Development Services Director, Village of Oak Park, IL
The Village of Oak Park, Illinois (Pop. 54,583) is seeking an experienced and dynamic leader for the position of Development Services Director. This is a key leadership role that is responsible for overseeing and managing the newly reconfigured Development Services Department, ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of a wide range of services related to planning and urban design, permitting and development, parking and mobility services, and economic vitality. The Development Services Director plays a crucial role in shaping the Village of Oak Park’s physical character and growth while maintaining the Village’s distinctive cultural and historical appeal. And as the Organization’s principal steward of economic vitality, the Development Services Director effectively harnesses departmental, community and intergovernmental resources and partnerships to advance economic development in the Village. The successful candidate will exemplify the Village Organization’s core values of community, connection, service and respect.
About the Position & Department
The Development Services Director reports directly to and provides complex administrative support to the Village Manager who reports to the Village Board in a Council-Manager form of municipal government. The position plans, directs, manages and oversees all activities and operations of the newly reconfigured Development Services Department including four divisions: planning and urban design, permitting and development, parking and mobility services and the office of economic vitality. Key stakeholders and partners include six commissions — Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission, Community Design Commission, Building Codes Advisory Commission, and the Liquor Control Review Board. In addition, the department supports four partner agencies — Visit Oak Park, the Oak Park Area Arts Council, Downtown Oak Park, and the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation and actively works with the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce and the Village’s business districts and associations. The Development Services Director serves as the staff liaison for commissions, contract administrator for partner agencies and key point of contact with other stakeholders. The Development Services Director oversees 28 FTEs, an operating budget of $4.5M, and a capital improvement (CIP) budget of $7.4M in support of the Village’s parking infrastructure and enterprise system. The incumbent will support the transition of a neighborhood services division into a standalone department, and in partnership with the Village Manager, other senior staff and community stakeholders, formulate a strategic economic vitality plan that will operationalize and guide future implementation of business and real estate development policy, programs, services, initiatives and practices. Currently division management positions in the department are filled with talented and experienced staff. The incumbent will also have the opportunity to make a key economic development management hire upon appointment.
In addition to providing world class baseline services, identified priorities for the Development Services Director will be:
In partnership with the Village Manager, developing and implementing the Village’s strategic economic vitality plan, building upon the existing economic vitality of the community.
Overseeing the completion of the Village’s housing study and strategic plan development via the Homes for a Changing Region Program (“Homes”), in partnership with the Metropolitan Mayor’s Caucus (MMC) and Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP).
Facilitating an update to the Envision Oak Park Comprehensive Plan.
Championing and managing key organizational technologies including the City view and Passport enterprise and any other department-specific business support and service-delivery software applications.
Formulating a comprehensive Village promotional plan in collaboration with the Office of Communications and Engagement and in partnership with Visit Oak Park and the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation.
Continued evaluation of the Village’s parking enterprise fund and parking pilot initiative.
Collaboration with the Public Works Department on operationalizing and implementing a seamless and holistic transportation and mobility service model.
Champion and implement goals of the Village’s Climate Ready Oak Park Plan.
Minimum Qualifications: Ten years of progressively responsible management experience in municipal planning, development services, economic development or a related field AND possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, public administration, business administration or a related discipline. Other combinations of experience and/or education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
Preferred Qualifications: A Master’s degree in urban planning, public administration, business administration or a related discipline and/or professional certification such as AICP and/or CEcD is preferred.
Compensation & Benefits: The Village of Oak Park offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) participation, health and life insurance, vacation, sick leave and other benefits including flexible working arrangements. The annual salary range for the Development Services Director is $165,000 +/- depending on qualifications. Residency within Oak Park is not required, but it is strongly desired. The Village will provide assistance to candidates who relocate to Oak Park within 9 months of selection.
How to Apply: To apply, candidates must submit a comprehensive resume, cover letter and contact information for five professional references to Assistant Village Manager/HR Director Kira Tchang at ktchang@oak-park.us. Candidates may contact Ms. Tchang with any questions. Deadline to submit an application is September 8, 2023.
The Village of Oak Park commits itself to diversity, equity and inclusion by recognizing that creating a mutually respectful, multicultural and equitable environment does not happen on its own; it must be intentional. This includes providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, military or veteran status or any other protected characteristics.