VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR - INVITES YOUR INTEREST IN THE POSITION OF - VILLAGE POSITION COMMUNITY PROFILE

INVITES YOUR INTEREST IN THE POSITION OF
       VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR
   – VILLAGE • POSITION • COMMUNITY PROFILE –

Village of Forest Park, Illinois (Cook County)

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY
Located just ten miles west of downtown Chicago, Forest Park is a vibrant, diverse and active
community where urban living meets small town charm. A generous choice of housing options along
with plenty of recreational opportunities and unique community events make Forest Park a great place
to live for both families and singles. Forest Park’s proximity to Chicago and multiple transportation
options make Forest Park the perfect destination for a day, a weekend or a lifetime.

Forest Park’s business community is mostly small businesses. Madison Street -- Forest Park’s downtown
business district -- has an eclectic mix of locally owned boutiques, specialty shops and restaurants.
Other unique businesses and eateries are located on Roosevelt Road and other areas throughout town.
Industrial Drive has 20-plus businesses including well-known companies like Thule and Paper Source.

ABOUT THE POSITION
The Village Administrator serves as the Chief Operating Officer and directs day-to-day operations of
the following departments: Police, Fire, Public Works, Community Center, Public Health and Safety and
Finance. The position reports to the Mayor and the Village Council. The starting salary and benefits for this
exceptional professional opportunity are negotiable and highly competitive, depending upon the back-
ground and qualifications of the successful candidate. The Village has full and competitive benefits and
participates in the IMRF retirement program. Residency in the village is not required. Qualified candidates
please submit your cover letter and resume to Village Clerk, Vanessa Moritz at vmoritz@forestpark.net.
This position is open until filled; however, interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply no later
than February 12, 2021.

VILLAGE GOVERNMENT/PERSONNEL/BUDGET
The Village of Forest Park employs approximately 115 full-time and 60 part-time and seasonal
employees. The Village of Forest Park is a non-Home Rule community and operates under the
Commission form of government. The annual budget is $43,500,000.

ABOUT THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
Candidates should possess these characteristics and skills: Strategic thinking; Proven leadership;
Collaboration; Problem solving skills; Integrity; and Relationship building.

ISSUES FACING THE VILLAGE
Revenue shortfall; Diversity; Ongoing upgrades to infrastructure; Economic development; Non-Home
Rule community; Pension obligations; Policing CTA stations.

ACCESS/TRANSPORTATION
Getting to and from Forest Park is easy. From the east, the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) exit ramp is at
Harlem Ave. Eastbound exit ramps are at both Des Plaines and Harlem Ave. There is an eastbound

entrance ramp at Harlem Ave. Westbound entrance ramps are located at both Harlem and Des Plaines
Ave. Midway and O’Hare Airports as well as Rush Oak Park Hospital, Loyola Hospital and Edward Hines Jr.
VA Hospital are in close proximity to Forest Park.

The CTA Blue Line station is located at Des Plaines Ave. & Van Buren St. Green Line access is at Harlem
Ave. and Circle Ave. PACE busses are also accessed from these locations.

The Metra Train station (which runs between Elburn, Illinois and Chicago, Illinois) is just over the border in
neighboring Oak Park and River Forest.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Forest Park Chamber of Commerce has been serving the business community since 1912. They
promote the community and their members, and host multiple community events that drive traffic to
Forest Park. The Village and Chamber share a close working relationship.

PARK DISTRICT OF FOREST PARK
The Park District of Forest Park has the ‘best in the west’ aquatic center, the Roos Center -- a state-of-
the-art recreation center complete with a basketball court -- and activities and classes for all ages. The
Park District is a good community partner, always giving back by supporting and being regularly
involved with community organizations and events.

FOREST PARK PUBLIC LIBRARY
The recently renovated public library is a Forest Park treasure. They have the latest materials and
resources, and offer countless services both on and offline. The Forest Park Public Library staff is always
involved in the community and works tirelessly to continue to find ways to support local businesses,
organizations and the community as a whole.

HOWARD MOHR COMMUNITY CENTER
Owned and operated by the Village of Forest Park, the Howard Mohr Community Center is named after
the late Howard Mohr (former mayor and Illinois State Senator). The Community Center provides
activities for all Village residents while paying special attention to young children and senior citizens.
Support services include a food pantry for temporary emergency relief for residents. The center is
home base for senior activities and trips, as well as the Clubhouse Day Care program for ages K-6.

DEMOGRAPHICS (2010 Census)				HOUSING
Total population				14,164			Renter occupied		51.7%
Total households			        7,157			 Single family			       38.5%
White						 55.2%		Multi family < 5 units                  24.4%
Black					                 32.3%		  Multi family > 5 units 47.8%
Hispanic ethnicity			      9.9%
Median age				             39.4
Average household income   $62,207
Median household income    $51,745

The Village of Forest Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Nothing in this posting is to be construed as an offer of
employment to any respondent. The Village reserves the right, in its sole discretion, whether to respond, conduct interviews,
suspend or modify any requirements and qualifications for the position and reject any and all applicants.