The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC). The Executive Director is responsible for carrying out the mission and vision of the BDC by providing overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight. This includes ensuring effective delivery of services under the contract with the City of Berwyn, growth and sustainability in chamber membership and programming, and long-term fiscal sustainability.

Reports to the Board of Directors

Direct or indirect supervision of BDC staff, interns and volunteers

Salary

Firm starting range of $150,000–$180,000 (DOQ) + performance bonus; competitive benefits.

Apply by submitting a cover letter, résumé, and three references with a paragraph on each providing context as to your relationship and what they can share about you. Please submit items as a single PDF document to EDSearchCommittee@berwyn.net.

Strategic & Organizational Leadership

• Develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan in collaboration with the Board.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Board, providing timely information, recommendations, and innovative solutions.
• Act as the primary liaison with the City of Berwyn, Cook County, state/federal agencies, and external partners.
• Ensure programs, initiatives, and operations align with the BDC’s mission and comply with contractual, fiscal, and legal obligations, including the contract with the City of Berwyn.
• Oversee the negotiation, execution, and maintenance of service contracts to ensure continuity and compliance.

Program Oversight

• Lead business attraction, retention, and expansion initiatives
• Administer three TIF districts ($15.7M in 2025) and manage property tax abatements and incentive agreements.
• Direct a $4.8M commercial loan program, small business advising, and grant programs.
• Manage real estate transactions, commercial development, and redevelopment projects.
• Coordinate development and implementation of short-and long-term plans in collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Oversee chamber services for 270+ members, including networking, marketing, and small-business support.
• Lead vacancy tracking, zoning and land-use support, and corridor revitalization.
• Support special projects (placemaking, infrastructure, community building, and related initiatives) and community events that promote Berwyn’s identity.

Financial Management

• Develop and monitor the annual operating budget of $2.74M.
• Ensure timely audits, financial disclosures, and reporting to the City and funders.
• Secure new funding sources, including grants, sponsorships, and partnerships.

Staff & Organizational Management

• Provide supervision, leadership, and professional development to department heads; ensure accountability and support for their respective teams.
• Ensure accountability, performance tracking, and professional development plans.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and evaluation processes.
• Support volunteer and intern engagement.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Serve as spokesperson for the BDC and Berwyn’s economic development efforts.
• Cultivate strong relationships with businesses, developers, civic groups, and residents.
• Represent BDC and promote Berwyn in public forums, at community events, and with other governmental units.

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, business, economic development, or related field (master’s preferred).
• CEcD, AICP, CCE or ICMA-CM certifications – any of which is a plus.
• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive leadership in economic development, nonprofit management, or municipal leadership.

• Strategic vision and ability to balance long-term planning with day-to-day operations
• Strong knowledge of economic development tools (TIF, loan programs, incentive agreements, redevelopment).
• Understanding of chamber of commerce services, membership growth, and small business support.
• Knowledge of municipal government structures, zoning, and land-use planning.
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and supervisory skills.
• Strong fiscal management and budgeting expertise.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and public speaking abilities.
• Political acumen, emotional intelligence, and ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships.
• Proven experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets, supervising, and overseeing complex programs.
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing grants, sponsorships, and incentive funds.
• Proficiency with standard office technology and systems (Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, CRM/database tools, and virtual meeting platforms).
• High level of interpersonal and problem-solving skills to build effective relationships with employees, the public, the business community, local government partners, and the media; ability to coordinate projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) proficiency a plus – with a commitment to cultural sensitivity.

• Valid driver’s license (or the ability to obtain one prior to employment) and access to reliable transportation.
• Availability to attend evening and weekend meetings and events as required

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, stand, walk, use hands to handle objects or controls, and reach with hands and arms. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and office equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is primarily performed in a normal office environment with periodic exposure to outdoor conditions. The employee may occasionally work outside in varied weather and may be exposed to wet/humid conditions or airborne particles. The noise level is usually quiet in the office and moderate in the field.

Frequent travel within Berwyn and surrounding areas should be expected with occasional regional and national travel. The employee is expected to spend time outside of normal business hours as needed (e.g., City Council, Planning & Zoning, special events, marketing, business development, and community meetings).

As a condition of employment, the employee is expected to develop and exercise safe work habits to prevent injuries and conserve resources. 

The duties listed above are illustrations of typical work performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude related responsibilities logically assigned to the position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement. Terms of employment will be established in a separate employment offer agreement.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The BDC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.