Community Development Director

Village of Lake Zurich, IL

$129K — $158K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in relevant field such as planning or land development.
  • Extensive municipal government experience, including knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations.
  • Strong background in comprehensive planning and economic development strategies.
  • Proficient in project planning and report writing with effective communication skills.
  • American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification required.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the strategic direction for planning, zoning, and economic development initiatives.
  • Develop innovative land use planning strategies aligned with community needs.
  • Advise local boards with policy recommendations and regulatory updates.
  • Evaluate and refine zoning codes and standards for best practices.
  • Oversee planning and building review processes for development proposals.
  • Integrate permitting and inspection services into a cohesive framework.
  • Build and lead a high-performing Community Development team.

Benefits

  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.
  • Paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave.
  • Participation in the IMRF pension fund.
Full Job Description
The Village of Lake Zurich is seeking its next Community Development Director. The Community Development Director provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for all community development functions, guiding the Village's efforts to foster thoughtful growth, vibrant neighborhoods, and a strong economic future.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Leads the Department's overall strategic direction, aligning planning, zoning, building, and economic development initiatives with the Village's long-term vision and community priorities.
  • Drives forward-looking land use and planning strategies, ensuring policies, studies, and recommendations are data-informed, innovative, and responsive to evolving community needs and market trends.
  • Advises the Planning and Zoning Commission and Village Board by preparing and presenting high-level policy recommendations, development strategies, and regulatory updates that support sound decision-making and sustainable growth.
  • Oversees the continuous evaluation and refinement of zoning codes, ordinances, and development standards to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with best practices in planning and community development.
  • Provides executive oversight of planning and building functions, ensuring coordinated, high-quality review of development proposals and consistent application of Village standards and policies.
  • Integrates building services, permitting, and inspection operations into a cohesive, service-oriented development framework that supports efficiency, accountability, and an exceptional customer experience.
  • Builds and leads a high-performing departmental team, fostering collaboration, professional development, and a culture of excellence across all Community Development functions.

Position Qualifications: Qualified candidates will have a Master's degree with coursework in current and long-range planning, zoning, site and landscape planning, land development, or related field and extensive experience working in municipal government with local, state and federal laws and regulations, comprehensive planning, economic development, project planning, report writing and land development, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Qualified candidate will hold an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification issued by the American Planning Association and a valid driver's license issued by the IL Secretary of State.

Selected candidate must also successfully complete a background check and post-offer employment physical examination including a drug screening.

Compensation and Benefits: The starting annual salary is $129,302 - $158,330. Comprehensive benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave, and participation in the IMRF pension fund.

Selection Process: Candidates may submit a resume and cover letter to Human Resources, 70 E. Main Street, Lake Zurich, IL 60047 or email to [redacted].

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