Development Services Director

Job Description

Job Description

Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Pay Range: $71,219.20 - $113,942.40

Experience Required: 5 years of increasingly responsible experience in public planning, zoning, permitting, redevelopment and economic development analysis, administration, enforcement, and consultation. Previous supervisory experience is required.

Minimum Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Engineering, Environmental Science, Architecture, or a closely related field.

Direct Supervisor: Chief Operations Officer

Supervisory Responsibility: Provides direct supervision over professional, technical, inspection, code enforcement, and administrative personnel within the Development Services Departmen t.

Primary Work Location: Office setting

Physical requirements: Work is performed primarily in an office environment with occasional field inspections and attendance at meetings. Requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and use of standard office equipment. Must be able to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds. May be required to work evenings or weekends to attend public meetings or respond to development related issues.

Certification: Val id driver’s license required. AICP certification or Professional Engineering (PE) license preferred and considered an advantage.

Job Summary : The Development Services Director plans, directs, manages, and oversees the operations and staff of the Development Services Department. This position provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for planning, zoning, building inspections, code enforcement, economic development, development review, and related programs. The Director ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws while promoting responsible growth, economic vitality, and quality development that aligns with the City's comprehensive plan and community goals.

Essential Job Functions

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential duties:

• Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the activities of the Development Services Department.
• Develops departmental goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work plans.
• Supervises and evaluates department personnel, including planning, building, code enforcement, and administrative staff.
• Prepares and administers the department's annual operating and capital budgets.
• Oversees land use planning, zoning administration, subdivision review, site plan review, and development permitting.
• Administers and interprets the City's zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, comprehensive plan, and related development codes.
• Coordinates development review activities among City departments, developers, consultants, and regulatory agencies.
• Oversee building inspection and code enforcement functions to ensure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.
• Prepares reports, recommendations, ordinances, and resolutions for the City Manager and City Council.
• Assists with long-range planning initiatives, comprehensive planning, downtown revitalization, housing, annexation, transportation, and capital improvement planning.
• Represents the City before governmental agencies, professional organizations, developers, businesses, and the public.
• Responds to citizen inquiries, complaints, and development-related issues.
• Research and pursue grant opportunities related to Development Services projects.
• Coordinates with public works, engineering, utilities, legal counsel, and other departments regarding development activities.
• Monitors changes in federal, state, and local laws affecting Development Services operations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Essential Functions, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s) for Employment

An employee in this class must have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities upon application:

Knowledge Of:

• Knowledge of planning principles, zoning, land use regulations, and Development Services practices.
• Knowledge of municipal government operations and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in municipal development and related processes.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with planning, zoning, and land-use regulations.
• Knowledge of budgeting, personnel management, and strategic planning.
• Principles and practices of urban design and neighborhood revitalization.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Principles and practices of short and long-term planning.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Principles of management and organizational behavior.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Skills To:

• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to effectively direct, motivate, and manage staff.
• Strong leadership, organizational, negotiation, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
• Handle stress effectively without it interfering with performance.
• Organize, set priorities, and exercise sound independent judgment within areas of responsibility.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of lower-level staff members in the department.
• Operate a computer, using word processing, spreadsheet, database software, and other standard office equipment.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Abilities To:

• Strong judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex situations and make sound, effective decisions.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex ordinances, regulations, and technical reports.
• Ability to improve departmental processes, procedures, and workflow.
• Ability to manage the development review process from initiation through completion.
• Ability to demonstrate a strong commitment to providing excellent customer service and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ability to mentor and develop team members.
• Ability to demonstrate strategic thinking and long-range planning capabilities.
• Ability to leverage technology in delivering services accurately and effectively.
• Ability to analyze planning and development proposals and provide sound recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, employees, developers, consultants, regulatory agencies, and the public.
• Ability to mentor, coach, and develop team members.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to identify and respond to community, Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and
• City council issues, concerns and needs.
• Ability to plan, prepare, and administer the departmental budget.
• Ability to leverage technology to modernize departmental processes and workflows.
• Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Ability to interpret and apply Federal, State, and local policies, laws, and regulations.