Village of Winnetka, Director of Community Development

Winnetka, Illinois (pop. 12,745) Beautiful north suburban community, nestled along Lake Michigan’s North Shore, known for its tree-lined neighborhoods, excellent schools and high level of municipal services, is seeking an experienced planning and land use professional to serve as its next Community Development Director. A home rule community with a ‘AAA’ bond rating, Winnetka is located in Cook County, Illinois, approximately 16 miles north of Chicago. Winnetka has three separate and distinct business districts and completed updates to the Comprehensive Plan in 2023.

The experience expected from applicants, as well as additional skills and qualifications needed for this job are listed below.

Winnetka is a full-service municipality with police, fire, water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, refuse, and electric utilities, governed by a Village Council consisting of a President and six Trustees, led by a professional Village Manager, and supported by 161.25 FTEs. The Village’s 2025 budget is $94 million, including $23 million for capital projects.

In addition to its sandy beaches, renowned schools, outstanding parks, and quality recreation facilities, three separate business districts are hubs of activity in the Village. In 2018, the Village Council adopted the Downtown Streetscape and Signage Master Plan. To date, the Village has completed 5 phases of this plan, and a major development project (One Winnetka) is in process with construction to begin in early 2025, in addition to other infill development projects and a joint streetscape corridor configuration plan with a neighboring community.

Department and Position Background

The existing Director of Community Development is retiring after 7 years as Director. The Assistant Director has served in the role for 2 years and has 23 years of service with the Village. There are no internal candidates. The Director is appointed by and reports to the Village Manager. The department has 7 full-time employees, 1 part-time employee, and contracts for building inspections, sanitation, and plan review services. The department has significant responsibilities for advisory boards and commissions, including Design Review Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Plan Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals.

The Director is an integral part of the Village’s executive management team, with responsibilities including oversight of critical functions, such as planning, zoning, building code review and interpretation, code enforcement, building construction inspection (structural, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical), food service compliance, plan review, and permitting. The Director is the Village’s chief building official, zoning administrator, and spokesperson to provide primary land use guidance to advisory boards and the Village Council.

Position Requirements

The Village is seeking a highly collaborative executive with a proven track record in excellent customer service, process improvement, planning and zoning administration, strategic thinking, planned development, economic development, and the ability to work closely with elected and appointed officials and department heads on the Village’s short and long-term planning needs.

The successful candidate will have :

• Bachelor’s Degree in planning, architecture, or a related field.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification and / or master’s degree desired.
• Demonstrated experience (minimum 10 years) in municipal planning and development, including at least 5 years of supervisory responsibility.
• Knowledge of rules, regulations and effective implementation strategies for community and economic development programs and incentives, understanding of Illinois land use regulations, and developer agreements.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected salary is $190,000 / - DOQ. After one year, the position is eligible to receive a $3,500 contribution to a 457 Plan annually and a merit bonus up to $15,000 per year. A comprehensive benefits package includes participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension system, health insurance including medical, dental, and vision coverage (also available to dependents, including domestic partners), paid parental leave, flexible work schedule, life insurance, and generous paid leave time. The Village does not have a residency requirement.

Selection Process

Apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com with a resume, cover letter and contact information for five professional references by January 17, 2025. Open until filled. Questions may be directed in confidence to Maureen Barry, MGT Senior Consultant, at 847-380-3240, x116.

The Village of Winnetka is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Salary : $15,000 - $190,000