The City of Harvard is seeking qualified applicants for the full-time position of Community and Economic Development Director. The Director manages the activities of the City’s Development Department and directs programs to encourage and support residential and commercial development activity in the City of Harvard.
ABOUT THE CITY OF HARVARD
Harvard, the most diverse community in McHenry County, is located approximately 7 miles (11 km) south of the Illinois/Wisconsin border. The population was 9,469 at the 2020 census. The city is 63 miles (101 km) from the Chicago Loop, and is the first stop on the Metra’s Union Pacific/Northwest Line.
In 1942, the city created annual celebration known as Harvard Milk Day in honor of all of the dairy farms in and around Harvard. Harvard was self-named The Milk Capital of the World, sine more milk was produced in and around Harvard than anywhere in the United States. A lavish parade down whitewashed streets, presided over by a large plastic Holstein cow named Harmilda, attracted thousands. Celebrations aside, dairy farming declined as farmers found it easier and as profitable to supply metropolitan Chicago’s supermarkets with produce. Nonetheless, the Milk Day celebration continues as the longest continuously running hometown festival in Illinois, celebrating
the 84th year this June 2025.
With urban expansion overrunning eastern McHenry County in the late 1960s, Harvard’s rural setting became a model to many who opposed that growth. County government was lobbied to adopt land-use plans to preserve agricultural areas. Many Latinos who came to work as temporary pickers and processors settled in Harvard. Today, Harvard has 3rd and 4th generations of Latinos who are woven into the be of our community’s population makeup. The City
is committed to embracing this cultural diversity, continuously striving to offer diverse services and improve community integration.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Community and Economic Development Director is a senior leadership position reporting directly to the City Administrator. This dynamic role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing the day-to-day operations of the Department, which includes economic development initiatives, current and long-range planning, zoning administration, code enforcement, and building activities.
The Director serves as the City’s primary liaison for business attraction and retention efforts, provides oversight of planning and zoning activities, and facilitates strategic initiatives that enhance quality of life and economic vitality in Harvard. The Director also provides staff support to the Planning & Zoning Commission and oversees the Code Enforcement Division. This role requires both strategic vision and hands-on implementation, working closely with elected officials, community stakeholders, developers, and residents.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will be a mission-driving, innovative, and highly organized leader with a passion for strengthening communities through thoughtful development and collaborative partnerships. A strong understanding of municipal operations, economic development tools, public engagement, and regulatory processes is essential.
Preferred Qualifications Include:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Economic Development, Business Administration, or related field from an accredited college or university is preferred.
- Minimum of three (5) years of progressively responsible experience in local government planning, zoning, or community development, including supervisory
- Experience managing development incentives such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Enterprise Zones, Opportunity Zones, and other state and federal economic development tools.
- Proven success in preparing and implementing strategic and comprehensive plans, redevelopment agreements, and downtown revitalization strategies.
- Familiarity with municipal budgeting, public-private partnerships, and grant administration.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated success in facilitating public meetings and engaging with diverse stakeholders.
Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated salary range is $105,000 to to $115,000 +/- DOQ. A comprehensive benefits package includes participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), health insurance including medical, dental, vision coverage (also available to dependents), and life insurance. The City also offers paid vacation, personal leave, holidays and sick leave. The City does not have a residency requirement.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Deadline to apply is July 3, 2025 5:00 p.m.
Please send resumes with cover letter to the attention of Deputy City Clerk Jannette Nunez
201 W. Diggins Street
P.O. Box 310
Harvard, Il. 60033
or email nunez@cityofharvard.org
Further information may be obtained by contacting: Debi Bejot
Finance Director 815-943-6468 x106
The City of Harvard is an Equal Opportunity Employer
