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Community Development Director

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

The Community Development Director Key responsibilities include:

  • Improvement Initiatives: Support blight reduction efforts through structured, community-informed strategies
  • Operational Excellence: Deliver effective services with efficiency and attention to regulatory compliance
  • Community Engagement & Partnerships: Build sustainable, long-term relationships with community partners to support shared goals
  • Project Leadership: Contribute to the city’s renovation through collaboration and project follow-through
  • Economic Development Strategy: Support economic development initiatives with thoughtful, programmatic planning

OPPORTUNITIES:

The Community Development Director provides consistent leadership and support to a department responsible for:

  • Planning and developing long-range strategies
  • Administrating grants by managing applications, ensuring compliance, and overseeing reporting to secure funding that supports community development initiatives
  • Conducting building inspections to ensure compliance with safety codes and regulations
  • Enforcing building and zoning codes to maintain safety and standards
  • Address and resolve nuisance complaints to improve neighborhood livability and safety
  • Oversee compliance and operations for Pretzel Transit and the Senior Center to ensure quality and regulatory standards are met

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

  • A bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Organizational Leadership, or related field (Master’s preferred)
  • Five to eight years of senior-level municipal or planning leadership experience
  • Strong personnel supervision background
  • AICP and/or CEDC Certification preferred
  • Equivalent combinations of education and experience will also be considered
  • While residency within city limits is preferred, it is not required for this position.

IDEAL CANDIDATE:

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the City hopes to attract candidates for the position that:

  • Leads with humility and integrity
  • Appreciates and recognizes team contributions
  • Collaborates with the community to find practical, achievable solutions
  • Remains calm and composed under pressure
  • Inspires and brings out the best in their staff
  • Maintains focus on ethical and effective practice

In addition to the requirements listed above, the preferred candidate will have the following personal attributes:

  • Reliable
  • Communicative
  • Experienced
  • Effective
  • Strategic

PREFERRED DISC BEHAVIOR STYLE:

Balance Precision with People Skills, combining a task-oriented focus with a team-centered, people-first mindset (reflective of a CS DISC style).

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

  • Anticipated Starting Salary: $95,000 – $110,000 (DOQ)
  • Generous Benefits Package includes:
    • IMRF Pension Plan
    • 82% City-paid health insurance
    • Paid holidays
    • Sick leave
    • Three weeks of paid vacation
    • Opportunities for professional development and growth

To apply, please CLICK HERE and follow the instructions included.

Disclaimer: The City of Freeport is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon any status protected under local, state or federal laws.  We welcome a diverse workforce.

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