Community Development Director

Apopka Planning Commission; Florida; On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Apopka Planning Commission is seeking an experienced executive to lead city planning, zoning, building safety, and economic development initiatives. The role reports to the City Administrator and requires independent judgment to ensure compliance with city codes and state/federal laws.

The position oversees multiple divisions, develops long-term plans, manages budgets, and represents the department at public hearings and council meetings.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in land planning or related field required.
• AICP certification required.
• Considerable, progressive experience in economic development, planning, zoning and public administration.
• Valid Florida Driver's license; out-of-state license acceptable but must obtain Florida license within 30 days of start.

Responsibilities

• Direct the development of short and long term community development and support economic development throughout the City.
• Develop and implement long-term plans aligned with local government priorities and community needs.
• Develop and implement department budgets to allocate resources effectively and ensure fiscal accountability.
• Administer the City's Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code to ensure compliance for development and redevelopment within the City.
• Oversee building safety and code enforcement to ensure public safety and code compliance.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with community stakeholders, organizations, and businesses to ensure professional and efficient community development services are provided.
• Direct, lead, develop, and manage an effective and efficient team of professionals to provide high quality community development services to residents, businesses, and visitors.
• Represent the department at public hearings, city council meetings, community forums, and regional planning bodies.
• Performs any other duties or tasks that may be assigned.

Skills

Zoning knowledge

Planning expertise

Regulatory knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Public speaking

Education

Master's degree in land planning or related field

AICP certification

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This is a highly responsible executive position involving the management of City planning and zoning, City engineering, building safety, and economic development plans, programs, and services. Work is performed under the general direction of the City Administrator, with considerable independent judgment to ensure compliance with City codes and state and federal laws.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following essential functions represent the primary duties of this position but should not be considered an all-inclusive list of responsibilities. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Direct the development of short and long term community development and support economic development throughout the City.
• Develop and implement long-term plans aligned with local government priorities and community needs.
• Develop and implement department budgets to allocate resources effectively and ensure fiscal accountability.
• Administer the City's Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code to ensure compliance for development and redevelopment within the City.
• Oversee building safety and code enforcement to ensure public safety and code compliance.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with community stakeholders, organizations, and businesses to ensure professional and efficient community development services are provided.
• Direct, lead, develop, and manage an effective and efficient team of professionals to provide high quality community development services to residents, businesses, and visitors.
• Represent the department at public hearings, city council meetings, community forums, and regional planning bodies.
• Performs any other duties or tasks that may be assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of local zoning and planning, ordinances, policies, regulations, and pertinent information relating to city codes.
• Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws/regulations
• Knowledge of best practices for municipal community development efforts.
• Knowledge of land development codes, comprehensive plans, building codes, and Florida statutes related to land development and planning.
• Ability to guide complex projects and align initiatives with community goals.
• Ability to lead multiple divisions of specialized professional staff.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing; to read and interpret development plans; to draft ordinances, resolution, and legal advertisements.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and amiable working relationships with elected and appointed officials, news media, leadership, supervisors, residents, customers, employees, other departments, and agencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered, provided that the education and experience are in a relevant and related field.

• Graduate with Master's degree in land planning or a related field; or equivalent experience.
• AICP certification (American Institute of Certified Planners)
• Considerable, progressive experience in economic development, planning, zoning and public administration.
• Valid Florida Driver's license. A valid out of state License is acceptable, but selected candidates must obtain and provide a valid Florida driver's license within thirty (30) days of start date.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in public speaking and presentation.

JOB LOCATION

• City Hall Annex. Occasional travel is required.

ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION

• Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, occasional standing, walking, bending/twisting, pushing/pulling up to 10 lbs., lifting up-to 10 lbs.
• Environmental Conditions: Exposure to dim or bright lights. Minimal exposure to inclement weather.
• Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The City of Apopka is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recognizes a moral, ethical, and legal responsibility to provide fair and equitable consideration of applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, sexual orientation, of other non-job-related factors. As such, the City of Apopka affirms its commitment to a policy not only of nondiscrimination, but also to a process of equal employment opportunity in all departments of City government to ensure that employment is extended to all qualified persons. When requested, the City of Apopka will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We comply with all applicable laws and actively promote fairness and equity in our employment practices.

ADA Statement: The City of Apopka is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to achieving excellence and strength through diversity. The City seeks a wide range of applicants for its positions so that one of our core values, a qualified and diverse workforce, will be affirmed. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance requires the City to provide reasonable invited to discuss accommodations.