JOBS

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s Board of Commissioners is seeking an experienced, creative, politically savvy, mission-driven senior executive to serve as the agency’s full-time executive director. This position supervises senior management and reports to the paid, partisan, publicly elected seven-member board. It also ensures the Forest Preserve District sustains its reputation as a model agency in Illinois and throughout the region and country. Annual salary range is $195,000 – $235,000. They offer a competitive benefits program, including participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, medical and dental insurance, life insurance, paid leave programs, and additional voluntary benefits.
Some responsibilities are the following:

• Lead senior management and oversee key programs, projects, and workforce planning to optimize operational efficiency and achieve organizational mission and objectives.
• Develop and manage the district’s budget, ensuring responsible financial stewardship, compliance with regulations, and providing the Board with comprehensive data-driven insights.
• Oversee talent management, including hiring, promotions, performance evaluation, and staff development, to cultivate a skilled, engaged, and high-performing workforce.
• Structure the district’s workforce by assessing operational needs and creating, amending, or eliminating positions as necessary to maximize effectiveness.
• Serve as the primary liaison between staff, the Board, and the public, ensuring transparent communication, policy execution, and alignment on strategic initiatives.
• Lead community engagement efforts, representing the district in public forums, media engagements, and government relations to strengthen partnerships and advocacy efforts.
• Foster an inclusive and engaged organizational culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across all district operations.
• Provide guidance on policy development, legislative initiatives, and regulatory compliance to support the district’s long-term success.
• Promote the development of team capabilities and enhance organizational effectiveness through the cultivation of interdepartmental cooperation, cohesive planning, and seamless exchange of information among subordinates and colleagues to ensure department objectives are in line with the district’s mission and values.
• Provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and counseling in a constructive manner, and confront challenging situations directly with a positive approach, aiming to support and mentor employees in their development and progress.
• Resolve and rectify issues, prioritize based on gravity and urgency, analyze the root cause, gather relevant information, develop and evaluate viable solutions, decide on the most effective and logical solution, and plan and execute implementation.