Community Development Director

City of St Joseph; Michigan; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ada Township is seeking a collaborative, experienced leader to serve as Community Development Director. Reporting to the Township Manager, this position oversees the Planning Department and coordinates for the Downtown Development Authority to align land-use planning with downtown development and preservation of Ada Township’s community character.

The Director leads long-range planning and development review, oversees zoning administration, and supervises a planning team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in planning or closely related field.
• 5 years progressively responsible experience in related area.
• 3 years supervisory/management or significant project leadership experience.
• Master's degree and 7+ years preferred.
• Military service with transferable leadership experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Township's senior planning official and director of the Planning Department.
• Lead long-range planning and development review; oversee zoning administration.
• Supervise Planner/Zoning Administrator, DDA Director, and Planning Administrative Assistant.
• Coordinate with Downtown Development Authority to align land-use and downtown development.
• Support thoughtful growth, vibrant downtown, and preservation of community character.

Skills

Staff leadership

Project management

Communication

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Ada Township seeks a collaborative, experienced leader to serve as its Community Development Director. Reporting to the Township Manager, this position oversees the Planning Department and provides administrative supervision and coordination for the Downtown Development Authority, aligning land-use planning and downtown development to support thoughtful growth, a vibrant downtown, and preservation of Ada Township’s community character.

The Director serves as the Township’s senior planning official, leads long-range planning and development review, oversees zoning administration, and supervises the Planner/Zoning Administrator, DDA Director, and Planning Administrative Assistant. The successful candidate will bring strong communication, staff leadership, project management, and relationship-building skills.

Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, economic development, business administration, or a closely related field; five years of relevant, progressively responsible experience; and three years of supervisory, management, or significant project-leadership experience. A master’s degree and seven or more years of relevant experience are preferred. Other professional experience, including military service involving leadership, supervision, or management, may be considered when transferable to the position.

Ada Township is an Equal Opportunity Employer.