Village of Oak Park, Economic Vitality Administrator

Company: Illinois City / County Management Association (ILC
Location: Oak Park
Posted on: May 17, 2025

Job Description:

The Village of Oak Park, Illinois (Pop. 54,583) is seeking two experienced and collaborative leaders for the roles of Economic Vitality Administrator. These key roles, both requiring a strong knowledge base and a commitment to community and development will focus on a distinct area of impact; one will focus on real estate development and one will focus on small business retention. These roles will join a talented team of professionals in the newly created Office of Economic Vitality within the Village Manager Department, overseeing operations of the Economic Vitality Office. The successful candidates 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.These positions will focus on real estate and business development centered on investment attraction as well as retention and growth of existing village businesses. 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 its 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; facilitating an ongoing relationship between the Village, local businesses, and related partner agencies to maintain a thriving and vibrant business community; continuous outreach and engagement to assess local business needs, concerns, and interests; coordination of technical and financial assistance and other support resources to achieve Village goals for business retention and growth; navigational assistance to ensure seamless service and efficient problem-solving with the business community concerning Village government operations; welcoming and supporting the integration of new businesses into the community; organizational, special events, and promotional marketing support for village business district associations, improvement districts, and special service areas 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:

• Provides coordinated, meaningful services and programs to existing local businesses, business district associations, improvement districts and special service areas and to development prospects designed to promote economic development/vitality throughout the community.
• Initiates and implements specific efforts toward facilitating investment in the Village.
• Establishes and implements a comprehensive business retention program and related services to support the preservation and growth of local businesses.
• Coordinates outreach, engagement, and assistance to local business, business district associations, special service areas and business improvement districts.
• Administers business assistance grants, incentive programs, and related contracts.
• Coordinates development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned partner-agency agreements; and, provides organizational assistance to partner agencies as needed.
• Assist with marketing local business districts and related special events.
• Implements organizing and capacity-building initiatives to create, stabilize and/or grow business district associations and activity.
• Serves as the liaison/ombudsperson between Village departments and business stakeholders to effectuate seamless service, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving where necessary.
• Conducts and/or coordinates educational outreach and information exchange with the business community.
• Assist with advancing workforce development initiatives in support of the local business community.
• Facilitates support to the business community in the advancement of other Village goals for sustainability and resilience; diversity, equity and inclusion; affordability; neighborhood vibrancy; and, community health and safety.
• Engages villages businesses systematically to maintain a current understanding of local business needs, concerns, and interests.
• Develops policy and programs, initiates services, and manages special projects to advance Village economic vitality goals for business retention and growth.
• Under the supervision of the Assistant Village Manager of Economic Vitality, coordinate implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy based on areas of responsibility within the Economic Vitality Office.
• 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 resident 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.Candidates must submit a comprehensive resume, cover letter and contact information for five professional references. For additional information on the position visit our website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs . Applications and resumes may also be submitted by mail to: Human Resources, Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302; by email to: jobs@oak-park.us ; or by fax to: 708-358-5107. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis with the position remaining open until filled.The Village of Oak park commits itself to diversity, equity and inclusion by recognizing that creating mutually respectful, multicultural and equitable environment does not happen on its own; it must be intentional. This includes providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, military or veteran status or any other protected characteristics.
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Keywords: Illinois City / County Management Association (ILC, Downers Grove , Village of Oak Park, Economic Vitality Administrator, Other , Oak Park, Illinois