Employment opportunity: Oak Forest community and economic development director

The City of Oak Forest is seeking highly professional, energetic and accomplished candidate interested in serving as its Community and Economic Development Director. The City of Oak Forest is a municipality in Illinois that is home to approximately 28,000 residents and 450 businesses.  Oak Forest’s distinctive geographic location, cradled in forest preserves just 20 miles from the heart of the Chicago Loop, provides residents with a range of conveniences that enhance their overall quality of life.  Whether its access to regional amenities, downtown Chicago or simply friends next door, Oak Forest residents and families can justifiably boast the things they love best are “close to home.”

The Community and Economic Development Director can expect to work on expanding the city’s vitality and momentum through business recruitment and retention and guide an engaged and supportive residential and business community. The Director is recommended by the City Administrator and appointed by the Mayor and City Council. The Department consists of a full-time, contractual planner and a part-time marketing coordinator. Qualified individuals will be expected to have a minimum of five years’ experience, including a leadership position in a community development department of comparable complexity, preferably with demonstrated experience in economic development and a record for effective relationships with the business community.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, or related field; a master’s degree in a related field is strongly preferred. Candidates should possess a team-oriented style of leadership; comprehensive knowledge of modern planning and economic development concepts, principles, strategies, practices, and techniques; a creative, problem-solving approach; well-developed interpersonal and oral/written communication skills. Starting salary is $85,000-$105,000, depending on qualifications and experience.  City residency is not required. Please submit an application (found at www.oak-forest.org/jobs), résumé, cover letter, and professional references by February 10, 2017, to Dorienne Preer, human resource manager, at dpreer@oak-forest.org.  Questions?  Call 708-687-4050, ext. 1020.