Community Development Director

The Director of Community Development is a key member of the City's management team and provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Community Development Department. This position is responsible for planning, directing, and managing the City's community development functions, including permit applications and approval, plan review, business license application and approval, zoning applications, variance requests, facilitating Planning & Zoning Board hearings for the purpose of zoning and variance requests, review certificate of appropriateness applications for the Historic Preservation Commission, facilitate Historic Preservation Commission meeting minutes, and assigned to assist the Adairsville Downtown Development Authority. The Director works collaboratively with City leadership, elected officials, developers, businesses, and the public to guide responsible growth, ensure regulatory compliance, and support the City's long‑term vision and development goals. Schedule This position works Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Nights and weekends are required from time to time for staffing City Council Meetings, Planning & Zoning Board hearings, Historical Preservation Commission meetings, Downtown Development meetings, as well as City‑sponsored events or trainings. Major Duties Performs professional and technical work for the City in the area of urban planning, zoning, economic development and redevelopment; and research, develops, updates, and writes plans and/or creates projects as directed by the governing authority. Provides overall direction to employees within the department. Develops, plans, and implements goals and objectives of the department; recommends and administers policies to subordinates. Resolves work problems and interprets administrative policies to subordinates, other departments, and to the public. Participates in the preparation and administration of the department’s annual operating budget. Recommends budget adjustments as needed. Works within the City to readily identify a variety of problems related to urban planning, zoning and economic development, redevelopment, transportation, grants and/or other basic municipal growth and expansion activities. Oversees plans already in progress. Identifies creative solutions and/or funding sources for a variety of issues/problems affecting the City of Adairsville. Serves on various committees and councils to insure the implementation of comprehensive plans. Works with all City departments in resolving issues of growth management, land use and other high‑impact processes including residential and business development. Serves as liaison between City government and County/State/Federal governments and/or private businesses as needed, composing correspondence; preparing related documentation; and representing the City of Adairsville at meetings and/or public hearings. Conducts research for various primary and secondary funding sources such as State and Federal funding programs, Internet websites, newspapers, newsletters, publications, etc., to identify grant funding opportunities for the City. Monitors the City’s compliance with approved funding programs; prepares required reports and documents; submits same to appropriate agencies or officials. Attends advisory meetings at locations inside and outside the City. Plans, develops and manages future land use and transportation planning projects. Researches and collects data or generates data and other information related to comprehensive planning. Prepares written reports and other presentation material (photographic, or other formats). Reports may include annual reports due to State and Federal agencies or other interested parties. Supervises, trains, manages, directs and evaluates employees who work within the department. Works with employees to correct deficiencies. Implements disciplinary action and termination procedures when necessary. Participates in the recruitment of staff hired within the department. Performs other duties as assigned by the City Manager and Assistant City Manager. Minimum Qualifications The position requires knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a bachelor’s degree in a course of study related to City of Urban Planning, Public Administration or closely related field or a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar position in a governmental setting. Three years of administrative and management responsibility is required. Prior experience in managing a multi‑faced program in a high‑level management position is desired. Experience presenting to boards and elected officials. Applicant will pass a background check and drug screen. Valid State driver’s license is required due to travel requirement of the position. Knowledge Required by the Position Knowledge of theories, principles and practices of a variety of community services planning and zoning disciplines. Knowledge of land use, environmental, transportation, downtown development, historic preservation and community services, planning and related policy issues. Knowledge of transportation planning theories, principles and practices. Knowledge of public works theories, principles and practices. Knowledge of planning and zoning principals, theories, strategies and techniques. Knowledge of grant administration principles and practices. Knowledge of grant eligibility requirements. Knowledge of granting agency requirements. Knowledge of the City governments’ projects, programs, and service needs. Knowledge of relevant State and Federal laws and regulations, including DOT. Skill in grant writing. Skill in research methodologies. Skill in identifying funding sources besides taxes and fees. Skill in compiling information and preparing reports. Skill in operating office equipment such as a computer and commonly used computer programs and GIS. Skill in interpersonal relations. Skill in oral and written communication. Supervisory Controls The City Manager assigns work in terms of general instructions. The employee must use professional judgment and discretion in implementation of assigned tasks. The supervisor spot‑checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results. Guidelines Include planning principles and basic public administration practices and principles. Additionally, City ordinances, departmental policies and procedures, relevant Federal and State laws, and granting agency requirements and contract conditions provide guidance. These guidelines require independent judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. An understanding of public administration and planning practices and principles is integral to the successful completion of the primary duties and responsibilities of this position. Complexity The work consists of a wide variety of complex duties in project management, planning, implementation, and development. The number of guidelines will be followed and the need for sensitivity to political, social, and economic factors when working with diverse groups contributes to the complexity of the work. Independent judgment and professional discretion in the implementation of assigned tasks also contributes to the complexity of the work. Physical Demands The position frequently remains in a stationary position while performing work at a desk and frequently moves throughout the office and City facilities to attend meetings and collaborate with staff. The position constantly uses a computer, tablet, and smartphone to review plans and documents, prepare reports and ordinances, analyze data, communicate with the public and stakeholders, and manage departmental operations and budgets. The position occasionally lifts, carries, and moves files, presentation materials, office supplies, and other items weighing up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. The position primarily works in a climate‑controlled office environment under artificial lighting. Frequently required to attend evening City Council meetings, participate in weekend community events. This position is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions (heat, rain, cold) and active construction hazards (dust, loud noise, moving machinery) during LDP/development inspections and code enforcement activities. Employee may need protective clothing or equipment such as masks, coats, boots, goggles, gloves or shields. Supervisory and Management Responsibility The position directly supervises the community development staff including code enforcement. In addition, the position involves managerial oversight over projects and is expected to use his/her discretion to ensure that projects are successfully implemented. EEO Statement The City of Adairsville is an equal opportunity employer. The City of Adairsville does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services. Drug and Alcohol Compliance In accordance with the City of Adairsville’s Drug Free Workplace program, all job applicants will undergo testing for the presence of illegal drugs as a condition of employment. In the course of employment, employees are subject to random, reasonable suspicion, post‑accident, and routine fitness‑for‑duty testing for illegal drugs and alcohol use. Employees are prohibited to work under the influence, to possess, to distribute, or to sell illegal drugs in the workplace or abuse alcohol on the job. Confirmed positive testing is reason for denial of employment and/or termination. #J-18808-Ljbffr