City of Des Plaines, IL, 58,710 pop., covering 15.85 sq. miles, seeks candidates for the position of Director of Community & Economic Development. Des Plaines is a vibrant community of residential, commercial, and industrial uses, located 17 miles from the Chicago Loop and five minutes from O’Hare International Airport. The City welcomes the completion of construction of a $445 million casino and entertainment complex in 2011. The City operates under the Council/Manager form of government. The City Council consists of a Mayor and eight Alderman representing eight separate wards in the City.
The Director is appointed by and reports to the City Manager and is responsible for the organizational direction and leadership of the department with a staff of 17 full-time employees and a budget of $2 million across three divisions: Planning & Zoning, Building & Code, and Economic Development. The Director serves as the key advisor to the City Council and City Manager on all development policy matters including: the formation, adoption and enforcement of zoning regulations and comprehensive plans; the review and assessment of development plans and proposals for land use; and the administration of building and other related codes. Ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a closely related field, with 7 years of increasingly responsible administrative and supervisory experience. Masters degree and AICP certification a plus.
Salary range $105,694 - $137,402. Appointment salary DOQ. Excellent fringe benefits. Residency required within twelve months of appointment. Send cover letter, resume and five work-related references to: Michael J. Earl, Director of Human Resources, City of Des Plaines, 1420 Miner Street, Room 503, 60016; fax, 847-827-2292
by 5 pm., Friday, August 20, 2010. EOE. For additional information, visit the city’s website at:
http://www.desplaines.org. For questions, please contact the Director of Human Resources or Acting City Manager Jason Slowinski at 847-391-5300.
