Director of Economic Development Initiatives​/Economic Development Coordinator

None (individual contributor role; supervises a semester intern)

Status

Full-Time, Exempt

Location

Vermilion Advantage is looking for the right person to grow with this role — not a rigid checklist of years and titles. That’s why this position may be filled at one of two levels —
Director of Economic Development Initiatives or Economic Development Coordinator — depending on the experience and strengths you bring. Both levels work on the same core priorities: business attraction, retention, asset mapping, and supporting businesses of every size across Vermilion County. What differs is the scope of independent authority, the depth of experience expected, and the corresponding pay level.

If you’re excited about this work, we encourage you to apply regardless of which level feels like the closer fit. We’ll get to know you through the interview process and find the right level together.

Vermilion Advantage is a nonprofit, public‑private organization (501(c)(6)) that combines the functions of a chamber of commerce and an economic development corporation to strengthen the business environment and economy of Danville and Vermilion County, Illinois. Formed in 2002 through the merger of the county’s Economic Development Corporation and the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce, Vermilion Advantage leads business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts;

workforce development initiatives; and member/community engagement across a diverse local economy of manufacturers, logistics and distribution operators, data centers, and local entrepreneurs. The organization is supported primarily by its 500+ business members, with the remainder of funding coming from public‑sector partners.

Following a 2025–2026 strategic planning process, Vermilion Advantage is guided by the vision “To build community & create opportunity” and the mission “We lead, develop, and connect people, businesses, and resources to cultivate economic success in Vermilion County.” The organization’s work is grounded in five core values:
Integrity, Passion, Innovation, Collaboration, and Impact. This position is a near‑term strategic priority for the organization, with the person hired playing a lead part in advancing key economic development initiatives — most notably building out a complete site‑and‑building database and establishing strong KPIs and data tracking to support attraction, retention, and small business efforts going forward.

The Director of Economic Development Initiatives leads Vermilion Advantage’s business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts under the strategic direction of the President and CEO, serving as a senior partner in shaping and executing the organization’s economic development agenda. This role owns the full lifecycle of economic development projects — from lead generation and site selection support through incentive negotiation and deal closing — while building and maintaining the relationships that keep the region visible and competitive to site selectors, brokers, and corporate decision‑makers.

The Director also owns Vermilion Advantage’s community asset mapping structure, keeping it current and useful as a resource for attraction, retention, and planning work.

The Director is trusted to run point on day‑to‑day execution, relationships, and deal work, while major approaches, positioning, and strategic decisions are developed in concurrence with the President and CEO. All work is carried out under the direction of the President and CEO and in alignment with the organization’s strategic plan, as developed by the Board of Directors and staff.

• Own and maintain Vermilion Advantage’s community asset mapping structure — the county’s inventory of available sites, buildings,…