Center Director City Business Programs

Reports To: Director of Business Initiatives

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview:

The Center Director – City Business Programs is responsible for overseeing the strategic implementation, performance, and growth of city-funded economic development programs, including the Chicago Business Center (CBC), Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC), and LISC Corridor Manager initiatives. This role will supervise program staff, support

small business clients, track compliance with city contracts, and engage deeply with community and city partners to ensure successful outcomes.

Program Management & Compliance

? Oversee daily operations and ensure contract deliverables are met across CBC, NBDC, LISC Corridor Manager, and other city programs.

? Manage data entry and reporting through Salesforce, Excel, and other required city portals.

? Monitor performance metrics and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to funding agencies. 

Community & Business Engagement

? Lead business outreach and provide direct technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners.

? Host educational workshops, public meetings, and community events that align with corridor development and economic growth goals.

? Act as a liaison between the City of Chicago, business owners, and community stakeholders. 

Team Leadership & Collaboration

? Supervise business advisors and support staff working on city programs.

? Coordinate with the Director of Business Initiatives to align programming across incubator sites.

? Represent the Center at citywide economic development meetings and community planning sessions.

Strategic Planning & Innovation

? Assist in developing and executing strategic plans for corridor revitalization and business attraction.

? Identify gaps in services and propose solutions to improve business support delivery.

 ?  Provides supervision of day to day activities.

 ?  Provides referral to client advisors 

 Qualifications:

? Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Urban Planning, Business, or related field (master’s preferred).

? Minimum of 3 years experience in program management, small business development, or community/economic development.

? Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

? Proficient in Microsoft Office, Salesforce, and data tracking/reporting tools.

? Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

? Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

?  Demonstrated a proactive approach to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability.

?  A proven track record of successfully developing and maintaining business, community, and industry partner relationships.

?  Ability to write, create reports, and prepare PowerPoint presentations for training purposes (English and Spanish).

?  Proficient with Google Apps including Gmail, Google Calendar, Drive, and Docs.

?  Intermediate level of proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat.

?  Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and meet established goals and deadlines.

? Willingness to work flexible, varying hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS: OSHA Category 3 – Involves no regular exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues, and tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues are not a condition of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The Puerto Rican Cultural Center (PRCC) is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to creating a welcoming workplace that celebrates inclusion and diversity. The PRCC provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants and does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring, or promotion based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability,

genetic information, pregnancy, or any other basis or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, The PRCC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.