Job Board

Metro Strategies Group seeks a versatile Senior Project Manager experienced in supporting stakeholder engagement for local, state and regional urban planning and infrastructure projects. This full-time position will provide strategic guidance for major projects. Candidates should have proven experience in successfully recommending, managing and implementing client initiatives and goals.

Responsibilities:

• Facilitate client meetings, stakeholder meetings, workshops and community engagement events. 
• Develop project engagement plans that match client and project goals that ensure outreach efforts target environmental justice population participation. 
• Create and manage project scopes, timelines, deliverables and communication materials.
• Develop strategic communications, messaging, talking points and executive briefings.
• Ensure quality assurance and quality control on every project. 
• Monitor project scopes and schedules to ensure projects and budgets stay on track.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners, client staff and external stakeholders.
• Raise new and innovative ideas for stakeholder engagement and implementation.
• Execute all other project management duties as they arise. 

Key Duties:

• Develop strategic engagement and communications plans, including timelines for implementation. 
• Engage with clients and stakeholders to fully understand project needs, issues and stakeholders,  including equity and environmental justice impacts. 
• Plan and implement all aspects of engagement strategies, including surveys, focus groups,  workshops, stakeholder meetings and community meetings. 
• Plan and facilitate internal and external project team meetings. 
• Develop strategic messaging, talking points, executive briefings and other digital and print communications materials.

Required Skills:

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience. 
• Excellent project management skills with a history of implementing multi-jurisdictional projects.
• Superior writing and communication skills with the ability to create clear, concise messaging.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to manage and prioritize a variety of tasks and projects simultaneously. 
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to recommend solutions to overcome challenges.
• Flexibility, organization and self-sufficiency in a fast-paced environment. 
• Public sector experience in communications, policy, planning, public infrastructure,  transportation, community relations or related work is preferred. 
• Consulting experience is a plus. 
• A bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, journalism, communications or equivalent related fields combined with relevant work experience. A master’s degree is preferred.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience working on public sector policy, planning, multi-modal transportation, equity and environmental justice issues. 
• Experience with developing and implementing stakeholder and public engagement programs.
• Experience with program planning and program management contracts. 
• Familiarity with cross-jurisdictional and collaborative project development and implementation.
• Bi-lingual skills are a plus. 

Location: 

Applicants must have a good understanding of local and regional issues in the Chicago metropolitan area. 

• Ability to travel to client locations throughout the Chicago region and collar counties is required.
• Hybrid work schedule 

Compensation and Benefits: 

The salary range for this position is $80,000 to $100,000 depending on qualifications. Applicants interested in working with Metro Strategies Group who have a greater level of experience are encouraged to apply and would be eligible for higher compensation. 

Metro Strategies Group offers competitive benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, personal time off), parental leave, hybrid work schedule, flexible work hours, extensive opportunities for professional growth, participation in the firm 401K plan and group health insurance. Eligible, participating employees receive a company contribution towards employee health and dental insurance as well as a company sponsored 401k retirement plan. 

To Apply:  

All of the following are required to apply for this position: cover letter, resume, references and supporting materials such as work or writing sample. Please submit application materials to Rocco Zucchero at rzucchero@metrostratgroup.com.

The position is open until filled.

About Metro Strategies Group, LLC

Metro Strategies Group, LLC is a WBE- and DBE-certified small business that works with government,  private and non-profit entities in northeastern Illinois to implement thoughtful strategies to advance projects and priorities. Our core values of leadership, integrity, passion for our work, striving to exceed expectations and accountability are guiding principles for the firm. These values define our culture and who we are as individuals, a team and a firm.  

We are passionate about driving initiatives that make a difference in our communities. With a knowledge base spanning multiple industries from transportation and stormwater management to economic development and environmental issues, Metro Strategies Group brings a multi-disciplinary,  focused approach to achieve successful outcomes. 

Metro Strategies Group is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

The Village of Frankfort is seeking qualified applicants for the full-time position of Planner or Senior Planner in the Community Development Department. Only one (1) position is available. Frankfort, IL (20,286) is a thriving, vibrant community located 32 miles southwest of Chicago, just a few miles south of I-80 and west of I-57. Founded in 1855, Frankfort consists of a well maintained historic residential and commercial center surrounded by modern shopping centers, upscale subdivisions, and a sizeable industrial area. Chicago Magazine named Frankfort one of the top places to live just a few years ago. Frankfort also received recognition as “Top Ten Best Cities for Illinois Families,” “One of the Safest Cities in Illinois,” “Most Pet Friendly Chicago Suburb.”

This is a professional planning position responsible for complex planning work in the areas of current planning and development, redevelopment, zoning administration, historic preservation, and long-range planning. The incumbent is responsible for processing development and zoning applications, reviewing technical documents, plans and applications, performing research, analysis, and site inspections, providing responsive, courteous, and efficient service to residents and the general public, as well as supporting a wide range of other planning and administrative assignments within the organization. The position works with considerable independence and is expected to exercise exceedingly high levels of good judgment, tact, and diplomacy.

The position reports to and serves under the general direction of the Director of Community and Economic Development. Attendance at regular and special evening or weekend meetings is required. Typically, this means a minimum of three weekday evenings each month but may vary as necessary. The successful candidate should be able to act in the capacity of primary staff liaison to the Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals and Historic Preservation Commission (the latter as needed).

Ideal Candidate: Successful candidates for consideration will be a proven self-starter with the ability to demonstrate a skillset in planning principles and practices, particularly in current commercial, industrial, and residential planning (rezoning, subdivision, special use and variance review with preference to experience in historic preservation). Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and groups; work within time constraints, ability to prioritize workload; keep deadlines; conduct research; review and analyze development plans and to make recommendations based upon said analysis; prepare plans, reports, and studies; make verbal presentations and to persuade individuals and groups to follow certain courses of action; perform duties with initiative and a minimum amount of supervision; ability to make accurate design drawings and mathematical computations; ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; maintain professionalism and objectivity; and be tactful and courteous in stressful situations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban/Regional Planning, public administration, or related field. Master’s Degree in Urban/Regional Planning, public administration, or related field preferred.

• For the Planner position: A minimum of zero (0) to two (2) years of planning experience with a government agency or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

• For the Senior Planner position: A minimum of five (5) years of planning experience with a government agency or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with ability to lead public presentations.

• Ability to use ArcMap 10.8 or later and/or the ArcGIS online platform for map making, data inquiry, and analysis.

• Demonstrate proficiency in computer skills and Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Ability to visit, examine and post signs on property, which may require traversing rough and uneven ground, through brush, grass, mud, or snow.

• Ability to manually operate various types of standard office equipment and audio/visual equipment for presentations at meetings.

• Pass background check.

• Valid driver’s license.

Preference may be given to candidates with:

• AICP certification - American Institute of Certified Planners

• Proficiency in Adobe software products (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Familiarity with utilizing and maintaining public-facing ArcGIS Desktop and Online applications.

• Prior government experience, particularly in responsible planning positions.

• Specialized knowledge in related fields such as civil engineering, landscape architecture, historic preservation, building code administration or construction management.

Salary & Benefits:

For the Planner position the salary range is $70,000 to $85,000, DOQ. For the Senior Planner position the salary range is $85,000 to $105,000, DOQ. This full-time position is eligible for the Village of Frankfort’s comprehensive employee benefits program which includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Retirement benefits through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) are provided along with the option to participate in a 457(b) plan offered through ICMA-RC and/or IPPFA. The Village of Frankfort provides paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays.

Position open until filled. Please clearly state the position for which you are applying. Resumes will be reviewed as received. The selected finalist will be required to successfully pass a pre-employment criminal background check, reference check, and post offer drug screening. Candidates requiring reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the Village Administrator at 815-469-2177.

Apply with resume, cover letter and three professional references to:

Village of Frankfort
Attn: Michael J. Schwarz, AICP
Director of Community and Economic Development
432 W. Nebraska Street
Frankfort, Illinois 60423

Also submit an Application for Employment found online here.

The Village of Frankfort is an equal opportunity employer.

The City of Champaign is a community that invests in planning and enjoys the outcomes of having a city that is very livable with great neighborhoods, a lively downtown and an equitable transportation network. Consider joining the team that helps make these outcomes possible. The City seeks qualified candidates for a career opportunity as an Associate Planner in the Planning and Development Department. The anticipated start date is December 2024.

Responsibilities of Position

The Associate Planner position is a great opportunity to put into practice planning theory and principles. This position assists senior staff with multiple planning functional areas including land development, advanced planning, zoning, and economic development. The Associate Planner conducts research, compiles and analyzes statistical and narrative data, makes recommendations based on analysis, prepares reports and data visualizations, and creates and gives presentations to boards/commissions and community members. They are also a resource for developers and residents, interpreting and explaining ordinances and programs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or a related field.

• Or an equivalent combination of work experience and education that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.

• Knowledge of planning principles and practices.

• Ability to be an effective team member, working collaboratively to achieve goals and objectives.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Work experience (through employment or internships) that demonstrates a working knowledge of planning principles.

• Knowledge of planning principles within a municipal government structure.

• Experience giving presentations.

• Experience with customer service.

• Report writing experience.

• Knowledge of data analysis using GIS.

Drug screening will be required. The annual starting salary range is $69,308 - $78,899, DOQ, plus an excellent fringe benefits package. Applications, including cover letter and resume, must be submitted online no later than Sunday, September 22, 2024.

The City’s mission is to provide responsive, caring, cost-effective service in partnership with our community. The following values guide our work: Personal Integrity, Responsibility, Respect, Teamwork, Results. The City of Champaign is committed to promoting a work environment and a community that values and supports diversity and inclusion.

To Apply

Click here for the full advertisement and to apply.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:

Under general supervision, performs professional duties in conjunction with other professional disciplines in the development and implementation of all project planning on the Lakefront.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Coordinates, develops and assists with the implementation of development projects on the Lakefront and districtwide, including insuring that all projects comply with the Lakefront Protection Ordinance, Planned Development requirements, historic preservation principles, city, state and federal regulations governing public parks generally and specifically with respect to historic preservation requirements and practices.
• Responsible for community interaction and public input, budgeting, and coordination with other governmental agencies.
• Interacts, plans, completes projects with other city agencies, including the Department of Transportation, Illinois Department of Transportation, Chicago Transit Authority and the Army Corp. Project assignments include, but are not limited to:
  • the relocation of Lakeshore Drive,
  • the Lakefront redevelopment,
  • mass transit and or trolley initiatives,
  • surplus roadway removal,
  • museum and zoo additions.
• Coordinates and develops capital projects on the Lakefront, particularly those that are not related to park buildings.
• Prepares planning and historic reports.
• Coordinates the development of framework plans throughout the district.
• Trains and assists in managing staff and manages projects as assigned.

DESIRABLE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning or Public Administration; and
• A minimum of five years of experience working with government agencies, including but not limited to, the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Chicago Department of Transportation or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of professional research and data gathering practices, evaluation techniques, trend analysis, and policy planning.
• Knowledge of regulations and standards of various applicable agencies.
• Knowledge of organizational management principles.
• Ability to interact and communicate constructively with other disciplines, employees, and other agencies and organizations.
• Ability to plan, and prepare planning reports and budgets.
• Skill in writing and in application of planning methods.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, and Adobe Creative Suite.

Career Service: Exempt          EEO: Professional       FLSA: Exempt

SALARY: $103,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 9/26/2024

The Village of Brookfield is seeking qualified applicants for the full-time position of Planning Division Manager in the Community Development Department. The Planning Division Manager is to implement, organize, and lead the Village’s land use regulations and planning functions.

For a full description of the Planning Division Manager position and to complete an employment application, please CLICK HERE.

The Village of Brookfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Description

• Responsible for managing the Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability, overseeing the department’s employees and budget.
• Supervises personnel across six divisions including regulatory, sustainability, and administrative divisions.
• Coordinates with local governments, U.S. and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials to coordinate information and enforce environmental protection laws.
• Spearheads the County’s efforts to foster sustainable communities and achieve environmental justice.
• Collaborates with other Cook County bureaus, departments, government agencies at all levels, community organizations, private, nonprofit, and philanthropic partners to advance the department’s work.
• Apprises the Chief Administrative Officer and Cook County President and Board of Commissioners of environment and sustainability activities and initiatives.
• Provides expertise on the County’s regulations, policies, personnel and budget.
• Recommends policy, programs and ordinances.
• Approves work projects and staff assignments in accordance with priorities established in conjunction with the Chief Administrative Officer and President’s Office.

Open until filled.

Please email a cover letter and resume to ShakmanExemptApplications@cookcountyil.gov.

Please find the full job description and more information on the application process at https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/current-exempt-openings. 

IMMEDIATE OPENING FOR THE POSITION OF DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Channahon is thriving community of 13,383 (2020 Census) residents located 45 miles southwest of Chicago, just west of Joliet and east of Morris in southwest Will County and eastern Grundy County. Channahon encompasses portions of Channahon, Troy and Aux Sable Townships.

Our employees work to serve the residents and make Channahon a family friendly and economically diverse community with high quality services. After more than a decade, the incumbent director is moving to a new position in the Village.

OPEN POSITION DEADLINE

• Director of Community Development *Open Until Filled*
• Hiring range $107,500 - $125,000, DOQ

POSITION SUMMARY

The selected individual will work under the direction of the Village Administrator and will head the department that is responsible for all planning, zoning, building, and code enforcement activities of the Village.

DUTIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO

• Plans, organizes, and directs the planning, zoning, and development functions of the Village; supervises and evaluates subordinates; and prepares departmental budget.
• Prepares or coordinates the preparation of research reports and other policy documents to serve as a basis for action by the Village Board and the Planning and Zoning Commission; advises the Village Administrator on planning and development matters.
• Attends Planning and Zoning Commission and Village Board meetings as required; provides staff assistance.
• Represents the Village on special assignments and maintains liaisons with the business community, community groups, and other departments and organizations, when necessary.
• Supervises the enforcement of building, zoning, property maintenance, and nuisance ordinances through a subordinate supervisor.
• Responds to public inquiries concerning Village policy related to planning, zoning, building, and property maintenance issues.
• Promotes and maintains responsive community relations.

QUALIFICATIONS

5+ years of experience, preferably in a high growth community. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning or related field is required. A Master’s Degree in related field and/or management/administration is preferred. Experience may be considered in lieu of educational requirements. Strong knowledge of land use principals and previous supervisory experience is required.

BENEFITS

Participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance available. 457 plans available. 11 paid holidays after 30 days of service. Vacation, Personal and Sick time are also provided.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should send a detailed cover letter, resume, and three professional references to the Human Resources Department of the Village of Channahon, 24555 S Navajo Dr., Channahon, IL 60410 or to Jodi Denton, HR Manager at jdenton@channahon.org. Full job description available at www.channahon.org. EOE/ADA employer.

Under the direction of the Chief Community Services Officer or designee, the Grant Writer coordinates and oversees the grant application and grant management process. Duties of this position include but are not limited to:

• Collaborate with City leadership and staff to identify funding opportunities and align goals;
• Research and identify relevant grant opportunities to develop resources for current and proposed services, programs, and operations;
• Manage the grant application process including proposal development, budget creation, and submission;
• Compile necessary information for the application process; Develop, prepare, and write competitive grant applications;
• Oversee compliance with all grant-specific guidelines and requirements throughout the pre-award grant phase;
• Assist City staff to ensure compliance through the award administration and post-award phases; Maintain the grants management database/system;
• Track, monitor, and report status of submitted grant applications;
• Assist in preparing reports to granting agencies on the expenditure of grant proceeds;
• Make recommendations for process improvement;
• Other related duties as assigned.

This position requires a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university including courses in English composition and basic mathematics. This position also requires a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in grant writing and success in obtaining grants, or any equivalent combination of experience and training. Experience in writing grants to county, state, and/or federal agencies/entities is preferred.

Must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license. Must successfully pass pre-hire requirements including but not limited to a physical, drug screen, and background check.

This is a full-time, executive level position. The salary range is $80,724.80 - $108,451.20 with starting rate dependent on experience and qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint of the range.

Executive Benefits: The City of Aurora offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time and eligible part-time employees in accordance with the City’s Executive Pay Plan. Health, dental, vision, and life insurances Annual pay increases Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Paid vacations, holidays, floating holidays, personal days, and sick leave Gym membership reimbursement. May be eligible for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program (if requirements are met).

Click here to submit your application online.

The position is open until filled.

The Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission is seeking a highly motivated individual with backgrounds in urban planning, community and regional planning, landscape architecture, geography, leadership, public administration, public affairs, political science, or related field to fill a full-time Regional Planner position. This position will perform work under the direction of the Assistant Director. General duties will include GIS data collection and mapping, data collection and analysis, preparing planning documents, zoning and subdivision ordinance updates and enforcement, grant writing, grant administration, project management, assisting other planning staff, and other duties as needed. Compensation range will start at $45,000 but is dependent on educational background and prior experience. SEIRPC offers a benefits package that includes 2 options for health insurance plans, dental insurance, optional vision insurance, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, IPERS (State of Iowa pension plan), optional 457 retirement investment plan, paid time off, holidays, and flexible work scheduling.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

• Completion of a four-year undergraduate program or graduate program in urban planning, community and regional planning, landscape architecture, geography, leadership, public administration, public affairs, political science, or a related field (experience may substitute work experience for degree)
• One to three years professional planning experience, through full-time employment or internships
• Ability to work independently
• Must take responsibility and ownership for assigned projects
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Ability to work and communicate effectively in a team environment
• Ability to communicate via online platforms including Zoom and Microsoft Teams
• Flexibility and desire to work on a variety of projects
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, ESRI ArcGIS, and Adobe products

Letter of Interest and Resumes
For full consideration submit a letter of interest and resume by e-mail to sjones@seirpc.com or by mail to:

Sherri Jones
Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission
Regional Planner Position
211 N Gear Avenue, Suite 100
West Burlington, IA 52655

Letters of interest and resumes must be submitted by Monday, August 26, 2024. For additional information please call 319-753-4322. EOE/AA

Come join the Village of Libertyville! The Village is seeking a full-time Economic Development Manager to join our Community Development team. This position is responsible for performing administrative and public relations activities, building relationships with business organizations, overseeing activities to attract, retain and promote businesses, and assisting in efforts which broaden and strengthen the Village’s economic base. The Economic Development Manager is also the staff liaison to the Economic Development Commission and Parking Commission. The Department operates with a full-time staff of 10 employees and numerous part-time staff and is committed to providing the best service in land development, as well as the health, safety and general welfare of the Village’s residents and businesses.

Hiring Range: The expected starting salary range is $111,269 - $142,056 depending upon qualifications and experience.

Benefits: IMRF eligible, health insurance including medical, dental, vision, life, flexible spending accounts for medical, dependent care, and commuter, optional 457 plan participation, paid holidays, paid vacation, sick leave and personal days, tuition reimbursement.

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in planning, economics, or a field related to the work, Master’s preferred; AND four (4) years of professional experience in economic and business development; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:

Ideal Candidate:

How to Apply: Please submit your cover letter, resume, and three professional references with the subject line "Economic Development Manager" via email to Jeni Houtz, Human Resources Manager, at jhoutz@libertyville.com.

First Review of Applications: August 9, 2024. Open until filled.

The Village of Libertyville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Full Job Description available upon request.