Director of Development Services

Crandall sits 30 minutes southeast of downtown Dallas in Kaufman County, the fastest-growing county in Texas and the second fastest in the United States. Our population has nearly doubled since 2020 and continues to grow at almost 8% per year. National builders are breaking ground on thousands of new homes, our schools are expanding, and the city is investing in the infrastructure, public safety, and amenities a fast-growing community needs.

We are hiring a Development Services Director to lead that growth. This is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the City Manager, with full responsibility for planning, zoning, permitting, inspections, code enforcement, and the special districts (TIRZ and PIDs) that finance Crandall's future. If you want a role where your decisions visibly shape a city for the next generation, this is it.

View more about this job at Director of Developmental Services Job Description PDF

Why this role stands out

• Career-defining growth : Lead development for a city in the middle of one of the most active growth corridors in the country. Few planning leaders ever get to put their fingerprints on a city this clearly.
• Real authority : Direct report to the City Manager. Lead professional advisor to City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and other development boards.
• Sophisticated tools : Manage Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones, Public Improvement Districts, and other development finance instruments alongside legal and financial advisors.
• Build the team : Recruit, develop, and lead the planning, permitting, inspections, and code enforcement staff. Set the customer service standard for everyone who works with the city.
• Strategic seat at the table : Lead updates to the Comprehensive Plan, monitor state legislation, and recommend ordinance changes. Help define what Crandall looks like in 2035.

What success looks like in year one

You will have built credibility with the City Manager, Council, the development community, and your team. You will have moved the development review process toward greater speed and consistency without sacrificing quality. You will have delivered clear progress on the Comprehensive Plan or a code update, brought structure and reporting discipline to TIRZ and PID administration, and set a service standard that developers and residents can both feel.

What you will lead

Planning and zoning

• Direct all current and long-range planning, including zoning, land use, subdivision review, and comprehensive planning
• Serve as staff liaison to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and other development-related boards
• Review zoning cases, plat applications, site plans, and development proposals for compliance with city ordinances and master plans
• Recommend updates to zoning, subdivision, and development codes that keep Crandall aligned with state law and best practice

Permitting, inspections, and code enforcement

• Oversee permitting, building inspections, and construction standards with a focus on speed, compliance, and customer experience
• Direct code enforcement operations with a fair, consistent, and proactive approach to property maintenance and community appearance
• Ensure development fees are reviewed regularly, remain competitive, and recover city costs appropriately

Pre-development and developer relations

• Lead pre-development meetings with builders, developers, engineers, and architects
• Serve as the primary point of contact for developers throughout the review process
• Build and maintain working relationships with the development community, providing clear guidance on city policies and expectations

Special districts (TIRZ, PIDs, and similar tools)

• Manage the creation, administration, and financial monitoring of TIRZs, PIDs, and related development districts
• Coordinate with consultants, developers, and legal and financial advisors to ensure compliance with agreements and statutes
• Provide regular updates and presentations to City Council on district activity and performance

Policy, strategy, and department leadership

• Advise the City Manager and Council on planning and development policy and recommend strategies for sustainable, quality growth
• Lead updates to the Comprehensive Plan and related development policies
• Monitor state and federal legislation related to land use, zoning, building codes, and development finance
• Prepare and manage the Development Services Department budget
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate departmental staff across planning, permitting, inspections, and code enforcement
• Set departmental policies, procedures, and customer service standards
• Oversee consultant contracts and third-party service providers

Who thrives in this role

You are a calm, decisive leader in a high-pressure environment. You know how to balance developer needs with community interests without losing the trust of either side. You read plans and plats fluently, communicate clearly to both technical and lay audiences, and present comfortably to elected officials in a public setting. You lead a team by setting clear standards, then giving people the room to deliver. You bring strong judgment to fee structures, code interpretations, and financing tools, and you know when to escalate and when to decide.

Working conditions

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with field inspections as needed. Attendance at evening and weekend meetings, including Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council meetings, is required. Tasks involve frequent sitting, standing, and use of a computer, with occasional light lifting up to 20 pounds.

What we are looking for

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field
• Five years of progressively responsible municipal planning or development experience, with at least three years in a supervisory or management role
• Demonstrated experience managing development review processes, planning and zoning functions, and development financing tools (TIRZ, PIDs, or equivalent)
• Strong working knowledge of Texas development statutes, building codes, and related laws
• Valid Texas Class C Driver's License (or ability to obtain upon hire)

Preferred

• Master's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related field
• AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification
• Certified Public Manager (CPM) credential
• Direct experience in a high-growth municipality

Compensation and benefits

Salary range: $85,000 to $100,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

The City of Crandall offers a strong, employer-paid benefits package, including:

• Retirement: Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS). Employee contribution: 8%, with a 2-to-1 city match at retirement. Five-year vesting.
• Health and wellness: Employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and short and long-term disability coverage, plus wellness benefits. Supplemental insurance available at employee cost.
• Time off: Vacation, PTO, and 16 paid holidays.
• Growth and recognition: Tuition reimbursement, longevity pay, and support for AICP, CPM, and related professional credentials.

Apply Today

To apply, complete the below 2 applications (application for employment and application for position) to be considered for this position:

• Apply for this position at TML: Director of Development Services | TML
• Apply for this position on our website by completing this form:

Questions? Contact Tamara Chappell at View email address on click.appcast.io.