DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS - LA GRANGE, ILLINOIS - EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT - GovHR USA
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LA GRANGE, ILLINOIS DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT
LA GRANGE, ILLINOIS
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
The Village of La Grange (15,500 pop.) is a dynamic, progressive suburban community with stable
governance, located 13 miles west of downtown Chicago. Known for its vibrant downtown, tree-lined
neighborhoods, outstanding schools and excellent municipal services, La Grange is seeking highly
professional, innovative and self-motivated candidates interested in serving as the Director of Public
Works.
La Grange is a full-service municipality with traditional services including streets, parking facilities,
maintenance, water & sewer, stormwater & drainage, forestry, maintenance of business districts, building facility maintenance,
street lighting systems and fleet services. The Department is comprised of 24 full-time and 9 seasonal employees with an
operating budget of $8.4 million. The Village comprises 2.5 square miles. The Director of Public Works reports directly to the
Village Manager.
The Director is responsible for the overall administration and coordination of public works and related technical and
administrative activity. The position requires an experienced, self-directed and goal-oriented individual to manage the Village’s
aggressive multi-million, five-year capital projects plan ($3.6M in FY 2022), along with strategic planning, project management,
grant management and consultant management skills.
The new Director will need to have a collaborative, team-oriented leadership style with knowledge of and experience in public
works best practices. As a key leader within the organization, the Director will continue to incorporate new technology and fresh
approaches to service delivery, navigate complex issues and leverage opportunities, while maintaining a high level of customer
service.
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGE, HOUSING AND DEMOGRAPHICS
Since its founding in 1879, La Grange has been ahead of the
curve. Its streets and neighborhoods were carefully planned
by founder Franklin D. Cossitt, and its location at the
crossroads of La Grange Road, Ogden Avenue and the Median Income (2019)
Metra train line – with two stops – have drawn people to the
community for over 140 years to live, work and visit.
123,965
The community offers a diverse range of housing options
including transit oriented apartments and condominiums, age Poverty Level: 3%
targeted and assisted living facilities and an abundance of
single-family homes. La Grange’s walkable, tree-lined Total Housing Units:
neighborhoods are filled with a variety of home styles, from
(2015)
5,290
historic Four Squares and Victorians to mid-century ranches
and Georgians. The Village has seen a record amount of
reinvestment in the community in recent years through home Owner Occupied: 83%
Renter-Occupied: 17%
additions, renovations and new home construction.
Population : 15,500
White: 84.1%
Hispanic/Latino: 6.9%
Asian/Other: 3.0 %
Black: 6.0%
Percentage of Bachelor’s
Degree or Higher: 63.5%
PAGE 2
LA GRANGE, ILLINOIS PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
ECONOMY, BUSINESS & TRANSPORTATION
A vibrant village with a warm, inviting ambiance, La Grange
feels unexpected. It appeals to those looking to be in a
community that has distinct character – yet is close to the
City of Chicago – offering thoughtfully landscaped tree-
lined streets, beautiful historic homes, an exceptional
school system, a thriving retail and business district, parks
and an excellent location near interstates and two
international airports, O’Hare and Midway.
Located at the crossroads of La Grange Road (State Route
12/20/45), Ogden Avenue (State Route 34) and the Metra
BNSF line (La Grange Road and Stone Avenue Stations),
over 50,000 vehicles, commuters and pedestrians stream
through downtown La Grange every day. The Tri-State
Tollway (294) provides easy connections to the entire
region.
In Downtown La Grange and its charming West End,
friendly business owners greet residents and visitors. The
wide sidewalks are lined with specialty boutiques and
dozens of satisfying restaurants, making downtown the
perfect place for families, teenagers and adults of all ages
to get together for fun, food and entertainment throughout
the year. La Grange is “everyone’s downtown” and an
award-winning destination in the western suburbs, regularly
featured in publications such as West Suburban
Living and Chicago Magazine.
La Grange is also known for its unique and
notable events including the annual Pet Parade, Craft
Show, Endless Summerfest, West End Art Festival,
Halloween Walk and Holiday Walk. These events draw
thousands of residents and visitors to the community.
The Village works collaboratively
with business and community
leaders to maintain La Grange’s
vibrant local economy. The La
Grange Business Association is a
key partner in economic
development and represents
roughly 300 local businesses, the
vast majority of which are small,
independently owned.
PAGE 3
LA GRANGE, ILLINOIS PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
SCHOOLS, RECREATION & QUALITY OF LIFE
The Village offers ample recreational opportunities, including 24 acres of park land
in La Grange and close access to multiple Cook County Forest Preserves and the
Salt Creek Bike Trail. Residents also enjoy nearby Brookfield Zoo and engaging
programming offered by the La Grange Area Historical Society. The Park District of
La Grange provides a robust catalog of activities, many of which take place in the
community’s 75,000 square foot indoor recreation center.
The Village is seeing an influx of new residents. Young families are drawn to eight
award-winning public schools and five private schools, including Lyons Township
High School and Nazareth Academy. While inviting new residents, La Grange
remains a community of neighbors. Through weekend block parties and impromptu
conversations on the front porch, or just walking the dog, neighbors connect and
know one another.
MISSION, STRATEGIC PLAN AND ORGANIZATION
The Village’s Mission is to “Preserve and enhance the
quality of life we enjoy in La Grange.” The Village Board
has established five core values:
1) Maintain and Strengthen the Village’s Strong
Financial Position.
2) Structure, Support and Develop Staff Resources to
Deliver Core Services.
3) Maintenance and Capital Planning for Our
Infrastructure.
4) Delivery of Core Services; and
5) Community Vitality.
The Village is a non-home rule municipal corporation
and operates under a Board-Manager form of
government. The President and Village Board of
Trustees constitute the legislative body of the Village
with the Village President serving as Chief Executive
Officer. The Board consists of seven members. The
community has a long history of political stability and
prides itself on a culture of trust and respect between
elected leaders and a progressive, professional staff.
The Village Manager oversees the Village’s department 2019 Strategic-Planning-Session Report
head management team and has 15 years of service to
La Grange. The Village employs 89 full-time and 16 part-
time staff across six departments: Public Works, Police,
Fire, Community Development, Finance and
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Administration. Best Downtown designation
(Chicago Magazine)
One of the best places to live in
Illinois and 12th best in the nation
(24/7 Wall Street)
20 Top Transit Suburbs
Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan
Development
PAGE 4
LA GRANGE, ILLINOIS PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
The Department of Public Works is responsible for:
• Maintenance of 53 miles of public streets and alleys, 100 miles of
sidewalks and associated signage
• Maintenance of municipal buildings and Central Business District
• Operation and maintenance of the sanitary sewer and stormwater
collection and conveyance systems, which includes 72 miles of combined,
storm and sanitary sewers
• Operation and maintenance of the Village's potable water system, which
includes 60 miles of water main, 4,500 water meters and services, 591 fire
hydrants and 862 water valves
• Operation of the street lighting system
• Oversight of Village engineering services related to the Village's
infrastructure
• Preservation and maintenance of an urban forest of approximately 10,000
trees and 13 acres of landscape
• Snow and ice control services for public roadways and parking lots
• Brush and leaf pickup
MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES
The Director is responsible for the overall administration and coordination of public works
and related technical and administrative activity.
• La Grange is a high-touch community. Public Works provides a full range of services.
• Aging infrastructure is the single biggest challenge. The position requires an
experienced, self-directed and goal-oriented individual to manage the Village’s
aggressive multi-million, five-year capital projects plan ($3.6M in FY 2022), along with
strategic planning, project management, grant management and consultant
management skills. The new Director will need to leverage federal grants to supplement
local funding in order to execute capital investment priorities.
o The Village has a five-year Capital Plan. The new Director will need to aggressively
pursue multiple funding sources to help maintain roads, water mains and storm
sewers.
o The ideal candidate will need to have a proven track record of working with regional
partner agencies such as the Illinois Department of Transportation, Cook County and
the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to effectively manage infrastructure
priorities with finite resources.
o Stormwater management is a key priority as the Village has had several high
intensity storms over the last ten years that have resulted in flooding. The ideal
candidate will have technical / engineering experience to help with problem solving
and resource allocation as well as the ability to communicate effectively with
impacted residents and the Village Board regarding stormwater management.
• The candidate should have familiarity with the use of modern Public Works technology
across several applications. The Village has a new state of the art technology focused
water pumping station. The Village is a member of the Chicago-area GIS Consortium -
https://public.gisconsortium.org/.
PAGE 5
LA GRANGE, ILLINOIS PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
KNOWLEDGE AND MANAGEMENT
SKILLS REQUIRED
• Considerable professional public works related experience, including
administrative experience directing municipal public works programs,
managing large public works projects and utility system operations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Public Works construction and
maintenance methods, materials and equipment, including knowledge
of civil engineering concepts and techniques and management of
consultants is required.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication and public speaking skills,
along with the ability to work with other jurisdictions and community
organizations.
• The new Director must have a collaborative, team-oriented leadership
style with knowledge of and experience in prevailing public works best
practices and the demonstrated ability to foster and participate in a
team environment.
• Strong strategic planning, time management, writing and budgeting
skills.
• The new Director must continue to incorporate new technology and
fresh approaches to service delivery, navigate complex issues and
leverage opportunities, while maintaining a high level of customer
service.
• Knowledge and experience in GIS systems and innovation.
BACKGROUND AND
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience and management
of a public works department / department head level position in a
community of comparable size and complexity, including maintenance
and construction of public works improvements. Bachelor's degree in
civil engineering, public or business administration, or related field
required. An equivalent combination of education and experience is
acceptable.
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License or be able to acquire upon becoming an
Illinois resident.
PREFERRED CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES
• Master's Degree in engineering, public administration, or related field
desired, PE license preferred.
• Applicants should have a proven background of creativity and effective
problem solving.
• Proven polished communication, interpersonal skills and demonstrated
cultural competency are key success factors.
• Water Operator and CDL license a plus.
PAGE 6
LA GRANGE, ILLINOIS PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The mid-range of the salary is $130,000 +/- DOQ / E. Base pay above the mid-
range is available for exceptional candidates. Outstanding benefits, health
insurance and defined benefit retirement package. Women and minority
candidates are encouraged to apply. Residency not required. The new closing
date for review of applications is June 30,2021. Position open until filled.
Interested and qualified candidates should apply at once with resume and salary
history; a letter summarizing your qualifications, education and professional
accomplishments; three professional references and a description of the size of
the department where you gained experience. Apply in confidence to:
www.govhrjobs.com, attention of Ryan Cotton, Vice President, GovHRUSA, 630
Dundee Road, #130, Northbrook, IL 60062. rcotton@govhrusa.com, Tel: 847-
380-3240. (EOE) www.lagrangeil.gov.
EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT
GovHRUSA.com
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