JOB DESCRIPTION

Wauconda, IL (pop. 14,084). The Village of Wauconda, a picturesque and welcoming community located in Lake County, Illinois, is seeking a knowledgeable, collaborative, and forward-thinking professional to serve as its new Assistant Community Development Director. This newly created position is part of a strategic succession plan and offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a dynamic department focused on planning, development, and community engagement. This key leadership role supports the Director in planning, organizing, and managing a wide range of community development activities including planning, zoning, economic development, building safety and code enforcement. The Assistant Community Development Director reports directly to the Community Development Director. This position will have direct oversight of a Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer/Building Inspector; it will be supported by an Administrative Assistant.

Wauconda is known for its vibrant downtown, scenic Bangs Lake, and strong sense of community. The Village has earned accolades for its quality of life and is committed to continuous improvement, sustainability, and responsive service delivery. The Village offers diverse housing opportunities that range from single family homes on unique tree-lined residential streets, to lakefront homes as well as multifamily dwellings of apartments and townhomes.

A full-service municipality consisting of 65 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, Wauconda's FY26 budget totals approximately $33 million. Wauconda's local government consists of the Mayor, the six-member Board of Trustees, and the Village Clerk, who are elected to four-year overlapping terms of office. Village Board meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of the month. The Mayor serves as the Village's Chief Elected Officer and performs other traditional statutory functions. The Village Administrator serves as the Chief Administrative Officer and directs the day-to-day services and operations of the Village.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the review and update of building, zoning, and development codes in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
• Support long-range and current planning efforts, including comprehensive plan updates, zoning ordinances, and land use agreements.
• Manage complex development and redevelopment projects from inception to completion, providing technical assistance, conducting feasibility analyses, and ensuring alignment with zoning, land use, and comprehensive plans; provide guidance to residents, developers, and builders throughout the permitting and approval process.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize information from maps, graphs, reports, field studies, Laserfiche files, and Lake County Recorder's Office archives to inform decision-making.
• Prepare detailed statistical reports tabulations, computations, graphs and charts to illustrate long-range planning studies, census information, and special projects for internal use, elected officials, and the public on development activities and outcomes.
• Assist in the preparation and administration of grant applications, including federal and state funding opportunities.
• Collaborate with business owners, developers, residents, and community groups to promote economic development and revitalization initiatives, including projects within the Village's two TIF districts (Route 176 TIF established in 2013 & Main Street TIF enacted in 2025).
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Zoning Board of Appeals/Plan Commission and Economic Development Commission.
• Other special projects and tasks assigned by the Village Administrator or Director.
• Serve as acting Director in the Director's absence. This may include attendance at Village Board/Committee of the Whole and/or Village Service meetings as needed. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in planning, zoning, development, or municipal operations.
• AICP certification is a plus.
• Experience with ordinance writing, zoning administration, and development review.
• Familiarity with GIS and Citizenserve cloud-based permitting system is a plus.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be:

• Detail-oriented and resourceful, able to navigate complex codes and regulations.
• A continuous learner, quick on their feet and comfortable working in a collaborative, supportive environment.
• Even-tempered and approachable, with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to diffuse challenging situations.
• Community-focused, with a passion for public service and a commitment to Wauconda's values of empathy, openness, and respect.

Compensation and Benefits:

The full salary range is $100,000 - $115,000 +/- DOQ. Residency is not required. The Village of Wauconda offers a comprehensive benefits package including paid vacation, sick, holiday time; a menu of PPO health plans through IPBC; tuition assistance; employee assistance plan; optional 457 deferred compensation plans and flex spending options; and Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pension eligibility.

Apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com with a resume, cover letter and contact information for five professional references by the application deadline of November 17, 2025. Confidential inquiries may be directed to Ashley Eccles, MGT Senior Consultant at 847-380-3240 x134.

The Village of Wauconda is an Equal Opportunity Employer