Director of Strategic Initiatives

We’re expanding our team and maximizing our impact on Lake County through this new position. If you’re passionate about economic development and community building, we invite you to learn more and apply.

Submit a cover letter along with your resume to info@lakecountypartners.com. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Location: Lincolnshire, IL (In-Office / Hybrid)

Reports to: President & CEO

Employment Type: Full-Time

ABOUT LAKE COUNTY PARTNERS

Lake County Partners (LCP) is a dynamic organization committed to driving economic growth, and economic mobility across Lake County. A 501c3 and true public-private partnership, we collaborate with businesses, local governments, and many other stakeholders to implement innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life for residents and strengthen the local economy.

Over the last several years that has meant a lot more than business attraction and retention – though we’ve done that at a record setting pace. Our 2022 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) identified a number of key initiatives in order for Lake County to remain regionally and nationally competitive. At a high level, it’s focused on being able to attract top talent and maximize our homegrown talent.

Specifically, that means fueling housing growth, increasing college going, improving youth career awareness, and increasing the quality and availability of early childhood education and care.

We are seeking a results-oriented Director of Strategic Initiatives to join our leadership team. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced professional who thrives on building strong partnerships and driving strategic initiatives that make a lasting impact.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead Strategic Initiatives: Drive initiatives aligned with the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), ensuring progress toward priority goals.

• Build and Manage Partnerships: Develop and nurture coalitions of partners and stakeholders to support and advance strategic objectives.

• Oversee Critical Projects: Manage initiatives where LCP takes the lead (e.g., housing) and serve as a stakeholder for initiatives led by other organizations (e.g., early childhood education, health).

• Establish Metrics for Success: Create and implement metrics to evaluate the success of initiatives, ensuring targets are met or exceeded.

• Lead the Futures Committee: Foster innovation and collaboration through leadership of this key group.

• Community Engagement: Represent LCP by engaging with community organizations, municipalities, businesses and other stakeholders presenting to external groups, and advocating for key initiatives.

• Stakeholder Reporting: Regularly report progress to the Board of Governors, local government bodies, and community organizations.

• Organizational Leadership: Serve as a core member of LCP’s leadership team, contributing to overall strategy and organizational success.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Broad Issue Understanding: Ability to understand and address complex community and economic development issues, such as education, housing, and workforce growth.

• Executive-Level Communication: Strong communication skills, including public speaking, relationship building, and presenting to diverse audiences.

• Project Management Excellence: Proven track record of managing multiple initiatives concurrently, with excellent organizational skills.

• Influence and Leadership: Ability to lead without formal authority and influence diverse stakeholders.

• Self-Motivated and Proactive: Demonstrated initiative, independence, and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.

• Tech-Savvy: Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with Salesforce or a similar CRM system is a plus (but not required).

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience.

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in business, consulting, community development, nonprofit services, or a related sector.

• Local Network: Existing relationships with key Lake County stakeholders are highly desirable.

WHY JOIN US?

• Impactful Work: Make a tangible difference in Lake County by driving initiatives that ensure long term competitiveness and fuel economic mobility especially in communities of need.

• Collaborative Team: Be part of a small, impactful team that does great work.

• Flexible Work Environment: We value in-office collaboration, and recognize that some work-from-home flexibility can also be effective and convenient. Some team members currently work up to two days per week from home.