Community Development Director

sumterlocalgovconsulting; Forest Park (GA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Forest Park seeks an experienced Director of Planning and Community Development to lead the Planning & Community Department, shaping strategic plans for building, housing, zoning and property maintenance codes. You will direct plan reviews, ensure code compliance, and guide staff performance, budgeting and external representation.

The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator and strategic decision-maker, collaborating across departments and agencies to advance the city’s

Qualifications

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills for reports, presentations and briefings.
• Independent judgment to analyze complex issues and provide timely recommendations.
• Ability to foster cross-functional collaboration and build a high-performing culture.
• Ability to obtain ICC Building Official Certification within 12 months (preferred).
• Experience working with local, state and federal officials to secure partnerships and funding.

Responsibilities

• Oversee plan reviews for commercial and residential construction and ensure code compliance.
• Lead daily operations of the Planning & Community Department and develop strategic plans and budgets.
• Supervise staff, develop performance benchmarks, and allocate department resources.
• Prepare staff reports for the city manager, elected officials and boards; represent the City externally.

Skills

Excellent communicator

Strategic decision-maker

Collaborative team builder

Intergovernmental relationship builder

ICC Building Official Certification

Job description

Job Description

The City of Forest Park is seeking an experienced Director of Planning and Community Development. This position carries significant responsibility; the Director is charged with leading the daily operations of the Planning & Community Department by developing a strategy with the goal of providing high-quality services in an efficient and effective manner.

The Director of Planning and Community Development establishes strategic plans, goals and objectives as it relates to building codes, housing codes, zoning, property maintenance codes and ensures the department’s strategic plans support the broad City mission.

This position provides direction and support to subordinate managers regarding division work plans and ensures the divisions work together to maximize department performance.

This position also serves as a member of the Executive Management team, providing input to the City Manager and Council regarding strategic decisions.

This position oversees plan reviews for commercial/residential construction and the inspection process to ensure code compliance.

The Director also interprets City ordinances and recommends updates as needed.

The Community Development Director supervises assigned staff, including hiring, evaluating performance and developing benchmarks and performance measures for the department.

The Director is responsible for the allocation of financial resources as well as developing annual operating and capital expenditure budgets for the department.

The Director also prepares necessary staff reports for presentations to the city manager, elected officials and affiliate boards as well as representing the City to state and federal officials, local businesses, community organizations, citizen groups, the media and public.

Ideal Candidate

• Excellent Communicator: Demonstrates outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, comprehensive, and professional reports, presentations, and briefings for the city manager, elected officials, and affiliate boards.
• Strategic Decision-Maker: Exercises sound independent judgment, confidently analyzing complex issues, and making timely, well-reasoned recommendations aligned with the City Manager and Council direction and community priorities.
• Collaborative Team Builder: Understands the value of teamwork, empowers staff, fosters cross-functional collaboration, and builds a cohesive, high-performing organizational culture.
• Special Qualifications: Possession of International Code Council (ICC) Building Official Certification highly preferred or the ability to obtain within twelve (12) months will be required.
• Intergovernmental Relationship Builder: Willingly and effectively works with local, state, and federal officials to secure partnerships, funding opportunities, and resources that advance the City’s strategic planning/development goals.

Compensation

Hiring Range: $127,750 - $159,700