THE POSITION IN BRIEF
The Village of East Dundee is seeking a highly qualified, collaborative, and visionary leader to serve as its next Village Administrator. Functioning as the chief administrative officer of the Village, the Administrator is appointed by and works under the general policy direction of the Village President and Board of Trustees. The Village Administrator provides professional leadership, executive oversight, and direction to all municipal operations, departments, and personnel, ensuring the efficient delivery of public services and the proactive execution of the Village Board's strategic vision. Salary range: $151,785 - $194,940.
KEY PRIORITIES
The next Village Administrator will join East Dundee at a pivotal and exciting time. The Village experiencing significant momentum, with transformative capital investments, innovative redevelopment initiatives, and a shared commitment to enhancing quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors. This is a unique opportunity for a collaborative and visionary leader to guide projects that will have a lasting impact on the community for generations to come.
Fox River CorridorRiverfront Master Plan
Building on the recently adopted Riverfront Master Plan, East Dundee is transforming its Fox River waterfront into a premier community destination. The Village is expanding recreational opportunities while strengthening the connection between the vibrant downtown district and the riverfront. Recent improvements include the expansion of Bartels Park with additional parking and a new public kayak launch. Looking ahead, the 2026 budget includes dedicated funding to continue re-naturalizing the riverfront along the Village's entire Fox River frontage, creating an inviting and environmentally sustainable public space.
DowntownCommercial Redevelopment
Downtown East Dundee continues to evolve as a regional destination for dining, entertainment, shopping, and community events. One of the most exciting initiatives underway is the planned construction of a Performing Arts Center, complemented by a permanent outdoor sound stage in Depot Park scheduled for spring 2027. These investments will create year-round opportunities for concerts, theatrical performances, movies in the park, and other signature community events. The Village Administrator will also play a key leadership role in advancing downtown revitalization efforts by overseeing strategic redevelopment projects, expanding public parking, enhancing streetscapes and public spaces, and supporting thoughtful infill development that preserves the community's historic character while encouraging economic growth.
Infrastructure InvestmentLead Service Line Replacement
East Dundee is making significant investments in its long-term infrastructure. The Village Administrator will lead the implementation of a comprehensive, multi-year Lead Service Line Replacement Program while ensuring compliance with evolving environmental and public health requirements. The position will also oversee major improvements to the Village's water, wastewater, and transportation systems, helping build resilient infrastructure that supports future growth and exceptional public service.
Arts Council
Creativity is a defining characteristic of East Dundee. The Village's active and visionary Arts Council has helped establish a vibrant cultural identity through public art, performances, community programming, and placemaking initiatives. The Village Administrator will have the opportunity to partner with the Arts Council to champion both existing programs and new initiatives that continue to enrich the community, attract visitors, and celebrate the unique character of East Dundee.
For a leader who enjoys balancing strategic vision with hands-on community engagement, East Dundee offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of a growing and dynamic community while making a meaningful and lasting impact.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Executive LeadershipStrategy: Supervise and coordinate the activities of all municipal departments, including Administration, Building, Finance, Police, and Public Works. Proactively implement policy directives established by the Village Board.
Fiscal Management: Serve as the chief financial steward of the Village. Oversee the preparation, presentation, and administration of the annual audit, annual municipal budget, capital improvement plan, and long-range financial plans, ensuring fiscal sustainability and strategic resource allocation.
EconomicDowntown Development: Drive the Village's aggressive economic development initiatives, including managing Business Development Districts (BDD), Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts, fostering business attraction and retention, and spearheading major commercial, residential, and mixed-use redevelopment projects.
CommunityIntergovernmental Relations: Serve as the primary liaison between the Village and its residents, business owners, independent taxing bodies (e.g., Dundee Township, School Districts, Fire District, Library District), and regional/state agencies. Represent the Village's interests with professionalism and transparency.
Strategic Plan Implementation: Spearhead the ongoing execution and monitoring of the Village's 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, aligning departmental work plans and capital projects with the core priorities authorized by the Board.
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
The Village of East Dundee, a vibrant home rule community as defined by the Illinois Constitution, is located approximately 35 miles west of the City of Chicago, primarily within Kane County (with a small portion in Cook County). Encompassing roughly 3.1 square miles, the Village boasts a picturesque historic downtown district bordered by the scenic Fox River. The Fox River Bike Trail runs directly through the heart of the community, anchoring a thriving local economy filled with unique dining, retail, social activities, and family attractions. East Dundee blends historic charm with forward-thinking governance, making it an ideal destination for an innovative and collaborative municipal leader.
East Dundee's quality of life is strengthened by a full calendar of civic, cultural, and business events. Throughout the year residents and visitors gather for community traditions such as St. Patrick's Day parade; Saturday Depot Markets, holiday celebrations, concerts, and downtown programming that supports local businesses and brings residents together.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Village of East Dundee is seeking a proven local government professional. The ideal candidate leads with integrity, communicates openly, and brings both the technical competence and human touch that a lean, community-centered organization demands.
EducationExperience
- Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science, or a closely related field is required. A Master's degree in Public Administration (MPA) is highly preferred
- Minimum of five (5) to eight (8) years of progressively responsible executive leadership experience in local government, including direct supervisory responsibility
- Core Competencies:
- Extensive knowledge of municipal finance, budgeting, TIF administration, and capital planning.
- Proven track record in economic development, municipal planning, and publicprivate partnerships.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communications skills, with a demonstrated ability to foster trust among elected officials, dedicated staff, and diverse community stakeholders.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational design capabilities.
- Prior experience as a Village or City Administrator, City Manager, or Assistant Administrator is strongly preferred
- Familiarity with Illinois municipal law, statutory requirements, and intergovernmental frameworks is a plus
- ICMA membership and commitment to continuing professional development are valued
COMPENSATIONBENEFITS
Compensation: $151,785 - $194,940 + DOE/DOQ
Health Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage. Village covers 85% of employee premiums.
Paid Leave: Includes vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays (11) annually.
Life Insurance: Village provided; optional employee supplemental
Retirement: Participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) with an option to participate in MissionSquare deferred compensation plans
Additional Perks: Professional development and training; Village provided cell phone; AFLAC optional
