Community Development Director

Safety Harbor, City of (FL); Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Safety Harbor is seeking a senior planning administrator to lead the Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Divisions. You will guide development reviews, oversee the Downtown Master Plan, and manage CRA programs while maintaining the Comprehensive Plan and LDC.

Collaboration with city leadership will drive economic development and customer-focused permitting. The role requires a Master’s in a related field, 8+ years in planning with at least 3 years in local government supervision,

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and coordination for Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Divisions.
• Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate staff; set priorities and allocate resources.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Public-sector administration

Communication

Staff development

Long-range planning

Development review

Coordination across divisions

Education

Master’s degree in urban/community planning

AICP certification preferred

Tools

GIS

Land management software

Code enforcement software

Microsoft Office

Land Development Code knowledge

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.