Northbrook is a premier northern suburb of Chicago with a AAA bond rating and known as a family oriented, civic minded community with a small-town atmosphere. Many of its residents grew up in Northbrook and returned to raise their families in the community. The Village offers a full array of municipal services and operates under a council-manager form of government. Northbrook has a growing residential population and “once in a career” economic development projects pending, which make this a unique opportunity to become the Director of Development and Planning Services.
The Director provides executive level management support to the Village Manager and Village President and the Board of Trustees with extensive leeway to exercise independent judgment and initiative in planning, implementing, directing, and overseeing the activities and operations of the functions within Development and Planning Services. The Department has 12 full-time employees and 7 part-time/seasonal staff and a general fund budget of $2.6 million. Specific departmental functions include land-use planning, zoning administration, economic development, as well as building and property maintenance code compliance.
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned professional and strategic thinker who brings leadership and communications skills to the Village in order to build relationship with and effectively implement best practices/high-level customer service in collaboration with residents, the business community, developers and Village employees. The Director must be skilled in providing effective work direction to department supervisors and employees, recognizing positive results, and working with staff to develop and retain highly competent, customer-service-oriented staff.
Must haves for the ideal candidate include:
- An approachable leadership style with internal and external customers.
- Strong cultural competency skills and the ability to foster those values throughout the organization.
- A technologically savvy manager who embraces the latest tools to create efficiencies and improves the effectiveness of the organization.
- A mentor who encourages the best in employees.
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, architecture, or related field. A Masters in Urban Planning or Public Policy or another closely related field is strongly preferred.
Seven years of increasingly responsible professional urban planning experience including three years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.
Starting salary 180,000 +/- depending on qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits package. Position will be open until filled, with first review of resumes starting January 6, 2024 The application form can be found by clicking here. Qualified candidates interested in being considered for the position should complete the application and upload their cover letter, resume, and references. Northbrook is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
