Economic Development Specialist/Planner

Village of Mundelein • Mundelein, IL

10h • $84,229 - $110,914 • Onsite

About The Position

The Village of Mundelein is hiring an Economic Development Specialist/Planner in its Community Development Department. Under the general supervision of the Director of Community Development, this position supports the Village’s strategic goals by managing programs, initiatives, and policies that promote a vibrant business environment, strengthen the local tax base, and enhance economic vitality. It combines economic development responsibilities with professional planning work, including redevelopment support, market analysis, development facilitation, and long-range planning.

The position builds relationships and collaborates with Village departments, external organizations, elected officials, businesses, developers, and residents. It supports redevelopment, strategic corridors, and Mundelein’s business community through data-driven recommendations, development facilitation, and outreach.

The work includes implementing business attraction, expansion, and retention strategies; serving as a contact for developers, brokers, businesses, and investors; coordinating economic incentives; reviewing development and zoning proposals; preparing planning documents and reports; supporting development review and project management; and representing the Village at meetings and community events. The position is primarily office-based, with meetings and occasional field work and off-site visits.

The expected starting salary is $84,229 annually, with a stated salary range of $84,229 to $110,914. The position remains open until filled, and the first review of applications begins November 1, 2026.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Urban and Regional Studies, Urban Planning, Business, Public Administration, or another applicable discipline from an accredited college; relevant work experience may be substituted for education.
• Excellent writing skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass the Village driving skills test.
• Ability to use a scale and read blueprints, landscape plans, architectural elevations, and site plans.
• Ability to communicate effectively with officials, coworkers, the general public, representatives of organizations, and others to exchange or convey information.
• Moderate understanding of zoning, planning, development practices, development and economic incentive agreements, and land-use law.
• Proficiency and understanding of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to regularly lift and/or move more than 50 pounds.
• Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including occasional driving, outdoor duties in varying weather conditions, and occasional standing, walking, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and handling or reaching with hands and arms.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council, or ability to obtain certification.
• Advanced experience with Microsoft Access or databases.
• Fluency in foreign languages reflective of the community.
• Experience or familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, PhotoShop, Illustrator), AutoCAD, Sketchup, or ArcGIS/ArcMap.

Responsibilities

• Implement economic development strategies focused on business attraction, expansion, and retention.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for developers, brokers, business owners, and prospective investors.
• Manage and coordinate incentives, including TIF districts, façade programs, tax rebates, and grant opportunities, ensuring compliance with Village policies and state requirements.
• Analyze market trends, demographic data, economic indicators, and development opportunities to inform policy recommendations.
• Develop marketing materials, maintain economic development website content, and coordinate outreach promoting Mundelein as a business-friendly community.
• Represent the Village at regional economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, professional associations, meetings, conferences, trade shows, and community events.
• Oversee and maintain an inventory of available commercial and industrial properties.
• Prepare reports and presentations for the Village Board, committees, and community partners.
• Review residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use development proposals, zoning applications, site plans, redevelopment concepts, variances, and other applications for consistency with applicable plans, codes, regulations, policies, and community goals.
• Assist with long-range planning documents, corridor plans, housing studies, land-use analyses, zoning regulations, design guidelines, and planning policies.
• Conduct research and prepare planning reports, maps, graphics, public-facing materials, and recommendations for Village policies, ordinances, and planning documents.
• Collaborate with planners, engineers, and other staff on development review, permitting, and project management.
• Assist with project management for large development and redevelopment projects and consultant work.
• Participate in public meetings, workshops, and hearings, providing professional planning recommendations.
• Serve as staff liaison for review boards, ad-hoc committees, and elected officials, providing technical advice, reports, and presentations.
• Draft articles for press releases and Village newsletters.
• Assist with outreach to existing businesses and new business prospects.
• Review and report on economic development activities, including rental rates, available properties, construction costs, and related activities.
• Track vacancy information and assist with report development.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance and perform other similar duties.

Benefits

• Participation in the IMRF pension program.
• Medical insurance; the Village pays up to 85% of the monthly premium.
• Dental insurance; the Village pays 100% of the monthly premium.
• Vision insurance; the Village pays 100% of the monthly premium.
• Group term life and AD&D insurance; the Village pays 100% of the monthly premiums.
• Paid sick time.
• Vacation pay.
• Holiday pay.
• Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Potential annual step increases in accordance with the Village’s compensation plan.
• Cost-of-living adjustments, if approved by the Village Board.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time