Village of Oak Park, IL - Village Manager Position Profile

Community Survey

The Village of Oak Park is beginning the recruitment and selection process for Oak Park's next Village Manager and has hired our firm, GovHR USA, to facilitate this recruitment process. The Village President and Board of Trustees believe it is important to solicit feedback from you regarding the characteristics and traits the new Village Manager should possess as well as the opportunities and challenges he or she may be faced with should they be selected as Oak Park's next Village Manager.

The Village Manager is the Chief Administrative Officer of the Village and reports to the Village President and Board of Trustees. The Village Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Village, including appointment and supervision of all Village Staff; recommendation of policies, procedures and ordinances; and the development of the Village's budget for the Village President and Board of Trustees' consideration and approval.

We value your input! Please provide responses to the following questions by September 27, 2021. All of your responses will remain confidential as they will be submitted directly to us.

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* 1. Which type of leader should Oak Park have as its Village Manager? (Select 3)

Inspirational - They care about Oak Park and all of its residents.

Approachable - They are out in the community and will listen.

Visionary - They can see the "Oak Park of the Future"

Courageous - They will be honest, even if it is difficult.

Empathetic - They understand how others feel, even if they have not had the same experience.

Communicative - They will regularly communicate with all parts of the community.

Trustworthy - They will do what they promise to do.

Collaborative - They want to work with others to solve problems.

Other (please specify)

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* 2. Which three of the following management styles do you believe are essential for the Village Manager to successfully lead Oak Park? (Select 3)

Strategic -- They can plan and implement programs and other Village initiatives.

Decisive -- They can make difficult decisions and stand by their decision.

Collaborative-- They regularly seek out other opinions and perspectives including those that differ from their own.

Coaching -- They develop their employees and help them succeed.

Innovative -- They look for new ways to solve problems.

Team Oriented -- They work with Village employees and residents on ways to solve issues facing the Village.

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* 3. Which three of the following abilities and skills do you believe are most essential to perform the work of the Village Manager? (Select 3)

Skill in conflict resolution

Skill in municipal finance and budgeting

Experience working on racial equity issues

Ability to work with a Board that has differing opinions and perspectives

Ability and desire to really listen

Ability to recruit and develop a diverse workforce

Ability to work together and openly with members of the community

Ability to build diverse teams within the organization

Ability to remain focused on the Village's long term goals

Ability to challenge the status quo

Other (please specify)

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* 4. Which of the following issues you would like the Village Manager to address? (Select 3)

Progressive, sustainable and efficient public service

Transparency in development matters

Commitment to a community that is excellent for all

Commitment to equity, inclusion and social justice

Creation of a safe community - physical, emotional and cultural

Build positive relationships with other government agencies to leverage and create synergy.

Fiscal responsibility and consideration of service impacts in program development

Listen and engage with interest and respect

Facilitate development that reflects Oak Park’s history and character

Enhance infrastructure systems and transportation assets.

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* 5. What are the top three positive trends you see in Oak Park that the next Village Manager will encounter upon starting in their new role?

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* 6. What are the top three challenges you think will face the new Village Manager?

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* 7. Do you have any other comments related to the recruitment for Oak Park's next Village Manager?

Compiled results of the survey may be subject to public disclosure under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.