Director of Community Development

General Statement Of Duties

This position is responsible for providing leadership and oversight for operational activities of the Community Development Department, which encompasses economic development, zoning, planning, building services, permitting, inspection activities, licensing, and other programs in accordance with state and federal law and Village ordinances. The role serves as an integral member of the Village’s management team and reports to the Village Manager and the Assistant Village Manager.

Duties And Responsibilities

The duties/responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Manage the development and implementation of the department’s vision, goals, objectives, policies, and priorities, ensuring the department’s operations reflect recognized best practices.
• Responsible for the supervision, development, mentoring, and evaluation of department personnel. Delegate assignments and manage the workloads of staff. Oversee discipline and termination procedures.
• Manage and coordinate the planning and implementation of economic development programs, including business attraction, retention, business assistance, and related functions. Develop programs to achieve the Village’s goals and objectives relating to economic development and community revitalization.
• Ensure permit processes meet local, state, and federal regulatory requirements. Lead improvement efforts for permit processes through procedure and code.
• Oversee work involving inspections in accordance with the law for property maintenance violations, building permit violations, elevator violations, and zoning code violations, and, as necessary, the issuance of warnings or citations to achieve compliance with adopted codes. Monitor the inspection schedule for all businesses and facilities to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.
• Prepare and supervise the preparation of partial and comprehensive amendments to the municipal code, including building code, sign ordinance, subdivision and land development ordinance, zoning ordinance, and other general ordinances related to public health and safety.
• Monitor and manage the contractor and business licensing.
• Oversee the GIS system and zoning administration process.
• Oversee the Village ERP System.
• Initiate and manage partnerships with outside consultants, developers, engineers, and vendors as needed.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the business community and citizen groups to improve understanding of Village economic policies, procedures, goals, and objectives.
• Represent the Community Development Department to other Village departments, elected officials, and residents. Investigate complaints by citizens, answer questions posed by elected officials, the public, subordinates, staff, and supervisors.
• Manage projects, prepare and analyze budgets, and assume responsibility for the appropriate use of funds assigned to the Community Development Department.
• Act as the Village’s ADA officer and primary Elevator official for the State Fire Marshall.
  
  

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent management, organizational, analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills and adherence to the Village’s high professional and ethical standards.
• Proficient in budget preparation and monitoring.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations governing community development.
• Ability to work independently, use self-initiated follow-up to meet deadlines, and proven ability to successfully manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Well-organized, self-motivated, goal-oriented, and flexible.
• Strong Microsoft Office software skills are required.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with employees, elected officials, advisory bodies, consultants, community and professional organizations, media, and the public.
• Experience with BS&A software or a similar type of ERP is strongly preferred.
  
  

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, or related field.
• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, with at least 3 years in a management and leadership role.
• In place of the above requirements, an equivalent combination of education and experience is sufficient to provide the applicant with the knowledge, skill, and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
• Experience in a municipal or government environment.
  
  

Salary And Benefits

• The salary range for this position is $141,000 – $161,000 based on experience and qualifications. The Village provides an excellent benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield, as well as participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) and optional 457 plans.
  
  

To Apply

Qualified applicants should apply online with a completed application, resume, and cover letter.

Click here to apply.

The Village of Villa Park provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.