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Vernon Hills, IL (population 26,850) a vibrant, family focused community located 37 miles north of Chicago in Lake County, known for its vibrant commercial shopping, strong services, and political stability. The Village is seeking knowledgeable, diligent, and collaborative candidates to serve as their next Director of Community Development. Vernon Hills is known as a lean, resourceful organization consisting of Police, 9-1-1 Dispatch, Public Works, and Community Development services. With a highly attractive location, commercial ventures seek to locate in Vernon Hills, significantly reducing the need for any economic development recruitment efforts or incentives. Strong development activity is projected to continue requiring an individual who enjoys a fast-paced work environment and an understanding of TIF districts and complex redevelopment efforts. With a great deal of pride, Vernon Hills retains its status as one of the few communities in Illinois without a local property tax, which necessitates a focus on cost containment measures and innovation and strong development efforts. The Village takes great pride in their exceptional level of services to residents, particularly senior citizens, and promotes a host of activities to bolster a strong sense of family, safety, and prosperity.  

The new Director will supervise a staff of six, including two building inspectors/plan reviewers who enjoy a background in plumbing and electrical trades, three Administrative Assistants who support the department and who provide a primary customer service role for the Village, and one part-time code enforcement officer. The Director will report to the Village Manager and serve as a liaison to the Planning and Zoning Commission and support the Village Board on development related issues.

The Community Development Department is responsible for management and leadership of the planning, zoning, building, and code enforcement with a departmental budget of approximately $915,000.  Qualified individuals will be expected to have: 

• A minimum of five years’ progressively responsible experience including at least two (2) years in a supervisory position in a community with an active development climate with command and ability to navigate the complexities of municipal planning, zoning, and building code compliance or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• A bachelor’s degree in urban planning, or closely related field; an AICP certification is desirable.  Certifications in the building and code field are welcome and considered a plus, but not required.
• Attention to a high-functioning customer service environment and team-oriented leadership style with knowledge of and practice in modern management concepts, principles, strategies, practices, and techniques. 
• A champion of process improvement with an understanding of a progressive Community Development department operation with a demonstrated interest in technology.
• Skilled and resourceful in resident and business engagement; comfortable responding to complex issues and interacting with elected officials and department manager team to advance a positive business climate in Vernon Hills. 
• A creative, problem-solving approach and well developed interpersonal and oral/written/presentation communication skills.  

Expected starting salary is +/- $155,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Residency is not required. The Village offers exceptional benefits, including membership into the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), a vehicle allowance, optional 457 deferred compensation plans, and a menu of health plans. Candidates should apply by May 27, 2022, with resume, cover letter, and contact information for five (5) work-related references to www.GovHRjobs.com to the attention of Kathleen Rush, Vice President, GovHR USA 630 Dundee Road, #130, Northbrook, IL 60062 Tel:  847-380-3240 Ext 122.

 The Village of Vernon Hills is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Click Here to Apply!

The Community Development Department is responsible for management and leadership of the planning, zoning, building, and code enforcement with a departmental budget of approximately $915,000.  Qualified individuals will be expected to have: 

• A minimum of five years’ progressively responsible experience including at least two (2) years in a supervisory position in a community with an active development climate with command and ability to navigate the complexities of municipal planning, zoning, and building code compliance or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• A bachelor’s degree in urban planning, or closely related field; an AICP certification is desirable.  Certifications in the building and code field are welcome and considered a plus, but not required.
• Attention to a high-functioning customer service environment and team-oriented leadership style with knowledge of and practice in modern management concepts, principles, strategies, practices, and techniques. 
• A champion of process improvement with an understanding of a progressive Community Development department operation with a demonstrated interest in technology.
• Skilled and resourceful in resident and business engagement; comfortable responding to complex issues and interacting with elected officials and department manager team to advance a positive business climate in Vernon Hills. 
• A creative, problem-solving approach and well developed interpersonal and oral/written/presentation communication skills.