Community Services Director

Salary: $104,240.23 - $135,512.29 Annually
Location : Battle Creek, MI
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Community Services
Opening Date: 04/30/2026
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A - Permanent


The City of Battle Creek ("The City") provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The City complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

The City expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Improper interference with the ability of the City employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.

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This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Description
Performs complex professional work planning, directing, and participating in community development activities, services, and programs, developing and administering the department budget, attending meetings, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work involves setting policies and goals under the direction of the Assistant City Manager. Departmental supervision is exercised over all personnel within the department.

Essential Functions

• Oversees monitors, and evaluates the development, strategic planning, and services of the Community Services Department to include the Code Compliance, Community Development, Inspections, and Planning and Zoning Divisions, including the interpretation, administration and enforcement of all related ordinances.
• Supervises the preparation and administration of departmental budgets; oversees the HOME Investment Partnership Program and all Community Development Block Grant activities and programs, including the consolidated and annual action plans.
• Develops and supervises work assignments, schedules, training, and evaluation of City and contract employee performance; recruits and selects department personnel.
• Oversees staff and activities in assigned programs and projects, including dangerous building actions and hearings processes, housing board of appeals, and code compliance.
• Oversees municipal building inspection and housing inspection programs and enforces Federal, State, and local laws and codes governing construction, mechanical plumbing, and electrical work; oversees private City contracts for City inspection services.
• Evaluates and analyzes social and physical aspects of neighborhoods and the community as a whole to best identify and facilitate partnership opportunities for organizations and institutions to build their capacity to partner effectively with residents for strategy development and systems change.
• Designs and implements resident-driven planning and decision-making processes using best practices.
• Prepares and presents comprehensive reports and presentations to diverse audiences
• Interprets, administers, enforces, and develops local, State, and Federal charters, ordinances, resolutions, laws, and statutes affecting areas of responsibilities within Community Services.
• Participates and attends City Commission meetings and prepares resolutions as necessary; serves as City representative on job-related Boards/Commissions as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with coursework in public administration, organizational leadership, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
• 10 years' experience as departmental leader with supervision of employees.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in the development and implementation of community-driven policy, practices, and procedures.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience understanding the application of federal, state and local regulatory guidelines.

Special Requirements:

• Valid driver's license in the State of Michigan.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
This work is sedentary and requires little to no exertion of force; work regularly requires sitting, bending, reaching, hand dexterity (grasping, holding, keyboarding, repetitive movements), reading, writing, eye-hand coordination, seeing (near and/or far, color, depth, field of vision), hearing, using the telephone, contact with government officials and the general public, working overtime, and working inside and alone.
At the City of Battle Creek, we understand that benefits are an important part of the total compensation package. As such, we strive to offer employees a generous benefit package that provides flexibility, choice, and value, allowing employees to not only meet their needs today but to plan for a secure future.


Full-time employee benefits - Benefits vary slightly by union contract, employment agreement, or policy. For benefits specific to this role, please reach out to View email address on click.appcast.io.


Medical : Choose from a PPO plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI - Simply Blue or an HMO plan with Blue Care Network and pair your election with a Health Savings Account.


Virtual Care : Included with your BCBSM and BCN health care plan.


Dental : 100% employer-paid through Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI - Simply Blue


Life Insurance : 100% employer-paid basic life insurance with AD&D benefit equal to 2X the employee's base annual earnings up to $400,000. Limited coverage is also provided for spouses and children.


Sickness and Accident : 100% employer-sponsored partial wage replacement for short-term disabilities after meeting eligibility criteria.


Retirement Savings :

• 457 through Mission Square with employer match
• MERS Pension * note that Police and Fire have a separate pension fund not through MERS

Employer Assistance Plan (EAP): 100% Employer paid through Pine Rest


Paid Time Off : Generous PTO package - Paid Time Off will vary by position and is outlined within City Policy or union contract.


Paid Holidays : 13 paid holidays per year


Voluntary Benefits :

• Supplemental Term and Whole life
• Critical Illness
• Hospitalization
• Accident
• Vision - NVA
• Lifecare Ambulance Service
• Flexible Spending Account
• Global Emergency Assistance Services

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Eligible Employer
Click the link below for 2026 BENEFIT INFORMATION
In addition to the above, some positions may qualify for:

• Flexible Schedule/Remote Work
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Educational Stipends
• Longevity pay
• Tool and safety allowances
• Employer-paid uniforms
• Cell phone allowance
• Military pay differential
• Professional development opportunities
• Ability to earn compensatory time
• Retiree health savings plan