Community & Economic Development Director

City of Spokane Valley; Spokane Valley (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Spokane Valley is seeking a visionary Community and Economic Development Director to lead economic development, planning, and building divisions. This role advises the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and City Council, shaping policies and directing the department’s strategy and budget.

Ideal candidates have a strong track record in urban planning, sustainable growth, and collaborative leadership, with a commitment to customer service and transparent governance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, economic development, urban policy or public administration.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in planning or economic development.
• Knowledge of Growth Management Act and land use regulations in Washington state.

Responsibilities

• Lead attraction and retention of businesses to drive economic growth.
• Oversee long-term planning to align with priority goals.
• Oversee land use and building permitting with a customer-focused process.
• Partner with external agencies to support the City's strategic interests.
• Direct development, implementation, and administration of the department budget.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban planning / public administration

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

The Community and Economic Development Director performs complex managerial, administrative, and supervisory work in planning, organizing, and directing the city's economic development, planning, and building divisions. As a key advisor to the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and City Council, the Director identifies potential threats or opportunities, outlines strategic alternatives, and shapes policies to meet future community needs.

The Director

• Assumes the lead role in attracting and retaining businesses to push economic growth as key driver of City’s revenues.
• Oversees long-term planning to align with current and future desired priorities.
• Oversee urban growth strategies to align with the City's long-term vision, inter-governmental agreements, and regional compliance requirements.
• Oversees land use and building permitting with focus on providing an efficient, effective, and customer service-oriented process.
• Partners with external agencies to ensure the City’s strategic interests are clearly communicated and supported.
• Directs the development, implementation, and administration of the Department budget; monitors expenditures, optimizes resource allocation, and ensures cost-effective utilization of both internal staff and external contracted services.

The City is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and solution-oriented leader who brings extensive community and economic development experience to this vital role. The ideal candidate will be an adaptable professional who pairs a strong customer-service mindset with the strategic ability to solve complex, multi-faceted municipal challenges.

Competencies & Traits

• A proven track record of managing and mentoring high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, and building strong, trusting relationships with employees, city management, and the public.
• An accessible leader and active listener with superior oral and written communication skills, capable of translating complex concepts into clear information for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee complex, concurrent projects, modernize departmental policies, and implement progressive goals and objectives that align with the City’s long-term vision.

The city welcomes seasoned directors as well as accomplished assistant directors or senior managers who are ready to step into a comprehensive department-head role.

Qualifications

The Community and Economic Development Director requires graduation from an accredited four-year university with a degree in urban planning, economic development, urban policy, public administration or closely related field (Master’s degree preferred). A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in planning, economic development, or related field. The City may consider candidates with a combination of related education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential duties of the position. The most competitive candidates will possess extensive knowledge of long-term planning practices, zoning laws, land use regulations, and building codes and expertise in modern economic development plans, including their strategic formation and long-term execution. Experience in these areas under Washington State laws, including but not limited to the Growth Management Act and related laws is preferred. A valid Washington State driver's license is required.