Village Manager

Village Manager

Village of Hazel Crest, IL

The Village of Hazel Crest, Illinois is seeking a forward-thinking, collaborative, and results-driven leader to serve as its next Village Manager. Appointed by and reporting to the Village President and Board of Trustees, this chief administrative officer will steer the municipality through critical strategic priorities, including robust economic development, strict fiscal stewardship, and enhanced service delivery. The ideal candidate will be a highly visible, engaged executive dedicated to transparency, public service, and sustainable community growth.

About Our Community

Located approximately 25 miles south of the Chicago Loop in Cook County, the Village of Hazel Crest is a vibrant, diverse, and close-knit south suburban community of approximately 13,000 residents. First settled as a farming community in 1870 and officially incorporated in 1912, Hazel Crest has evolved into a strategic transportation hub with seamless access to the Metra Electric District rail service, I-80/94, and major state highways. Spanning 3.4 square miles, the Village prides itself on its high rate of homeownership (75%), strong municipal services housed in the historic Martin J. Kauchak Municipal Center, and a rich legacy of community collaboration.

Position Overview & General Purpose

The Village Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight across all municipal functions. Acting as the bridge between policy and execution, the Manager aligns departmental operations with the vision of elected officials to ensure responsive, high-quality services for residents, businesses, and regional stakeholders.

Core Focus Areas & Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Financial Stewardship

• Budget Administration: Lead the preparation, submission, and strict administration of the annual Village budget.
• Fiscal Planning: Oversees long-term financial planning, capital improvement strategies, and transparent fiscal reporting to ensure long-term stability.
• Community Development: Spearhead strategic planning, corridor revitalization, and community economic development efforts.
• Grant Management: Identify, prepare, and responsibly administer grant funding opportunities to leverage local resources.

Operational & Personnel Leadership

• Departmental Oversight: Direct all Village departments, establishing performance expectations and accountability measures to optimize service delivery.
• Staff Supervision: Manage department heads, evaluate organizational structures, and oversee broad human resource and personnel functions.
• Labor Relations: Support and guide complex labor negotiations and collective bargaining agreements across public safety and utility operations.
• Contract Management: Negotiate and manage municipal contracts, franchise agreements, and professional service contracts.

Board Governance & Intergovernmental Relations

• Policy Implementation: Execute policies, ordinances, and strategic directives established by the Village Board.
• Executive Counsel: Provide data-driven analysis, wisdom, and objective policy recommendations to elected officials during work sessions and council meetings.
• Public Representation: Serve as a primary spokesperson, handle press relations, and represent the Village with regional, state, and federal agencies.
• Meeting Engagement: Attend and participate in all Village Board and designated committee meetings.

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Qualifications for Consideration

• Education: Master's degree in Public Administration (MPA), Business Administration (MBA), or a closely related field is required.
• Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of progressive, executive-level municipal management experience (e.g., as a Manager, Administrator, or Assistant Manager) in a comparable community scale.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

o Governance & Law: Deep knowledge of Illinois municipal laws, public administration principles, and council-manager government.

o Fiscal Acumen: Advanced skills in public finance, complex budgeting, and strategic resource allocation.

o Leadership & Culture: Proven ability to manage a diverse, 24/7 workforce, foster operational innovation, and build a culture of accountability.

o Communication & Engagement: Exceptional public relations and negotiation skills with a track record of building trust with community members, regional stakeholders, and the press.

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Benefits

The Village of Hazel Crest offers a comprehensive executive benefits package:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, life, and vision insurance.
• Paid Time Off: A generous leave package including 10 Holidays, 2 Personal Days, 12 Sick Days, and 20 Vacation Days.
• Retirement Benefits: Strong retirement security through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) and access to a Deferred Compensation Retirement Savings Account.