Village of Palos Park, Village Manager

The Village of Palos Park (pop. 4,899) is seeking highly qualified applicants for the position of Village Manager. The Village Manager is the chief administrative officer for the Village of Palos Park, overseeing all departments, staff, and daily operations. Working under the direction of the Village Council, the Village Manager implements policies, manages the budget, provides guidance to the members of the Village Council and to members of the various boards and commissions, and represents the Village in community, intergovernmental and economic development activities.

The incumbent is retiring after sixteen (16) years of service to the Village.

Palos Park is a Cook County suburb located about 20 miles southwest of the City of Chicago. The Village has a budget of $14,047,000 and an exceptional staff of thirty-two (32) FT and approximately thirty-nine (39) PT employees across seven (7) operating departments.

The Village of Palos Park is known for its natural scenery, winding roads, and historic greenery. Located in the middle of 11,000 acres of Cook County Forest Preserves, Palos Park takes great pride in its community and surrounding natural landscapes.

The Village of Palos Park is a Commission form of local government with an elected Mayor and four (4) Village Commission members. This position is appointed by and reports to these five (5) elected officials.

The ideal candidate should have knowledge of all aspects of municipal government. Candidates will possess the following, or have a combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Public Administration or related field, Master of Public Administration strongly preferred; and,
• Knowledge of municipal government practice and a strong understanding of government finance and budget development processes; and,
• Knowledge of applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules, and regulations; and,
• Skilled in presenting professional views and carrying out decisions in a timely and professional manner; and,
• Strong ethical leadership abilities with a proven track record of collaboration, team building, and consensus building; and,
• Self-confidence and strength to provide administrative insights, counsel and make recommendations to the Village Council and staff; and,
• A minimum of ten (10) years of related experience, including supervisory roles in municipal government.

Candidates should have a proven record of maintaining effective working relationships with employees, Village officials, other government agencies, and key stakeholders, and effectively advocating for and representing the Village’s interests. Ideal candidates should possess highly developed communication skills and demonstrated ability to recommend and implement policy through the effective management of available resources. Must have the ability to monitor and manage one’s own work to ensure quality, accuracy and thoroughness;

use sound judgement to lead with authority, as well as an openness to process improvement and commitment to innovation.

Interested candidates may apply and learn more about the Village and this opportunity via the Village’s website ospark.org. The salary range for this position is $150,000 – $170,000, based on qualifications and experience. The Village offers a generous benefit package which includes paid time off as well as competitive health insurance options and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund program (IMRF);

the normal working schedule for regular full-time employees is thirty-five (35) hours each work week.

Apply by February 12, 2026, to be considered in the first round of applications. Submit electronically a cover letter, resume, and contact information for five (5) professional references to info. This position will remain open until it is filled.

The Village of Palos Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer.