Deputy Director of Community Development

The City of Rolling Meadows Community Development Department is seeking qualified applicants to serve as the Department’s next Deputy Director.

The City of Rolling Meadows is a dynamic and forward-thinking organization serving an energetic, friendly and diverse community of over 24,000 residents across 5.64 square miles. Rolling Meadows is located in the northwest suburbs of the Chicago metropolitan area in the region known as the “Golden Corridor” at Interstate 90 and Illinois Route 53.  The City’s downtown area along Kirchoff Road features brick-lined sidewalks, thousands of beautiful shade trees and the landmark Carillon Bell Tower and the Veteran's Memorial. Along Algonquin Road, modern office towers are home to some of the world's most renowned corporations, while Golf Road maintains a prestigious corporate-like campus atmosphere. The City is home to several large employers including Northrup Grumman and the global headquarters for Arthur J. Gallagher. In addition, there are more than 400 shops and restaurants in the area and numerous cultural attractions nearby.

The City is pursuing a progressive and fast-moving agenda with considerable emphasis on Community Development. The Department's next Deputy Director will have the opportunity to work on one-of-a-kind projects, including the redevelopment of the 40-acre Atrium Corporate Center as a high-tech industrial park; the redevelopment of a vacant Sam's Club as a 129,000 square foot Asian lifestyle center; and the potential redevelopment of the nearby Arlington International Racecourse. At the same time, within the last five years, the City has adopted a new comprehensive plan, zoning code, and software system (Tyler Energov). Among the tasks for the Department in 2024 will be leveraging these resources to improve customer service, process efficiency, and code enforcement.

The City's preference is to hire an ambitious planner with a progressive mindset who will make the most of these opportunities. Candidates from the private sector and with non-traditional experience are also encouraged to apply.

The Department is budgeted for ten staff, including three administrative assistants and four inspectors. Plan review, building official, and engineering services are provided by outside contractors. Work is primarily in-person at Rolling Meadows City Hall (3600 Kirchoff Road). Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

The Deputy Director is a key member of the City and Department leadership staff and serves both as a front-line manager and a professional planner. The Deputy Director fulfills these key responsibilities:

• Plays a key role in overall administration of the Community Development Department and the formulation and implementation of the Department's overall goals, budget, business processes, training, and evaluation. Customarily attends meetings of the City's staff leadership team to direct the implementation of the City's legislative and organizational agenda.
• Serves as the acting Director in the absence of the Director and exercises those powers delegated to the Director by law, including as the City's Building Official, License Official, and Zoning Administrator.
• Provides day-to-day supervision of the three administrative staff within the Department and the processes they are responsible for, including the issuance of the City's building permits, business licenses, and rental dwelling licenses.
• Serves as the product manager for the Department's software program, Tyler Energov. Identify opportunities to maximize use and benefits of the software for intradepartmental, interdepartmental, and external customers. Work with City subject matter experts and outside consultants to plan, design, and implement changes.

The Deputy Director may also be relied upon for these technical tasks shared among the Department's planning staff:

• Staffs the City's Planning and Zoning Commission. Attends monthly meetings of the PZC. Prepares staff recommendations for the City's Planning and Zoning Commission. Presents from time to time to the City Council and other City advisory bodies outside of regular working hours.
• Serves as the project manager for complex development applications. Coordinates with other City departments and outside consultants throughout the lifecycle of these projects. Organizes the City's development review process and ensures timely reviews.
• Serves as the zoning reviewer for permit applications and development proposals. Makes decisions as to the applicability and interpretation of the City's development regulations concerning the review.
• Provides excellent customer service to requests for information regarding the City's land use regulations, development review, and approval process.
• Assists in the City's long-range planning efforts, including updates to the City's Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Regulations that implement goals and policies identified in the Comprehensive Plan.

The hiring range for this position is $100,543 to $123,000 annually, dependent on qualifications and experience. The maximum authorized salary for this position is $138,020. The salary range is adjusted annually, and employees are considered for raises annually on the basis of performance. This position's duties are exempt from overtime and compensatory time.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested persons should apply as soon as possible, but in no event later than 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

(Any offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check and drug screening. The City is an equal opportunity employer.)

Requirements

The successful candidate will possess:

• A bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited university. Attainment of a master's degree in a related field is highly preferred.
• Five years of progressively responsible related experience,. Prior supervisory experience is preferred but not a mandatory requirement. A master's degree may be accepted in partial fulfillment of this experience requirement.
• AICP certification is highly preferred.
• High energy and a friendly, team-oriented personality.
• An excellent customer service mindset whether interacting in-person, via telephone, or via e-mail.
• Strong proficiency in the operation of a desktop computer and other office equipment. Prior experience in the Tyler Energov system is desirable.
• A valid driver's license.

Benefits

The City offers a comprehensive benefit package. Highlights include:

• Unlimited Paid Time Off (UPTO). The City has a first-in-the-suburbs UPTO program to provide flexibility that supports a high degree of responsibility and duties that extend beyond a regular working week. UPTO includes routine pre-approved leave (vacation) and sick leave. Upon becoming eligible for FMLA (typically after one year of service), UPTO pays during FMLA leave up to twelve weeks annually for qualifying circumstances such as serious illness and paternity.
• Remote Work. The City offers one day per week of regularly scheduled remote work for employees meeting performance expectations.
• Retirement. This position participates in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). IMRF is in an excellent financial position (98% funded) and pays an annual retirement benefit of up to 75% of salary (adjusted annually for inflation). The City also offers optional 457(b) retirement plans.
• Health Insurance. The City offers PPO and HMO health, vision, and dental options. Generally, the City pays 85-94% of the total premium cost dependent on plan selection (and subject to change).