Job Board

The City of Freeport, Illinois, is seeking a detail-oriented, thoughtful, and community-minded Community Development Director. This position is ideal for a dependable professional who is steady, analytical, values collaboration, and is committed to long-term community progress.

About Freeport:
Freeport is a micropolitan hub in northwest Illinois located near U.S. Highway 20. It is thirty miles west of Rockford, fourteen miles south of Wisconsin, sixty-five miles east of Dubuque, and seventy miles west of the Chicago metro. The city blends scenic northern Illinois amenities with the service benefits of a progressive municipality. Freeport is the county seat of Stephenson County and spans 11.7 square miles.

Freeport operates under a statutory City Manager form of government. The City Council includes a Mayor and eight Aldermen. The Community Development Director is appointed by and reports directly to the City Manager. Residency within the city is preferred but not required.

Role Overview:

The Community Development Director provides consistent leadership and support to a department responsible for:

• Planning
• Grant administration
• Building inspections
• Code enforcement
• Nuisance abatement
• Compliance oversight for Pretzel Transit and the Senior Center

The Director leads a team of seven professionals and one administrative assistant. The department manages a $6.88 million annual budget across Community Development, Buildings, TIF, and Neighborhood Housing operations.

Key Responsibilities and Challenges:

• Support blight reduction efforts through structured, community-informed strategies
• Deliver effective services with efficiency and attention to regulatory compliance
• Build sustainable, long-term relationships with community partners
• Contribute to the city's renovation through collaboration and project follow-through
• Support economic development initiatives with thoughtful, programmatic planning

Success in This Role:

The ideal candidate will lead with humility and integrity, show appreciation for team contributions, and work with the community to identify practical, achievable solutions. The City Manager envisions success as a leader who remains calm under pressure, brings out the best in their staff, and stays focused on doing things the right way.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, urban planning, organizational leadership, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
• Five to eight years of senior-level municipal or planning leadership experience
• Strong personnel supervision background
• AICP and/or CEDC Certification preferred
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will also be considered

Key Skills:

• Reliable follow-through and structured problem solving
• Strong community relationship-building and communication
• Grant management experience
• Effective coordination with local organizations like the Greater Freeport Partnership
• Natural blend of task focus and team collaboration (C/S DISC behavior style)

Compensation and Benefits:

• Starting salary range: $95,000 to $110,000 DOQ
• Full-time, exempt position serving at the pleasure of the City Manager
• IMRF Pension Plan
• 82% city-paid health insurance for individual or family
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• 13 paid holidays annually
• Sick Leave: 1 day per month
• Vacation: 3 weeks, plus 1 week Executive Leave
• Partial relocation assistance (flat rate)
• City-paid professional training and dues
• City-issued laptop and mobile phone

Application Instructions:

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and five professional references to james@arndtmunicipalsupport.com

Application Deadline: August 15, 2025

Confidential inquiries can be directed to:
James W. Arndt, President and CEO
Arndt Municipal Support, Inc.
217-500-0770

The City of Freeport is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Economic Development Specialist supports Joliet’s economic growth by helping to attract
and retain businesses, marketing the city's assets, and guiding development projects. This role
requires strong analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills, with an emphasis on
collaboration, research, and customer service.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with business retention, attraction, expansion, and marketing strategies.
• Manage and update site selection databases to track available land and commercial
  properties.
• Prepare customized site selection packages for businesses looking to expand or come to
  Joliet.
• Promote and assist with economic incentive programs, including financial evaluations.
• Support redevelopment projects by helping draft agreements and participating in
  confidential negotiations.
• Identify and pursue redevelopment opportunities, especially within TIF Districts, the
  Core Area SSA, the Enterprise Zone, and other areas with special financial incentive
  designations.
• Assist with content creation for the City’s economic development social media platforms
  and newsletter.
• Research and maintain data on demographics, labor trends, and other indicators to update
  Joliet’s economic profile, monthly and quarterly reports, and pitch decks.
• Guide prospective businesses through city permitting and licensing processes to help
  streamline project development.
• Collaborate with regional and state economic development partners to move projects and
  initiatives forward.
• Represent the City at networking events and professional conferences.
• Stay informed on current trends and best practices in economic development.
• Attend the Land Use & Economic Development Committee and City Council meetings as
  needed.
• Perform additional tasks to support the City’s economic development initiatives.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning, economics,
  business, public administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred but not
  required.
• 2–3 years of experience in economic development, municipal government, real estate, or
  related areas.
• Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge,
  skills, and abilities will be considered.
• CEcD or AICP certification preferred but not required.
• Spanish language skills preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Understanding of real estate, economics, finance, land use, and development processes.
• Familiarity with tax increment financing (TIF) and other economic incentive tools.
• Ability to build strong, trustworthy relationships with businesses, developers, brokers,
  property owners, internal staff, and other stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Skilled in preparing clear presentations, reports, and data-driven analyses.
• Comfortable and competent in interacting with executive management, elected officials,
  and other positions of authority.
• Experience with marketing and social media strategies for economic development.
• Capable of using databases for site selection and market research.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a creative, solution-oriented mindset.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple
  tasks.
• Effective communicator—both written and verbal—with persuasive presentation skills.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, professionalism, and high ethical standards in all work.

Special Requirements

Must possess or obtain a valid State of Illinois motor vehicle operator’s license.

Selection Guidelines

Formal application; rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job
related test may be required.

The duties listed above are only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be
performed in the various departments. The omission of specific statements of duties does not
exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the
position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and
employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and
requirements of the job change.

A full job description is available in Human Resources upon request.

Salary

$70,000-109,786

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted to employment@joliet.gov or in person to the Human Resources Department before the deadline on the job posting in order to be accepted. Hard copy applications are also available in the Human Resources Division, 150 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432. Position open until filled.

Click here to view city website and apply.

This position is responsible for a wide range of day-to-day planning and zoning related activities, such as enforcing zoning rules and regulations, review of proposed development projects, and meeting with property owners, developers, attorneys and other professionals to discuss development proposals and the regulations and policies of the City.  This position serves as the staff liaison to the Heritage and Architecture Committee and Plan and Zoning Commission, participates in long-range planning activities, review sign and new business permits and performs numerous other related tasks, as assigned. 

Click here to view full description and apply.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Essential duties & responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or logical to the position.

• Mentors and trains the Planning Permit Technician.
• Assists in the administration and enforcement of the Zoning Ordinances.
• Prepares written reports on planning matters to the Planning and Zoning Commissioners relating to land development, rezoning, subdivision and special use permits and to the Heritage and Architecture Commission relating to improvements in the City’s Historic Districts.
• Assists in reviewing and recommending revisions to zoning, subdivision and municipal codes as well as specific ordinances, and related control documents.
• Provides assistance in evaluating, creating and amending short and long-range plans of the City.
• The direct contact for developers during the due diligence and project approval phases.
• Explains, advises, and interprets planning and zoning policies and procedures with land developers, realtors and property owners regarding land development potential.
• Assists in the preparation of ordinances and resolutions related to zoning and subdivisions.
• Schedules and facilitates Pre-Application meetings.
• Reviews land use applications for planning and zoning conformance with the zoning and development codes.
• Coordinates site development activities with various internal and external departments and agencies.
• Responds to citizen inquiries regarding land development proposals, ordinances, future plans, and other requests for department information.
• Assists the Planning Permit Technician to prepare information packets and meeting agendas for distribution to the Plan and Zoning Commission and Heritage and Architecture Committee.
• Assists in coordinating special planning projects.
• Researches and provides background information for various studies and reports, both internally and for consultants.
• Responsible for coordinating with the Planning Permit Technician for the assignment of addresses in the City.
• Maintains the central filing system of the Planning Division and a continuous record of all correspondence and significant documentation.
• Coordinates the updating of mapping data; creating maps and graphics, including the annual Zoning Map update for Will County, as needed.
• Prepares reports for the Director of Community and Economic Development, Commissions and Committees, as requested.
• The duties listed above are illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific job functions and requirements does not exclude them from the position if work is a logical extension of the position.
• Adherence to the City’s policy on attendance and punctuality

Education & Qualifications/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from an accredited four-year college or university in urban planning, land use planning, or related field.
• Possess a minimum of five (5) years of municipal experience working in planning, zoning, or community development.
• Master’s degree and/or certification by the AICP, a plus.
• Knowledge of GIS, Bluebeam and other related computer programs, a plus
• Knowledge of architecture and historic preservation, a plus
• Any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• A proactive problem-solver.
• Efficient, accurate and timely work habits.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
• A well-developed knowledge of urban planning including zoning, annexation, subdivision, planned unit developments and site development rules, regulations and ordinances.
• Ability to manage and supervise projects.
• Excellent oral, written and public communication skills.
• Deal effectively with problems arising during the completion of assigned tasks.
• Handle multiple tasks and problems simultaneously.
• Assure sound organization practices and policies are initiated and followed.
• Conduct successful working relationships with both co-workers, elected officials, residents, committee members, developers and contractors.

Ethics

• Treats people with respect
• Inspires the trust of others
• Works with integrity and ethically
• Upholds organizational values.

Safety and Risk Management Responsibilities

Employees are responsible for complying with safe work rules & encourage others to do the same:

• reporting all accidents and injuries immediately;
• cooperating in all accident and injury investigations;
• reporting defective equipment and unsafe conditions;
• and use equipment & materials properly.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must lift and/or move at least 10 lbs.

*The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.

Salary:

$75,000 to $100,000 (DOQ), plus a comprehensive benefits package. 40 hours per week.

Click here to apply.

*The City of Lockport is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon any status protected under local, state or federal laws.

The Village of Villa Park is seeking a proactive and strategic Economic Development Manager to lead and enhance the economic growth initiatives of Villa Park. This role will report to the Director of Community Development and focus on fostering strong relationships with local businesses, attracting new investments, and promoting development practices. This position will oversee two large development projects vital to the Village of Villa Park’s growth.

Key Responsibilities:  

• Develop and implement economic development strategies that align with community goals and the newly developed Comprehensive Plan.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including businesses, government entities, and community organizations.
• Conduct market analysis and identify opportunities for growth and investment.
• Manage projects and initiatives that enhance economic vitality in Villa Park.
• Facilitate business attraction, retention, and expansion through support services and resources.  
• Coordinate with local officials to promote policies that support economic development.
• Provides regular economic development updates to the Village Board, as well as recommendations for incentive programs and grant opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with business owners, business tenants, real estate professionals, brokers, landlords, and developers.
• Represent Villa Park at conferences, meetings, and events.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Business, Public Administration, Economic Development, or a related field. AICP Certification is recommended.
• Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in economic development or a related field, in a local government setting is preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of TIF Districts, joint review boards, business development, municipal zoning, real estate, and infrastructure
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage projects and work collaboratively with diverse groups.  
• Familiarity with grant writing and funding opportunities desirable.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary with a range of $94,897.69-116,019.12 (Grade 18)
• Comprehensive health benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision
• Paid holidays, sick leave, personal leave, floating holidays and an Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension and more.
• Professional development opportunities

Application Process:

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and vision for economic development in Villa Park to Village Manager mrivas@invillapark.com.

Applications are due as soon as possible and will be accepted until the position is filled.

Join us in shaping the future of Villa Park and driving economic growth within our vibrant community!

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.

Description

The Village of Lincolnshire, a home-rule community located in Lake County, Illinois, approximately 34 miles north of downtown Chicago, seeks a forward-thinking and collaborative professional to serve as its next Assistant Village Manager/Community and Economic Development Director. This is a unique opportunity to take on a dynamic leadership role in one of the area’s premier suburban communities—home to top-rated schools, extensive open space, vibrant business and corporate centers, and picturesque residential neighborhoods. A full-service municipality consisting of 62.25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, Lincolnshire’s FY25 budget totals approximately $30 million. The Assistant Village Manager/Community and Economic Development Director reports directly to the Village Manager. This is a multi-faceted position requiring a versatile leader who can thoughtfully engage employees at all levels of the organization. This role manages day-to-day operations across Administration, Community Development, Information Technology, and Human Resources functions. The Village seeks an energetic and highly collaborative leader with a proven track record in customer service excellence, process improvement, strategic thinking, and economic development. The successful candidate is expected to have a high level of projects administration experience. This position directly supervises all Community & Economic Development Department members, including a Planning & Development Manager, Building Inspector, Administrative Assistant, and a part-time Code Enforcement Officer. Most inspection and plan review functions are outsourced.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage contracts and vendor relationships across assigned departments.
• Build on the Village’s vision and implement strategic initiatives outlined in the August 2024 Comprehensive Plan.
• Facilitate policies and incentives to encourage affordable housing development in alignment with the 2022 Affordable Housing Plan, recently revised in June 2025.
• Develop and execute targeted marketing strategies to position Lincolnshire as a business-friendly destination and promote redevelopment within the Corporate Center.
• Engage regularly with businesses, developers, and public agencies to attract investment and enhance economic vitality. • Oversee the Community Development Department budget ($1.3M), and the Insurance & Common Expense budget ($1M).
• Ensure adherence to all Village policies, protocols, and procedures in department operations. Provide professional recommendations to elected officials, Zoning and Architectural Review Boards (as needed).
• Direct the Village’s strategic use of technology including IT infrastructure, mobile devices, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence applications.
• Provide human resources support and guidance including job description updates, performance evaluations, policy development, and assistance with union negotiations.
• Acts for the Village Manager in all phases of the day-to-day operations of the Village during the Village Manager’s absence, including supervising and directing department directors and staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in public administration, planning, business, or related field is required; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience, with a strong foundation in analytical thinking, public engagement, and cross-functional team leadership. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Familiarity with BS&A software and Microsoft Office 365 is a plus. 

Residency is not required.

Salary

The full salary range is $133,000-$190,000 +/- DOQ.

The Village of Lincolnshire offers a competitive benefits package including paid vacation, sick, holiday time; contributions to medical and vision insurance; complimentary dental insurance; voluntary life insurance; flexible spending plan; employee assistance program; tuition reimbursement program; eligibility for merit-based salary increases; and Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pension eligibility.

How to Apply

Apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com with a resume, cover letter and contact information for five professional references by the application deadline of August 1, 2025. Confidential inquiries may be directed to Ashley Eccles at 847-380-3240 x134. The Village of Lincolnshire is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Administers and supervises the daily operations of the city’s planning, land use planning, zoning, grant-writing, GIS, and economic development programs. Supervises all department employees. Prepares and monitors departmental budget.

Click here to view the complete job description and to apply.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises and directs the activities of all departmental employees.
• Prepares reports on planning, land use programs, and zoning programs.
• Reviews of building plans to ensure compliance with zoning codes.
• Advises the Mayor, department heads and City Council on issues pertaining to land use, annexation, economic development, zoning, and other similar matters.
• Develops, directs, and implements downtown development strategies.
• Develops, directs, and implements the overall economic development program for the City and coordinates such programs with public and private sector groups.
• Acts as advisor to city officials, departments and citizen groups on matters relating to planning, land use development, zoning, and economic development.
• Confers with civic and neighborhood groups and various agencies.
• Prepares correspondence to citizens, developers, and others.
• Oversees administration and maintenance of department records, including but not limited to, department project files, inventory, supplies, equipment, vehicles, work hours, and personnel leave records.
• Prepares budget, monitors budget, and reviews monthly claims, and purchases goods and services for the department.
• Attends and participates in various committees of Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce.
• Administrates and markets enterprise zone, TIF Districts, and other incentive programs.
• Oversees preparation of grant proposals for city-wide projects and programs.
• Represents Economic Development Planning, and Zoning Department by attending all City Council meetings.
• Oversee maintenance of the Economic Development and Planning portion of the City's website.
• Participates in city marketing efforts in order to support economic growth of the community.
• Oversees the development and maintenance of the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS) in conjunction with other department employees.
• Maintains positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that promotes good working relationships with clients, customers, co-workers, and supervisors.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities Required

Knowledge of the principles and techniques of urban planning. Knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations governing zoning, annexation, and subdivision of land. Demonstrated ability of modern management principles and techniques. Experience with municipal or public administration. Knowledge of research principles, techniques and procedures and report preparation. Ability to enforce zoning and inspection laws and regulations firmly and tactfully. Ability to explain zoning and inspection requirements, laws, and regulations clearly and concisely to landowners and other interested parties. Ability to prepare and explain comprehensive land use and community planning projects. Ability to supervise and train professional, technical and clerical subordinates. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with elected officials, other employees, and the general public.

Education, Certification and Experience Required

A master’s degree in urban planning or a related field is preferred. (Requires five years progressively responsible experience in urban planning in a local government setting with three years previous supervisory experience.) Experience with GIS required. AICP certification desirable. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered. 

SALARY: 

$100,000 - $125,000

TO APPLY:

Applications for this position will be accepted until the position is filled. Please see website to check status.

Click here to view the complete job description and to apply.

The Village of La Grange (pop. 16,321) is seeking a motivated planning professional to serve as its next Village Planner. La Grange is a vibrant community offering walkable and charming neighborhoods surrounding a dynamic downtown that is home to dozens of restaurants and independent retailers. Located at the crossroads of La Grange Road, Ogden Avenue, and the Metra BNSF line, over 50,000 vehicles, commuters, and pedestrians stream through downtown La Grange every day.

Under the supervision of the Deputy Village Manager/Community Development Director, the Village Planner has broad autonomy to guide all aspects of Village planning and zoning activities. The Village recently adopted a new Comprehensive Plan; funding to begin a full rewrite of the Zoning Code is budgeted this year, and a corridor study for South La Grange Road is currently underway. The new Village Planner will be instrumental in these significant projects that will shape the future of La Grange.

The Village Planner serves as the primary staff liaison to the Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Design Review Commission and provides professional analysis of submitted petitions.  The Village Planner is also responsible for zoning administration, interpreting and applying Village zoning regulations, and responding to permit applications and inquiries from residents, developers, and contractors. The Planner is a critical part of the Community Development team, working closely with the Building and Inspectional Services Manager and outside consultants to ensure the Village’s development services are efficient and effective.

Ideal candidates should have strong project management skills.  Candidates should have the ability to research a complex topic and distill the key issues in a written report and/or verbal presentation that is easily understood by non-technical audiences. The Planner interacts with various constituent groups, necessitating a customer service-oriented approach. A creative approach to problem solving and growth mindset will help the chosen candidate succeed in this role.

Qualified candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or related field, with a Master’s degree preferred.  At least two years’ experience as a professional planner, preferably working in municipal government, is desired. AICP certification, or ability to obtain AICP certification within one year is expected. Proficiency in ArcGIS, Adobe Creative Suite, BlueBeam electronic plan review, or OpenGov software is preferred, but not required.

The salary range for this position is $75,970 - $106,358 DOQ. The Village offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and life insurance, Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension, paid time off, professional development, annual cost of living increase and merit-based increases. Successful completion of physical exam, background investigation including reference checks, and drug screening is required.

Position will be open until filled. Qualified individuals interested in being considered for the position must email their resume and cover letter to: hr@lagrangeil.gov with “Village Planner” in the subject field. For any questions during the application process, please contact Human Resources at hr@lagrangeil.gov.

The Village of La Grange is an Equal Opportunity Employer.