Nature of Work

Under the general policy direction of the City Administrator, the Economic and Community Development Director plans, organizes, directs, and integrates the City’s Building, Planning, Communications, and Economic and Community Development Divisions. This is a highly responsible management position involving technical work. The incumbent in this class is responsible for policy development, program planning, budget management, administration, and operational direction of the Economic and Community Development Department functions in addition to accomplishing department objectives and goals within guidelines established by the City Administrator.

Distinguishing Features of Position

• Assume full leadership and management responsibility for all Community Development Department services and activities, and make recommendations relating to the physical development of Oak Forest.
• Develop, implement and maintain economic development programs that facilitate new business investment and encourage retention and expansion activities.
• Prepare and administer the Department’s annual budget, manage staff, coordinate and track community development related projects and improvements.
• Formulate and enforce City and departmental rules, regulations, work methods, and procedures; make and review personnel assignments within the department; review and discuss work progress and scheduling with Division Managers and make adjustments as needed; provide assistance to Division Managers with their review of subordinates; and maintain departmental discipline, conduct, and the general professional behavior of assigned personnel.
• Develop, implement, and monitor long-term plans, goals, and objectives focused on achieving the City’s mission priorities; direct the development of and monitor performance against the annual department budget and the City’s Capital Improvement Plan budget; and manage and direct the development, implementation, and evaluation of plans, policies, systems, and procedures to achieve annual goals and objectives.
• Responsible for the enforcement and interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance and the Comprehensive Building Code, as well as the implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and Economic Development Incentive Policy.
• Serve as lead contact for the City on managing short and long-term planning projects; Provide complex support to various Boards/Commissions (which include the City Council, Economic Advisory Committee, Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and other boards/commissions as assigned.
• Represent the Department to other City departments, elected officials, outside agencies, and the general public; Work closely with developers, engineers, contract staff, attorneys, and other consultants as directed.
• Direct the preparation and maintenance of records and reports for various departmental activities; Investigate complaints by citizens, answer questions posed by the elected officials, public, subordinates, staff, and supervisors.

Required Knowledge, Skill and Ability

• Theory, principles, practices, and techniques of community development planning, building inspection, code enforcement, economic development, and related community development services. 
• Analysis of economic and budgetary impacts and the risks and uncertainties associated with plans or projects.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations governing the administration of planning and community development, including the regulation of community housing. 
• Principles and practices of public administration, including budgeting, purchasing, and the maintenance of public records. 
• Land use law and current landmark zoning cases, as well as a basic understanding of market trends for commercial, industrial, and multi-family housing. 
• Principles and practices of personnel and employee relations. 
• Excellent customer service, analytical, communication (both verbal and written), and interpersonal skills. 
• Explain, justify, and defend programs, policies, and activities as well as negotiate and resolve sensitive, significant, and controversial issues. 
• Take direction but work independently with the ability to effectively prioritize and organize workload. 
• Instruct and train in methods and procedures and delegate activities in an effective and responsible manner. 
• Take control of situations, think quickly, and adapt to stressful situations. 
• Use good judgment and effectively solve problems. 
• Work under time pressures and critical deadlines; maintain attention to detail despite interruptions; maintain confidentiality of information. 
• Prepare clear and concise reports, records, budgets, memoranda, correspondence, and other documents. 
• Work effectively in a team-based organization focused on continuous improvement; establish and maintain a positive customer service attitude and effective working relationships with customers; demonstrate strong two-way communication skills, including the ability to listen, explain, and facilitate; ask for input; and offer help. 
• Maintain a professional attitude and physical appearance appropriate for daily public contact, and consistent attendance with advance notification of absences. 
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications (Excel, Microsoft Word, Outlook, etc.). 
• Possess an outstanding work ethic, positive attitude, and be self-motivated.

Required Experience and Training

Minimum of five years of experience in a municipal planning department or closely related environment. A bachelor’s degree in planning, geography or a closely related field is required. A master’s degree is highly desired. Certified APA planner certificate and or an IEDC certification of Economic Development highly desired. Proficiency in the use of standard office software and technology required. Demonstrated record of economic development and business attraction and retention.

Physical Demands of Position

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

Work is performed in an indoor, office setting. While performing the duties of the job the employee is frequently required to walk, stand, talk and hear. The duties require the use of hands to operate computers, telephone and office equipment. Due to prolonged computer use, close vision and the ability to focus are required. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

The City of Oak Forest is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the city will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.