COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR – VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD, ILLINOIS

Lincolnwood, IL (13,463) is seeking a knowledgeable and collaborative leader to oversee its Community Development Department, guiding planning, zoning, and economic development initiatives to support the Village’s growth and vitality. The Village is seeking an assertive professional to focus on economic development and key redevelopment opportunities. The department has eight (8) full-time employees, one (1) part-time intern, and contracts with SAFEbuilt for building inspections and plan review services. The Director is an integral part of the Village’s leadership team, with responsibilities including oversight of critical functions, such as planning, zoning, permitting, building code review and interpretation, code enforcement, and building construction inspection. The department has responsibilities for advisory boards and commissions, including providing staff assistance to the Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals and the Economic Development Commission. The Community Development Department has a $1.8M operating budget.

Lincolnwood is an ethnically, racially, and socioeconomically diverse and dynamic community that serves as the gateway to the North Shore. The Village has a unique blend of residential, commercial, and light industrial. Lincolnwood is home to the new District 1860 mixed use development, a stellar variety of top-notch restaurants such as Stefani Prime, L. Woods and Libanais, the Lincolnwood Town Center regional mall and seven automotive dealerships. Several key businesses are currently under construction or permitted including a dual branded Marriott hotel and an Amazon Fresh grocery store. The Village anticipates redevelopment of the Lincolnwood Town Center to begin in the immediate future.

Located in Cook County, Lincolnwood is a small but mighty 2.7 square mile community. In 2024, the Village transitioned to a calendar year budget which totals $68 million including a nearly $34 million general fund budget. Lincolnwood is a full-service municipality with 101 FTEs, a contracted Fire Department, and 250+ seasonal staff. The Village is focused on investing in its infrastructure, including facilities improvements and is in the initial planning stages of an Aquatic Center renovation and a potential Recreation Center.     

Lincolnwood is a professionally managed home rule community operating under the Council/Manager form of government. The Mayor and six Trustees are elected at large for four-year terms. The Community Development Director is appointed by and reports to the Village Manager and is a key member of the executive leadership team. Village departments include Community Development, Finance, Fire, Parks and Recreation, Police, Public Works, and the Village Manager’s Office.

Key Responsibilities:

• Key Projects: With the Lincolnwood Town Center on the verge of redevelopment, the Community Development Director will lead the redevelopment process for the 30+ acre site. The next Director will continue to finalize the buildout of District 1860 which includes the completion of a Marriott hotel, Amazon Fresh, and commercial spaces on the first floor of the mixed-use building. The Director will also coordinate a Comprehensive Plan from start to finish with distribution of the Request for Proposal through to implementation.
• Economic Development & Business Retention: Coordinates the attraction of businesses, fosters business growth and retention to maintain a strong local economy and reduce commercial vacancies. Develops strategies to attract new businesses while supporting the needs of existing businesses to promote long-term economic sustainability. Works with the Economic Development Commission to develop policies and to provide valuable input.
• Urban Planning & Land Use Management: Provides leadership in urban planning by supporting the Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals (PC/ZBA) and the Economic Development Commission in addressing zoning, land use, and redevelopment initiatives. Collaborates with these bodies to ensure a well-balanced, forward-thinking approach to community development.
• Strategic Planning & Development Goals: Develops, maintains, and updates both long-term and short-term development goals for the Community Development Department. Aligns these goals with the Village’s strategic initiatives to guide sustainable growth and infrastructure improvements. The Lincolnwood Town Center Concept Plan provides a long-term vision for the Town Center area and will influence the types of design of future development.
• Marketing & Public Outreach: Creates and implements economic development marketing strategies to promote the Village as a business-friendly destination.
• Business & Intergovernmental Relations: Engages with private businesses, developers, and public agencies to enhance economic viability, attract investment, and support redevelopment projects. Serves as a key resource for businesses navigating Village regulations, permitting processes, and incentive programs.
• Code Enforcement & Regulatory Oversight: Reviews, updates, and enforces zoning, building, and development codes to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Policy Compliance: Ensures adherence to all Village policies, protocols, and procedures in department operations. Provides professional recommendations to elected officials, commissions, and other stakeholders regarding policies, planning initiatives, and economic development strategies.
• Community Engagement: Represents the Village as the liaison to the local Chamber of Commerce and other business, planning, and economic development organizations. Builds strong relationships with community stakeholders to foster collaboration and enhance the Village’s economic and development interests.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, architecture, public administration, or a related field from an accredited institution is required. A master’s degree is preferred.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification and/or Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation desired.
• A minimum of seven years of experience of progressively responsible planning and development is required.
• 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.

The salary range is $140,153 - $196,214 +/- DOQ. The Village offers a competitive benefit package, including medical, dental and life insurance, membership in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), optional 457 deferred compensation plan, four weeks of accrued vacation, sick leave, holidays, and an educational stipend.

How to Apply:

Apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com with a resume, cover letter and contact information for five professional references. Applications are being accepted until the position is filled, with a first review of resumes on April 21, 2025. Confidential inquiries may be directed to Maureen Barry, Senior Consultant, MGT, at 847-380-3240 x116 or Ashley Eccles, Senior Consultant, MGT, at 847-380-3240 x134.

The Village of Lincolnwood is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer.