Development Services Director

Salary: $145,682.65 - $225,808.38 Annually
Location : City of Coral Gables, FL
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 177
Department: Development Services Department
Opening Date: 02/13/2026
Closing Date: 8/5/2026 11:07 PM Eastern


Summary
Under the broad policy guidance of the City Manager, this position serves as a key member of the City's leadership team with direct responsibility for the effective implementation of City-wide strategic and operating initiatives. The Director provides leadership through managing, directing, and coordinating the activities of the department's three divisions: Building, Planning & Zoning, and Code Enforcement. The Development Services Director organizes land development services with other divisions and departments and provides highly complex staff assistance to the Building, Code Enforcement, and Planning & Zoning Directors. Implements strategies and systems to enhance operations, management of employees, customer satisfaction, and budget management. Must be able to think strategically and exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the City Manager.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.


Directs and manages a comprehensive City-wide Development Services Department consistent with the City's goals and initiatives ensuring high-quality customer service and professional standards. Develops and manages the annual operating budget of the Development Services Department. Develops and implements long range and annual action plans to meet the needs of a growing City.


Provides overall direction and strategy regarding Building, Planning & Zoning, and Code Enforcement policies, procedures, and regulations to the City, including the formation, adoption, and enforcement of zoning regulations and comprehensive plans; the review and assessment of development plans and proposals for land use; and the administration of building and other related codes.


Demonstrates leadership by advocating for innovation and strategic change within the Development Services department; reviews, evaluates and when necessary, implements business practices to ensure the efficient provision of development services to the public.


Manages and develops a qualified staff, ensuring professional and courteous service from all employees in support of the City's mission, values, customers, and stakeholders. Promotes the development of a diverse and engaged workforce.


Oversees the department's divisions in providing assistance to contractors and developers and may at times perform field inspections to review work at construction sites.


Confers with the Building, Planning & Zoning, and Code Enforcement division heads, architects, engineers, and property owners regarding compliance with City ordinances and City zoning codes. Interprets ordinances and codes, makes recommendations, and settles difficult enforcement problems.


Remains informed of cutting-edge technologies and advancements in municipal building, code enforcement, and planning and zoning programs.


Works collaboratively with and regularly interacts with other agencies, boards, authorities, commissions, developers, contractors, regulatory agencies, and civic groups.


Pursues ongoing professional development through course attendance, professional organizations, and meetings/conventions to stay informed of technological advancements and trends in the industry.


Conforms with and abides by all regulations, policies, work procedures, and instructions.


Conforms with and abides by all applicable safety rules which include wearing and using all appropriate safety equipment.


Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Planning, Construction Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field. Advanced degree and professional certificate(s) strongly preferred.

Eight (8) years of responsible and relevant experience in local government with considerable senior management level experience.


Valid Florida Driver's License.

A comparable amount of training or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
HOLIDAYS: 18 days including 5 floating days.


SICK LEAVE: 110 hours annually. Employees may convert to annual leave any unused portion of the first 64 hours of sick leave.


ANNUAL LEAVE: 120 hours in the first year of employment, increasing up to 210 after 25 years. Employees must take 40 hours of annual leave each year.


BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: 10 days for the death of an immediate family member (Parent, spouse or child). Five days for any other relative living in the same household.


HEALTH INSURANCE: Fully paid by the City (HMO Select) for employees after 30 days. Employee may purchase coverage for eligible dependents.


DENTAL INSURANCE: Available at a cost to all employees through payroll deduction.


LIFE INSURANCE: Term lif Term Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment equal to 1 x annual salary (up to $200,000) fully paid by the City.


TRAVEL ACCIDENT LIFE INSURANCE: Travel Accidental Death and Dismemberment policy with a $300,000 death benefit, fully paid by the City.

VOLUNTARY BENEFITS: Several plans are available, such as Short Term Disability, Life Insurance and Critical Illness policies through payroll deductions.


LEGAL SERVICES: Legal Service plan available at a cost to all employees through payroll deductions.


POST EMPLOYMENT HEALTH PLAN (PEHP): The City deposits $950 annually into an individual account for each employee. Monies may be used to pay premiums or medical expenses after retirement.


DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Employees may defer a portion of their pre-tax salary in the 457 Deferred Compensation Program.


TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: $2,00 per semester ($6,000 maximum annually) as per the City's Rules and Regulations.

VEHICLE ALLOWANCE: $450 Monthly.


PARKING ACCESS: Parking medallion provides Citywide parking access.

CELL PHONE: Cell phone provided at a monthly cost of $20.00, if required by department.


RECREATIONAL USE: Employee, spouse and immediate family members seventeen (17) years of age and under are entitled to the benefits below:

• Venetian Pool - No charge for daily admission.
• Tennis Centers - No charge for daily court fees
• Youth Center - 50% off residential rates for memberships and 25% off camps and other programs.

Golf at Biltmore & Granada :

• Monday through Friday - no charge
• Saturday, Sunday and Holidays:

- Before Noon - Twilight fees apply
- After Noon - No charge
(cart fees apply at all times)


PENSION: Employees have an option to participate in the Coral Gables Retirement System or (if hired after 9/8/2015) a 401(a) defined contribution plan provided by the City.


VESTING: 10 years (Retirement System).


CONTRIBUTION: 10% effective October 1, 2016. (Mandatory Employee contribution under the Retirement System).


RETIREMENT SYSTEM NORMAL RETIREMENT: Employees are eligible for retirement once they meet the Rule of Eighty (80): years of service plus age must equal Eighty, or age 65 with six (6) years of service, or age 62 with 10 years of service


Employees hired on or after 10/1/10 earn a pension benefit of 3% of average final compensation for the first 10 years of service, and 2.25% of average final compensation (5 year average) for each year thereafter, up to a maximum of 75% of average final compensation.


MILITARY/GOVERNMENT BUY-BACK: Employees may buy-back up to five years of qualified previous government employment.


DROP: The Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) allows an employee to defer retirement and begin accumulating retirement benefits with interest, without terminating employment. Employees are eligible upon reaching the following requirements (whichever occurs first):


- Rule of 80
- Age 65 with six (6) years of service
- Age 62 with ten (10) years of service


Note: Benefits subject to change.


OR

DEFINED CONTRIBUTION 401 (a )

VESTING : 5 years

CONTRIBUTION: City contributes 10% of base salary per year under the 401(a) plan. (No employee contribution required.)
01


Do you possess a Bachelor's degree with major course work in engineering, architecture, planning, construction management, business administration, public administration, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you possess Eight (8) years of responsible and relevant experience in local government with considerable senior management level experience?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you possess a Valid Florida Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

Required Question