Community Development Director

Gulfshoresal; Grand Junction, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Grand Junction seeks a Community Development Director to lead the Community Development Department, guide long-range planning, housing initiatives, and historic preservation, and report to the Deputy City Manager.

The ideal candidate will communicate clearly with City Council, developers, and residents, manage budgets and grants, build relationships, and drive redevelopment aligned with the City's growth goals.

Qualifications

• Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible community development experience, including three (3) years in management/administration.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, public administration or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado Driver’s license.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, the City of Grand Junction Leadership Track certification within two (2) years of appointment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the City’s Community Development Department, including planning and development services, historic preservation, housing, and related community development initiatives.
• Lead department priorities, budget development, grant administration, complex development and funding agreements, and continuous improvement of development review and permitting services.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with City Council, Planning Commission, community members, developers, economic development partners, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify and respond to complex, sensitive, and highly visible community development issues while balancing regulatory requirements, customer service, organizational priorities, and community interests.
• Partner with the City Manager, economic development organizations, and other community partners to advance major redevelopment and economic development initiatives throughout the community.
• Lead, develop, and support a high-performing team through clear expectations, accountability, collaboration, and professional development.

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban planning/public administration or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Community Development Director

HIRING RANGE: $190,000 - $220,000 annually

About the Position:

The Community Development Director leads the City of Grand Junction’s Community Development Department and serves on the Executive Leadership Team, reporting to the Deputy City Manager. The Director oversees planning and development services, historic preservation, and housing initiatives while helping guide the City’s long-term growth and redevelopment.

The ideal candidate is a strong, approachable leader who can clearly communicate complex issues to City Council, residents, developers, and community partners. They will value responsive customer service, consistent application of City codes, and transparent decision-making.

This position requires sound judgment, diplomacy, and the ability to navigate competing priorities in a highly visible environment. The successful candidate will build strong relationships, manage department priorities and resources, and help advance the City’s community development goals.

About the Community Development Department:

The Community Development Department leads the City's community planning, development services, zoning, historic preservation, and housing functions, and works closely with economic development partners and community organizations to support the City's growth and reinvestment priorities. The department manages current and long-range planning, plan and permit review, annexation, and maintains the City’s zoning and development code, and the City's Comprehensive Plan.As a HUD entitlement community, the City receives a direct federal Community Development Block Grant allocation, which the department administers alongside other state and local housing funding.

The department collaborates closely with other City departments, regional and state partners, and community and economic development organizations to advance shared priorities.

What You'll Do:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the City’s Community Development Department, including planning and development services, historic preservation, housing, and related community development initiatives.
• Lead department priorities, budget development, grant administration, complex development and funding agreements, and continuous improvement of development review and permitting services.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with City Council, Planning Commission, community members, developers, economic development partners, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify and respond to complex, sensitive, and highly visible community development issues while balancing regulatory requirements, customer service, organizational priorities, and community interests.
• Partner with the City Manager, economic development organizations, and other community partners to advance major redevelopment and economic development initiatives throughout the community.
• Lead, develop, and support a high-performing team through clear expectations, accountability, collaboration, and professional development.

What We're Looking For:

• Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible community development experience including three (3) years of management and administrative responsibility.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, public administration or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado Driver’s license
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, the City of Grand Junction Leadership Track certification within two (2) years of appointment.

Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.

Notice to Applicants:

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, we kindly request that youdo not include the dates of your educationto include years of attendance or graduation on your application, resume or attachments.

City Employee Health Clinic:

The City is committed to supporting the health and well-being of employees and their families. Our near-site Sage Health & Wellness Center offers free or low-cost healthcare services for employees and dependents enrolled in a City health plan. Services include preventive care, health assessments and coaching, treatment for common illnesses, lab services, physical therapy, a medical massage therapist, and behavioral health counseling. The clinic also offers wellness programs, challenges, and classes that empower employees and their families to stay healthy and thrive.

Explore the Area:

Grand Junction, Colorado, is the key access point to the mountains and canyonlands of western Colorado and eastern Utah. Centrally located between Denver, CO (250 miles east) and Salt Lake City, UT (270 miles west), Grand Junction was named for the convergence of the Gunnison River and Colorado River. Over 1.5 million acres of public lands connect the area’s alpine terrain with the dramatic high desert, nourished by powerful rivers that sustain the vibrant agriculture industry. Opportunities for outdoor adventures are abundant in every season due to the year-round temperate climate. Home to “Nature’s Trifecta,” Grand Junction is surrounded by the Colorado National Monument – a mini-Grand Canyon, Rattlesnake Arches – the second-largest concentration of natural arches in the world, and the Grand Mesa – the largest flat-top mountain in the world. Agritourism, art and history, boutique shopping, and trendy restaurants complement the outdoor recreation scene. With a population over 160,000 in Mesa County (over 70,000 within the City limits), Grand Junction has all the city amenities you expect with a hometown atmosphere that is friendly and comfortable. See Visit Grand Junction for more information.

At the City of Grand Junction, we proudly operate as an Equal Opportunity Employer, purposely building an inclusive workforce representative of various cultures, perspectives, and experiences. We believe in respect for all and do not discriminate based on hair, race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

If you have any questions or need assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please contact our Human Resources office at 970.244.1512.