Economic Development Specialist/Planner

Village of Mundelein • Mundelein, IL

7d • 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 the community’s economic vitality. The role combines economic development responsibilities with professional planning work to support redevelopment, analyze market conditions, facilitate development projects, and contribute to long-range planning. It calls for relationship-building, technical planning knowledge, and collaboration with Village departments, organizations, elected officials, businesses, and residents.

The position supports the Village’s investments in redevelopment and strategic corridors through data-driven recommendations, development facilitation, and relationship-building. Economic development work includes implementing strategies for business attraction, expansion, and retention; serving as a contact for developers, brokers, business owners, and investors; coordinating incentives; analyzing market and demographic information; promoting Mundelein to businesses; representing the Village at regional organizations; tracking commercial and industrial property availability; and preparing reports and presentations.

Planning and development work includes reviewing development proposals and zoning applications, assisting with long-range planning documents and land-use analyses, preparing research and planning materials, collaborating on project review and permitting, participating in public meetings and hearings, and supporting updates to zoning regulations and planning policies. The role is primarily based in a professional office, with occasional field work, off-site visits, and meetings. The position remains open until filled; the first application review 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 substitute 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 public, organizational representatives, 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.

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 the Village’s economic development strategies, focusing on business attraction, expansion, and retention.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for developers, brokers, business owners, and prospective investors.
• Manage and coordinate economic development incentives, including TIF districts, façade programs, tax rebates, and grant opportunities, while 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 development proposals, zoning applications, site plans, redevelopment concepts, and applications for residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use development for consistency with plans, regulations, policies, and community goals.
• Assist with long-range planning documents, corridor plans, housing studies, land-use analyses, and updates to 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, including large development, redevelopment, and consultant projects.
• Participate in public meetings, workshops, and hearings, providing professional planning recommendations.
• Review applications for zoning variances and other applications for conformance with applicable regulations and policies.
• Serve as staff liaison to 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 activity; track vacancy information and assist with report development.
• Perform other similar duties.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.

Benefits

• Participation in the IMRF pension program.
• Medical, dental, vision, and group term life and AD&D insurance.
• Paid sick time, vacation, and holiday pay.
• The Village pays up to 85% of the monthly medical insurance premium and 100% of the monthly premiums for dental, vision, and group term life and AD&D insurance.
• Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Potential annual step increases in accordance with the Village compensation plan.
• Cost-of-living adjustments may be provided at the start of the fiscal year if approved by the Village Board.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time