Community Development Director

City-of-Safety-Harbor,-F; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Safety Harbor is seeking a seasoned planning executive to lead the Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement divisions. You will guide development reviews, spearhead economic development efforts, and drive the Downtown Master Plan while stewarding the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code.

You will oversee staff, budgets, and grants, collaborate with other departments, and represent the City at public hearings and regional forums.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in urban or community planning, public administration, architecture, or related field.
• AICP certification preferred.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience in planning, development services, community redevelopment, or related field.
• At least three (3) years of administrative and supervisory responsibility in local government.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement divisions.
• Oversee development review processes and guide economic development initiatives.
• Manage department budget and grant programs.
• Represent the City in meetings and public hearings.
• Coordinate with other city departments and agencies.
• Develop and maintain planning-related policies and documents.
• Supervise staff, mentor, and evaluate performance.
• Oversee long-range planning, zoning, and code enforcement processes.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budgeting

Personnel management

Communication skills

GIS software

Policy development

Public meetings facilitation

Education

Master’s degree in urban planning or public administration

AICP certification preferred

Tools

GIS

Microsoft Office

Planning software

Code enforcement software

Job description

Under the administrative direction of the City Manager or Assistant City Manager, performs highly responsible professional, administrative, and managerial work directing the operations and activities of the Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Divisions. Responsibilities include overseeing development review processes, guiding economic development initiatives, implementing the Downtown Master Plan, managing Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) programs, and maintaining and updating the City's Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. Work is performed with considerable professional judgment and managerial independence within established policies and budgetary guidelines.

• Provides strategic leadership, direction, and coordination for the Planning Division, Building Division, and Code Enforcement Division.
• Supervises, trains, mentors, and evaluates assigned personnel; assigns duties and responsibilities; establishes priorities; and resolves workload, resource allocation, technical, and quality-control issues.
• Recommends personnel actions including hiring, promotion, disciplinary action, and termination of subordinate employees.
• Conducts employee performance evaluations and provides coaching and professional development opportunities.
• Develops, implements, and maintains departmental policies, procedures, and regulations consistent with City objectives and policies.
• Prepares and administers the annual departmental budget and Community Redevelopment District budgets; develops operational recommendations and oversees implementation of budgeted projects and programs.
• Coordinates development-related projects and initiatives with the City Engineer, Public Works Director, Recreation Director, and other departmental leaders.
• Establishes priorities and directs amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code, Code of Ordinances, and other planning-related documents.
• Represents the City at meetings and public hearings before the City Commission, Planning and Zoning Board/Board of Appeals, Code Enforcement Board, and regional or professional organizations.
• Oversees the Technical Review Committee and manages the review and evaluation of development applications and proposals.
• Directs planning studies and research efforts to support new and updated plans, programs, regulations, and community initiatives.
• Prepares and presents staff reports, development analyses, and recommendations to advisory boards, stakeholders, and the City Commission.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with residents, business leaders, developers, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborates with City leadership to promote economic development opportunities and enhance customer-focused permitting and development review processes.
• Responds to and resolves complex community concerns, development issues, inquiries, and complaints in a professional and effective manner.
• Oversees neighborhood improvement programs, downtown initiatives, beautification programs, signage programs, and related grant activities.
• Directs implementation, reporting, and compliance activities related to Community Redevelopment Districts and the Downtown Master Plan.
• Researches, prepares, and administers federal, state, and local grant applications and associated program requirements.
• Oversees the administration and utilization of land management software systems and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Coordinates Community Development activities with other City departments, governmental agencies, consultants, and community organizations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with elected officials, community stakeholders, department directors, employees, and the general public.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple functional areas while fostering organizational growth, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to be flexible, proactive, and solution-oriented when addressing community concerns and operational challenges.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with diverse individuals and organizations throughout the community.
• Ability to plan, organize, assign, supervise, and evaluate employee performance with an emphasis on professional development and accountability.
• Knowledge of records management and document retention principles for both electronic and paper-based systems.
• Ability to prepare, present, and communicate clear, concise, and effective reports, correspondence, presentations, recommendations, and policy guidance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to utilize specialized software related to planning, permitting, code enforcement, and development services.
• Knowledge of public-sector administration, including budgeting, personnel administration, procurement, contract management, and performance management.
• Skill in managing resources efficiently and developing cost-effective solutions that support organizational objectives.
• Ability to delegate effectively, develop staff capabilities, and create a positive, high-performing work environment.
• Extensive knowledge of long-range planning principles, zoning regulations, building codes, code enforcement procedures, floodplain management requirements, and development review processes.
• Knowledge of urban planning, community redevelopment, urban design, growth management, and related industry trends and best practices.
• Ability to interpret and apply plans, maps, engineering drawings, development proposals, codes, and regulations accurately and impartially
• Ability to administer and utilize land management systems, business tax licensing software, code enforcement software, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with technical and non-technical audiences.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree in urban or community planning, public administration, architecture, or another closely related field. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred. Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience in planning, development services, community redevelopment, or a related field, including at least three (3) years of administrative and supervisory responsibility at the local government level. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Valid Florida Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction).
• Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid).
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
• Reaching.
• Use of fingers, use of hands.
• Sitting.
• Walking.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with occasional field visits, site inspections, attendance at public meetings, and travel to other locations as required. Employees may be exposed to varying weather conditions during field activities.

The City of Safety Harbor is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.