VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS
This is truly an outstanding opportunity to become a recognized municipal leader in one of the most vibrant and prosperous areas of the United States. Downers Grove is an established suburban community of 50,000 residents located 20 miles west of Chicago that balances its long standing traditions and rich history with advancement, innovation and progress. The Village Council is seeking a motivated, talented and highly effective organizational leader to fill the position of Village Manager in Downers Grove. This visionary leader must possess the ability to conceptualize and carry out creative management approaches that effectively and responsively guide village administration and operations into the future with confidence and clarity. The successful individual must demonstrate considerable experience in the areas of strategic planning, financial management and economic development. The successful candidate must demonstrate a history of applying advanced management techniques to high performing public and/or private sector organizations and the proven ability to emulate, demand and obtain superior customer service. This individual must also be able to skillfully manage a number of key economic development projects, recruit high-performing upper-level managers, and motivate a diverse and capable staff to successfully meet established goals. The Village Manager is appointed by and reports to the Village Council. The Manager shall reside within the Village within six months after the appointment unless such time is otherwise specifically extended by the Village Council. The Village Manager shall be the Chief Administrative Officer for the Village and shall be responsible to the Village Council for the proper administration of all Village affairs. The Manager shall have the following powers and duties: Properly plan, coordinate and direct the functions of the Village government in a manner consistent with existing statutes and ordinances; Employ and discharge all employees under his/her supervision, subject to statutory limitation. Downers Grove offers a combination of superior services, architectural diversity, convenient amenities, and a great location. There is a hometown feel to the historic downtown (named one of the region's "Ten Best" by the Chicago Tribune). Visitors and residents enjoy the benefits of a community that effectively balances economic growth while respecting its heritage. The Village of Downers Grove has a distinct downtown core and possessesthe vast majority of the amenities of any community its size. The Village has high-quality housing stock, great restaurants and shopping, upscale hotels and high end office space. Schools in the Village have an outstanding reputation and the parks and recreational programs are among the best in the country. Three nearby Interstates and easy access to commuter rail transportation link Downers Grove residents to nearby Chicago and other areas of the country. Downers Grove is less than fifteen miles from O'Hare International, Midway, and DuPage County Airports. Downers Grove has three train stations served by Metra's Burlington Northern Santa Fe Line. Excellent medical care is provided in the community and there is close proximity to a number of higher education choices. Downers Grove High School average ACT composite score is 21.8 and the graduation rate is 93%. Downers Grove has prospered through the years and is a high-quality Chicago suburb. It continues to thrive due to its friendly, committed community spirit that values its past while looking forward to the challenges and opportunities of the future. The Mission Statement for Downers Grove states that, through the employees, officials and volunteers of the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois, the Village will promote and provide for the safety, health and welfare of its citizens. Downers Grove is committed to delivering the highest quality services to the citizens in the most cost-effective manner. Downers Grove operates under a council/manager form of government. Downers Grove Village Council consists of a Mayor and six Commissioners who are elected at-large to staggered four-year terms. The Village Council serves as the policy-making body for the Village. The Village Manager is appointed by the Village Council to be responsible for the overall administration of all Village departments. For additional information regarding the Village of Downers Grove, please visit www.downers.us. The successful candidate for the Villager Position should possess essential leadership characteristics gained in managing complex public and/or private sector organizations. It is required that the successful candidate possess a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree in Public or Business Administration or a related field, with a Master of Public Administration, Business Administration or related degree strongly preferred. The successful candidate should have continued his or her professional development as evidenced by active participation in professional membership organizations such as ICMA and similar state or private sector organizations. An individual who is an ICMA Credentialed Public Manager would be a plus. The successful individual for the Downers Grove Village Manager position should possess at least five to seven years of responsible experience as village/city manager/administrator, deputy/assistant manager/administrator or related experience in a comparably sized or related private sector top leadership environment. The starting salary for the new Village Manager is flexible, depending on the experience and qualifications of the selected individual. The salary will be market competitive for a top executive of the caliber that the Village expects to attract. In addition, Downers Grove expects to provide a relocation allowance, an automobile or auto allowance, and a competitive fringe benefit package to the successful candidate.
Brochure is available from The Mercer Group, Inc. Resumes should be sent by close of business, July 1, 2005, to James L. Mercer, President, The Mercer Group, Inc., 5579B Chamblee Dunwoody Road, #511, Atlanta, GA 30338. Voice: 770-551-0403; Fax: 770-399-9749; E-Mail: mercer@mindspring.com. Website: www.mercergroupinc.com. The Village of Downers Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer.