The Village of Lindenhurst is accepting resumes from qualified candidates to serve as its Economic Development and Special Projects Coordinator. This new position will serve as the Village’s primary business liaison, playing a key role in recruitment and retention while also analyzing Village processes in order to reduce barriers to entry for new development.
For a salary starting between $59,026 and $87,709, the candidate will primarily be charged with fulfilling the activities outlined in the Village’s economic development strategy and portions of its strategic plan. A successful candidate should possess a background in municipal economic development, urban planning, and/or a working knowledge of commercial real estate. Candidates should also have experience in identifying and recruiting businesses/developers to the Village with the intent of matching them with prospective properties and landowners.
About the Village
The Village of Lindenhurst, with a population 14,406 (2020 census), was incorporated in 1956. The Village is situated in north Lake County and is approximately 50 miles from Chicago, IL and Milwaukee, WI. Residents enjoy the ability to travel to these larger, urban areas being a quick, seven (7) minute drive to Interstate 94. Lindenhurst sits almost squarely between two international airports – O’Hare International Airport (37 miles) and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (44 miles).
Two major arterials (US Route 45 and IL Route 132) traverse the Village of Lindenhurst. US Route 45’s ADT is approximately 19,000 while IL Route 132/Grand Avenue has an ADT of approximately 24,500. Other arterials in Lindenhurst include Grass Lake Road and Sand Lake Road. The Village boasts unparalleled access to outdoor recreational areas such as forest preserves, parks, and local lakes.
This position is created and offered at an exciting point in the Village’s history. The Village is experiencing recent growth in residential development with approximately 300 new residential units recently built or currently under construction. There has also been a recent renaissance in the Grand Avenue commercial corridor via the redevelopment of the Lindenhurst Center (former Linden Plaza). In May 2022, the Village Board established its first tax increment finance (TIF) district along Grand Avenue as a tool to redevelop its primary commercial area, presenting a unique opportunity for initiating growth led by the incoming candidate.
Community Demographics
Population: Approximately 14,406 (2020 Census)
Median Age: 37.8 (2022 ACS)
Households: 5,071 (2022 ACS)
Median Household Income: $124,690 (2022 ACS)
Average Home Value: $317,191 (Zillow)
Race: White (Non-Hispanic) 77.2%, Black or African American 2.87%, Asian 6.03%, Multi Racial Hispanic 3.87% Two or More Races 2.02%, White Hispanic 4.91%, Other Hispanic 2.13%, Other Non-Hispanic 0.34%, American Indian and Alaska Native Hispanic 0.42%, Black, or African American Hispanic 0.11, Asian Hispanic .0625 (2022 Census).
Employment and Industry Information
The top industry sectors in Lindenhurst per the 2021 U.S. Census Bureau include:
- Health Care
- Retail Trade
- Accommodation and Food Services
- Construction
- Professional
The top industry sectors for employment of Lindenhurst’s residents per the 2021 U.S. Census Bureau include:
- Manufacturing
- Education
- Health Care
- Retail Trade
- Professional
Position Responsibilities
Reporting to the Village Administrator, the position will be primarily engaged in contacting and networking with users or tenants, developers, real estate agents, and property owners to identify development opportunities and facilitate letters of intent (LOIs), sales, or leases between the parties.
The position also will be expected to collaborate with Village staff and the Village Board to:
- Implement economic development strategies to attract new businesses, retain and expand existing businesses, and promote the Village as a desirable business location.
- Generate interest in developable areas throughout the Village with a focus on the Grand Avenue corridor.
- Work with landowners to identify development opportunities.
- Assist with the implementation of the Village’s streetscape and design plan for the Grand Avenue corridor currently being developed.
- Research information regarding the existing businesses within the community and the redevelopment or revitalization of targeted areas of the community.
- Take the lead on the creation of economic development content and marketing materials for the website, social media, and print.
- Serve as business liaison, helping to connect current businesses to resources and supporting new businesses through entitlement and permit processes.
- As a valued member of the Village’s management team, coordinate with other department heads to assist with priority projects as needed.
- Other economic development-related tasks as identified during the contract term.
To make a positive impact in this role, the successful candidate will possess the knowledge and drive to consistently advance the Village’s vision of becoming “the friendliest and most appealing community in Lake County.” Flexibility is a key characteristic as exposure to a wide variety of municipal services will be experienced amongst a supportive staff sharing numerous responsibilities.
Position Qualifications
At least two years of experience in municipal economic development, community development, or planning and/or a working knowledge of commercial real estate/development. Experience with municipalities utilizing tax increment financing (TIF) is desirable. Possession of a bachelor’s degree in economic development, urban planning, public administration, or related field. CEcD designation is not necessary, but viewed as a plus. Any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which ensures the ability to perform the work may be substituted for the required experience.
Compensation and Benefits
A starting salary between $59,026 and $87,709 DOQ along with an excellent benefits package which includes paid sick, vacation, holiday (10 days), and personal (2 days) leave. Employees also participate in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension. Health, vision, and life insurance is offered with affordable premiums shared at a 95% ER/5% EE rate.
Application Process
Apply with resume, cover letter and three professional references to www.lindenhurstil.org/jobs. Position will remain open until filled with first review of candidates to occur on February 3, 2025. The Village of Lindenhurst is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
