Peoria, IL (population 110,417). GovHR USA is pleased to announce the recruitment of candidates for the next Corporation Counsel for the City of Peoria, Illinois. Peoria is located midway between Chicago and St. Louis, in central Illinois on the Illinois River. Greater Peoria strikes the perfect balance between big-city life and small-town atmosphere. The neighborhoods are safe, and ethnically, culturally and racially diverse. The City has a strong base of residential, commercial and educational properties.
A four-time All-America City, Peoria and the surrounding metro area is among most favorable regions in the country for cost of living, at about 13 percent below the national average. Attractive to all ages and demographics, a 2016 national survey ranked the Peoria metropolitan area 26th out of 190 communities surveyed, the highest ranking of any region in Illinois. Outstanding park districts offer unique art activities and recreational options for every member of the family. By cultivating and embracing a culture of well-being, Peoria’s leaders of government, business, education, healthcare, faith, and the arts embrace the philosophy that improving the well-being of its people is a vital aspect of serving the community.
The City of Peoria is a full-service community with 615 FTEs and a total budget of just over $200 million, including a $100 million General Fund. The City is a home rule municipality and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. The City Council is comprised of the Mayor (elected at-large) and ten council members, who are elected for four-year terms. The City Manager is appointed by the City Council and serves as the chief administrative officer of the City. All department heads, including the Corporation Counsel, are appointed by and directly report to the City Manager.
About the Position
The Corporation Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice to the City Council, City Manager and department heads, including advising on labor and personnel issues. The Corporation Counsel represents the City in litigation and before administrative agencies, and recommends selection of outside counsel when appropriate. The Corporation Counsel directs such counsel in their representation of the City. The Corporation Counsel is responsible for preparing ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds and other legal documents, and for preparing documents related to taxation, special assessments and bond transactions.
The Corporation Counsel heads Peoria’s Legal Department, with a staff consisting of a Senior Attorney, two Assistant City Attorneys and two administrative assistants. The Senior Attorney is serving currently as Interim Corporation Counsel. The City is recruiting for an additional administrative assistant or paralegal to work on special projects for a limited term. The Department manages a substantial workload in a respectful and collegial atmosphere. It is possible that the Department will grow in the future.
Opportunities and challenges for the Corporation Counsel include:
· Recruitment and hiring of additional staff to return department to authorized number of positions.
· Centralizing file management and calendar system for both litigation and administrative cases.
· Documentation and ongoing legal administration of a substantial number of tax increment financing districts.
· Ongoing administration of contractual relationships with outside consultants.
Position Requirements
The City is seeking an experienced and collaborative legal professional to serve as Corporation Counsel. The successful candidate will have:
· History of collaboration within and outside of the organization, intergovernmental cooperation and relationship building.
· Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present complex information to any audience.
· Excellent reputation and a demonstrated high level of honesty and integrity.
Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated starting salary range is $150,000 – $180,000 +/- DOQ. A comprehensive benefits package includes participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), health insurance including medical, dental, and vision coverage (also available to dependents), and life insurance. The City also offers paid vacation, holidays and sick leave. Residency within city limits is required within one year of appointment.
Selection Process
Apply online at www.govhrjobs.com with a resume, cover letter and contact information for five professional references. Open until filled with first review of applications September 20, 2021. Confidential inquiries are encouraged and should be directed to Maureen Barry, Senior Vice President, GovHR USA, at or 847-380-3240, x116.
The City of Peoria is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
