About the Position

Under the direction of the Cannabis and OMEE Loans and Grants Manager, in the Office of Minority Economic Development Empowerment (OMEE), this position assists with the management and administration of business development loans and grants programs with an emphasis on programs that serve minority and underserved businesses and individuals. OMEE 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. We welcome all interested applicants who share the same passion towards minority empowerment to apply.

Job Responsibilities

1. Provides technical assistance to business development representatives to coordinate activities of programs related to cannabis social equity and minority business development grants and programs, including meetings and presentations.

2. Provides technical assistance to potential grantees to adhere with the Grant Accountability & Transparency Act, and other grant and program deliverables.

3. Assists OMEE Loans and Grants manager on program deliverables, grantee administration and compliance, stakeholder engagement, partnerships and outreach.

4. Serves as liaison to program partners to monitor programs, align strategy and resources, and expand impact.

5. Assists division manager on reviews to evaluate/monitor businesses and/or organizations seeking or having received funding under Office of Minority Economic Empowerment programs.

6. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Skills Needed

1. Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college with concentration in one or more of the following fields: industrial development, business administration, economic geography, marketing or economics; appropriate business experience may be substituted for college on a year-for-year basis.

2. Requires two years of professional experience in the field of industrial and/or community economic development.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Prefer educational courses in public administration, business, economics, finance or other relevant fields.

2. Prefer two or more years of experience in business, nonprofit or public programs with an emphasis in grants management, administration of business loans, or program management.

3. Prefer two or more years of experience with management of grants and programs.

4. Prefers two or more years experience with state programs and resources available to industries and communities for economic development purposes.

5. Prefers two or more years experience meeting with community leaders and stakeholders and presenting to them on agency programs and resources.

Conditions of Employment

1. Requires a valid driver’s license.

2. Requires ability to travel with some overnight stays.

3. Requires ability to pass a background check.

About the Agency

The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is to support and maintain a climate that enables a strong economy for our customers - taxpayers, businesses, workers and communities - by keeping, attracting and growing businesses, maintaining a skilled workforce, and enhancing communities so that the climate here is one in which businesses, small and large, and workers, can succeed to the greatest extent possible. The Illinois Department of Commerce delivers impactful and efficient programs and services through focused on business, community, and workforce development.