoring a screen, etc. The job incumbent should exercise common sense, take necessary breaks, practice proper body alignment, and alert the supervisor of any discomfort, as necessary.

Why Join MGT?

At MGT, we help government and public-sector organizations solve complex challenges through innovative consulting, technology, and data-driven solutions. In this role, you will help advance healthcare quality, improve population health outcomes, and support impactful state and federal healthcare initiatives while working alongside an experienced multidisciplinary team.

Apply:

Apply with resume to GovHRjobs.com. Position will remain open until it is filled. Candidates with questions are invited to contact Angela Bianco, Talent Solutions Specialist at abianco@mgt.us.