Community Standards Manager - Neighborhood Compliance

Neighborhood Compliance Officer

The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

One City. Real Solutions. Trusted Enforcement. Meaningful Impact.

Be the leader who helps keep our community safe, fair, and accountable. In this role, you'll oversee the interpretation and enforcement of city codes while working across departments and agencies to find thoughtful, effective solutions to complex challenges.

You'll guide a team that operates independently in demanding environments, all while upholding public trust and transparency. From engaging with City Council and community members to partnering with internal departments, your voice will help shape decisions that impact the entire city.

This role also plays a key part in driving progress—recommending code updates, developing policies and procedures, and collaborating with our Communications and Engagement team when engaging the media. As essential personnel, you'll be a steady presence during critical events, helping the city respond when it matters most.

If you're a strong communicator, strategic thinker, and leader who thrives on making a real difference—this is your opportunity to serve and create lasting impact!

The position is fully responsible for ensuring compliance with City and State regulations related to the enforcement of minimum housing standards, public nuisance, junk vehicles, poultry and livestock, off-street parking, illegal signs, recycling and trash services, stormwater illicit discharge, and other City ordinances as assigned by the City Manager. The role works collaboratively with other departments, external agencies, and nonprofits to develop and implement neighborhood improvement strategies. It also oversees and administers contractor work related to demolition projects, nuisance abatement, and other construction activities tied to rehabilitation programs. Additionally, the position schedules, coordinates, and conducts administrative hearings, manages legal files, and provides testimony in court.

Note: This position will remain open until filled with first application review taking place 2 weeks after posting date.

Key Responsibilities & Impact

Leadership & Daily Operations

• Manage day-to-day operations of the compliance team; serve as the signatory on all notices, orders, and citations; and assist officers with high-profile and/or controversial inspections and investigations.
• Coordinate training activities, manage staff workloads and priorities, and monitor staff performance.
• Coordinate department operations to ensure efficiency and compliance with regulations, policies, and procedures.

Investigations & Public Engagement

• Lead complex and high-profile investigations which require discretion.
• Represent the city at neighborhood and task force meetings, attend hearings, and present items to City Council.

Administration, Reporting & Budgeting

• Perform administrative duties and special assignments, including assisting the director and other City staff on projects, maintaining data on compliance and permitting activities, and preparing reports.
• Assist in budget development through identification of needed resources for compliance operations, monitoring related expenses, and developing documentation in support of budget requests.
• Manage budgets and procurement operations, including monitoring expenditures and reviewing and approving purchases.
• Maintain data and prepare reports.

Emergency Response & Additional Duties

• Lead the damage assessment team and provide support to emergency operations efforts during and after emergency events.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in planning, business administration, public administration, law enforcement, construction management, or related field of study, and five (5) years of experience in enforcement of laws and regulations, OR Master's degree in planning, business administration, public administration, law enforcement, construction management, or related field of study, and three (3) years of experience in enforcement of laws and regulations OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Minimum of three years of supervisory experience.

Certifications

• NC Zoning Official Certification or ability to obtain within 18 months of employment.
• Minimum Housing Certification or ability to obtain within 18 months of employment.
• NC State Class C Driver's License within 60 days of hire.

Additional Requirements

• Valid US Driver's License with an acceptable driving record

Skills

• Effective oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public.
• Ability to communicate and foster a cooperative and professional culture.
• Advanced interpersonal skills to develop good working relationships with staff, officials, and stakeholders.
• Ability to de-escalate contentious disagreements and resolve complaints in a high-profile environment.
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve practical problems and address citizen inquiries and concerns.
• Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and design standards to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Ability to build consensus in developing solutions to problems.
• Ability to provide effective leadership and staff supervision.
• Ability to work independently with limited direction.
• Ability to interpret and apply ordinances and regulations.
• Strong systems management and data analysis skills; strong written and oral communication skills; strong problem-solving skills.

Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of codes and ordinances related to neighborhood and development compliance
• Advanced knowledge of techniques and practices used in enforcement of laws and regulations.
• Advanced knowledge of local government procedures and practices
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
• Computer programs and applications, including Microsoft Office and permitting software.

Physical Demands

• Office Work: Primarily sedentary, involving prolonged sitting, computer use, telephone and office equipment operation, and standard office tasks. Requires visual acuity, hearing, and manual dexterity for reviewing documents, analyzing data, and completing administrative responsibilities.
• Field Work: Regular visits to inspection sites may require standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting or carrying objects up to 20 pounds occasionally. Employees may encounter uneven terrain, traffic, construction areas, and outdoor weather conditions, and must use appropriate personal protective equipment.
• General Requirements: All work is performed in compliance with applicable State and Federal OSHA regulations, including hazard communication, personal protective equipment, and slip, trip, and fall prevention.

Working Conditions

• This position is primarily office-based, utilizing standard office equipment in a climate-controlled setting and adhering to applicable safety and ergonomic guidelines. The role also requires occasional fieldwork, performing inspections at various sites, with exposure to outdoor conditions, traffic, noise, and uneven terrain, and occasional standing, walking, or lifting of light materials with appropriate safety measures in place.
• The position functions in a fast-paced, collaborative, and public-facing municipal environment, involving interaction with elected officials, employees, community members, and external partners. Employees may regularly address complex compliance issues and complaints, and may encounter individuals who are upset, frustrated, or dissatisfied. The position requires the ability to remain professional, exercise sound judgment, and apply conflict resolution techniques while resolving concerns.

Our Core Values

INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY

Our Mission Statement: Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.

What we offer:

The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources. We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options
• Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees' Retirement System
• Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
• Free on-site city gym access
• Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year
• 6-weeks paid parental leave
• Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
• Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives