ECONOMIC VITALITY ADMINSTRATOR

The Village of Oak Park, Illinois (Pop. 54,583) is seeking an experienced and collaborative leader for the role of Economic Vitality Administrator. This key role, requiring a strong knowledge base and a commitment to community and development will focus on real estate and development centered on investment attraction. This role will join a talented team of professionals in the newly created Office of Economic Vitality within the Village Manager’s Department, overseeing operations of the Economic Vitality Office. The successful candidate will exemplify the Village’s core values of community, connection, service and respect.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Economic Vitality Administrator reports directly to the Assistant Village Manager of Economic Vitality and provides administration of various economic development polices, programs, services and initiatives.

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Village Manager of Economic Vitality, plan, direct, manage and oversee assigned operations of the Economic Vitality Office, including the administration of various economic development policies, programs, services, and initiatives.
The emphasis for this role is real estate and business development centered on investment attraction. Responsibilities generally include: incentive policy administration; proforma analysis; negotiation and administration of development agreements; business recruitment, expansion or formation; sustainable development facilitation; strategic promotion of the Village and it’s unique assets; relationship building with real estate investment stakeholders; intergovernmental (local, regional, and statewide) collaboration on economic development; accelerating strategic investments in economic development/redevelopment priority areas (commercial corridors, business districts, key development sites, etc.); facilitating public-private partnerships in support of new investments; management of the Village’s real estate assets and implementation of policies and procedures governing Village property acquisitions, assembly, and dispositions; MBE/WBE/DBE/VBE support and initiatives; administration of Village cultural (Heritage, Arts, Entertainment) affairs programs and initiatives; economic research, analysis, and reporting; community engagement and information exchange initiatives; and, administration of other areas of the Village’s comprehensive Economic Vitality Program as assigned by the Assistant Village Manager of Economic Vitality.

Key priorities for the Economic Vitality Administrator include:

• Provide coordinated, meaningful services and programs to development prospects designed to promote economic development/vitality throughout the community.
• Initiate and implement specific efforts toward facilitating investment in the Village.
• Under the supervision of the Assistant Village Manager of Economic Vitality, coordinate implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy.
• Participate in the development and administration of the Economic Vitality Division budget; approve the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approve expenditures and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
• Explain, justify and defend Economic Vitality programs, policies, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
• Represent the Economic Vitality Office to other Village departments, elected officials and outside agencies as assigned; coordinate Economic Vitality activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations when directed.
• Work with Assistant Village Manager for Economic Vitality and the Village Manager’s Office to prepare and manage all reports for Performance Management Program of the Village within established deadlines.
• Prepare written materials as needed and within established deadlines for the Assistant Village Manager for Economic Vitality to present to the Board of Trustees.
• Provide staff assistance to the Assistant Village Manager of Economic Vitality; participate on a variety of boards, commissions and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Possess complete integrity and exemplify professional and personal characteristics of impeccable behavior which meet the highest standards.
• Provide staff support to assigned boards and commissions as assigned.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
Five years of progressively responsible professional and/or management experience in community and economic development; AND Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration or public policy, urban planning, or a related discipline. A Master’s degree is highly desirable. Possession of, or ability to obtain an IEDC certification is desirable.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The Village of Oak Park offers a highly competitive benefit package including but not limited to a retirement plan, deferred compensation program, social security, medical, dental, vision & life insurance, flexible spending accounts, vacation, sick leave and other benefits including flexible working arrangements. The annual salary range for the Economic Vitality Administrator is $111,000 - $160,950. In most cases the starting salary is no higher than the midpoint for the range.