Director of Community Development

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

The Village of Glendale Heights (population 33,176) is seeking an innovative, strategic, and experienced leader to serve as its next Community Development Director. The Community Development Director position is critical in advancing development strategies that align with the Village’s $77 million total budget and vision for community-centered growth.  

With the recent election of a new Village President and a renewed vision for progress, Glendale Heights is entering an exciting new chapter centered on smart growth, revitalization, and community-first development. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the Village’s future by guiding transformative projects, fostering meaningful partnerships, and aligning development efforts with the values and aspirations of our diverse and dynamic community.

See the full position brochure here:  DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BROCHURE

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Community Development Director reports directly to the Village Administrator and under the broad policy guidance and direction of the Village President and Board of Trustees. The Director provides organizational leadership to a department of 13 staff members and oversees all operations within the Community Development Department, including:

• Long-range and current planning 
• Permitting and inspections
• Building and zoning code compliance
• Coordination with developers, businesses, and residents

This position is a key member of the Village’s executive team who advises and collaborates with other departments, boards, commissions, community partners and the general public on professional planning and development matters.  All Department Heads require appointment by the Village President and confirmation by the Village Board of Trustees. Reappointment by the Village President and confirmation occurs every four years.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

The successful candidate will bring:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Public Administration, Geography, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible community development experience, including 5+ years in a senior leadership or supervisory role.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification and/or Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, and development codes.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage projects, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Proficiency with relevant software and office technology.
• A track record of innovation, contract management, and a commitment to professional development.
• Experience in building strong public-private partnerships and navigating complex development projects will be highly valued.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary Range: $127,058 – $167,401, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Benefits - The Village offers a competitive benefit package, including Blue Cross HMO or PPO medical, dental and life insurance, membership in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), optional 457, deferred compensation plan, and a comprehensive package of paid time off package.  A full benefit summary is available upon request.
• The Village strongly supports professional development and provides for attendance at conferences, trainings and professional certifications.
• Residency Requirement - Employees must reside within 15 miles of the Village, unless an exception is granted by the Village Administrator.
• Attendance at evening meetings is required.

Interested candidates should apply online: APPLY HERE

Posting Date: 4/22/2025; application deadline: 6/6/2025 (end of business day)

Top candidates will be invited to a panel interview based on qualifications and application ranking. Final selection is contingent upon a criminal background check, pre-employment drug screening, and fingerprinting for a full background investigation.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER & ANTI-NEPOTISM POLICY

The Village of Glendale Heights is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Village strictly adheres to fair and merit based employment practice and a nepotism and cronyism policy to prevent favoritism or conflicts of interest in employment or contracting.

If you are an immediate family member or have a personal, political, financial, or commercial relationship with a current or former Village Employee, please disclose this in the "How did you hear about this position?" section of your application.