VILLAGE MANAGER - VILLAGE OF PARK FOREST, ILLINOIS
GovHR USA
Application
Details
Posted: 04-Feb-25
Location: Illinois
Type: Full Time
Salary: 195,000
Preferred Education:
4 Year Degree
Park Forest, IL (pop. 21,864) As a progressive and thoughtfully planned historic south suburban community, Park Forest has a reputation for well managed municipal services and a focus on supportive resident service. Park Forest is a diverse, family-oriented home rule municipality located in both Cook and Will Counties, Illinois, approximately 30 miles south of Chicago. Park Forest is a full-service municipality including public works, police, fire, community development, planning, economic development, finance, recreation and parks, health and a housing authority. It boasts a vibrant arts community as the home to the Nathan Manilow Theater at Freedom Hall, Studio 47, Fieldcrest School of the performing Arts, the Tall Grass Arts Association and the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra. The Village has an annual operating budget of $35.8 million, a total budget of $70.4 million ($12.7 capital) and 167 full-time equivalent employees. Since 2004 the village has received over $81 million in federal, state and county grants. Park Forest has a history of political and administrative stability.
The Village Manager leads the executive management team facilitating key decisions regarding financial management, strategic planning, economic development, capital planning and development, and intergovernmental relations. The Village Manager is appointed by the Board of Trustees (including the Mayor); the elected officials are elected at-large on a non-partisan basis and, in 2025, will enjoy an uncontested election. The current Village Manager is retiring after 27 years of service to Park Forest. The Village Manager and executive team are extremely collaborative and value teamwork which has resulted in a high functioning, long tenured senior staff. The village has an active citizenry with over 100 residents participating in 12 volunteer commissions. Park Forest offers unique services supporting resident quality of life through its parks and recreation programs, economic development and leasehold properties, and the health and housing authority.
Qualifications:
Successful administration of municipal operations in a suburban city/village with the desire to innovate processes and approaches when appropriate.
Will enjoy mentoring and developing staff by fostering a ‘grow your own’ mentality to ensure professional development and skill building occurs throughout the organization.
Will exhibit a collaborative, welcoming approach with elected officials, residents, the business community, and employees. Will support active community engagement and resident outreach initiatives.
Requires a bachelor’s degree in public policy, planning or related field. A master's degree in public administration, business administration or related field is highly desired.
Minimum of seven to ten years of increasingly responsible management experience in municipal government.
Residency, while not required, is desired.
Starting salary range: $195,000 +/- DOQ with excellent benefits; the current compensation for the Village Manager is budgeted at $204,000. Employees will have access to Park Forest’s competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, pension, deferred compensation plans, and so much more! Apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com with resume, cover letter, and contact information for five professional references by March 7, 2025, to the attention of Kathleen (Katy) Rush, Approved Independent Executive Recruiter, MGT, or Ashley Eccles, MGT Senior Consultant, MGT. Confidential inquiries are encouraged to learn more about this opportunity by calling 847-380-3240 122.