Chief Planner & Community Development Leader

Leavenworth, City of (WA); Leavenworth (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Leavenworth is seeking a Community Development Director to lead the Community Development Department, directing current and long-range planning, zoning, development permitting, code compliance, and environmental review.

You will manage staff, develop goals and budgets, oversee grants, and serve as a technical advisor to City boards. A strategic leader with strong public engagement will thrive in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban, regional, or city planning or related field.
• Five or more years of professional planning experience; leadership preferred.
• Ability to prepare and administer large budgets and supervise staff.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, oversee, and manage the Community Development Department staff and operations.
• Develop goals, policies, and staffing levels; implement procedures.
• Oversee department budget and ensure financial compliance.
• Lead complex planning projects and provide technical reviews of plans.
• Prepare grant applications and manage awarded grants; report requirements.
• Present reports to City Council and commissions; engage with public and stakeholders.
• Supervise staff, provide feedback, and apply discipline as needed.
• Serve as liaison with other departments and external agencies.

Skills

Planning

Budget administration

Staff supervision

Leadership

Public presentations

Negotiations

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban, regional, or city planning

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

GIS

Job description

The City of Leavenworth is seeking a Community Development Director to lead the Community Development Department, directing current and long-range planning, zoning, development permitting, code compliance, and environmental review.

You will manage staff, develop goals and budgets, oversee grants, and serve as a technical advisor to City boards. A strategic leader with strong public engagement will thrive in this role.