Community Development Director

SUMMARY:  The Community Development Director is responsible for the overall leadership and administration of the Community Development Department. This includes oversight of planning, building, sustainability, code enforcement, and economic development functions. The Director supervises a small team of professional staff and manages consultant relationships, ensuring alignment with the City’s goals, regulations, and community needs. This position reports directly to the City Manager and serves as a key member of the City’s leadership team.

*Hybrid or flexible work arrangements may be available.

Departmental Leadership & Oversight

• Directs and oversees the work of the Community Development Department, including planning, building, sustainability, code enforcement, and economic development.
• Supervises staff, including assigning work, evaluating performance, coaching, and providing professional development opportunities.
• Prepares and manages the department’s annual budget and monitors expenditures.
• Oversees consultant and contractor relationships related to community development functions.
• Coordinates closely with other department heads as a member of the City’s leadership team.
• Provides support to the City Manager and assists with special projects as assigned.

Planning, Building, and Code Administration

• Administers and ensures compliance with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, building regulations, zoning and code enforcement ordinances.
• Oversees the review, approval, and enforcement processes for development applications, permits, and inspections.
• Leads periodic updates and improvements to development and enforcement codes, standards, and procedures.
• Analyzes and recommends modifications to policies and practices to align with best practices and changing community needs.

Strategic and Economic Development

• Develops and implements economic development strategies through data analysis, market research, and community trends.
• Assists with the attraction, support, and retention of businesses in the City.
• Supports workforce development strategies and related programming as needed.

Community Engagement and Representation

• Prepares and presents staff reports, recommendations, and presentations to the City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and community organizations.
• Represents the City and department in meetings with residents, businesses, advisory boards, regional organizations, and intergovernmental partners.
• Maintains relationships with community stakeholders to assess development needs and priorities.

Policy and Program Development

• Leads strategic planning initiatives within the department, aligning with citywide goals.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of department programs and recommends enhancements.
• Participates in the negotiation and management of contracts and intergovernmental agreements related to community development services.

CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR LICENSURES

· Preferred: Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), which reflects advanced knowledge, leadership, and commitment to the planning profession.

· Other relevant professional certifications in community development, economic development, or code enforcement (such as CEcD or CZO) are considered a plus.

· Valid driver’s license and acceptable motor vehicle record required.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE: Master's degree or equivalent in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Natural Resource Planning, Landscape Architecture, Community Development or related fields from an accredited college or university; minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal or regional planning, with at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:

· A high degree of ethics and integrity.

· A strong record of professional development.

· Excellent public speaking, written and oral communications ability.

· Innovative and creative in management of the Department in an ever-changing and challenging environment.

· See the “big picture” and develop long and short-term strategies to meet the goals of the organization.

· Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the various departments and functions within the City of Edgewater.

· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, elected officials, appointing authorities, other department heads, appointed boards, employees, as well as, other agencies and departments.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: The City is seeking someone with a solid background in municipal planning practices and procedures with the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

· Knowledge of the technical, practical, and philosophical factors that influence urban infill development, as well as the legal, economic, environmental, and social aspects of community development.

· Extensive knowledge of state and local planning practices, including both current and long-range planning, building codes, and code enforcement regulations.

· Familiarity with best practices in economic development, including business attraction, retention, and workforce development strategies.

· High-level understanding of community engagement techniques, with demonstrated experience in applying those strategies effectively.

· Strong customer service orientation with the ability to work collaboratively with residents, businesses, and community stakeholders.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office, GIS, and CAD software.