Deputy Director of Community Development

Albemarle County; Charlottesville (VA); Hybrid; USD 137,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Relocation assistance may be offered

Virginia Retirement System benefits

Job summary

Albemarle County is seeking a Deputy Director of Community Development to serve as the department's operational leader and key partner to the Director. This role focuses on performance, regulatory compliance, staff development, and process improvement in a fast-moving local government environment.

The position reports to the Director and collaborates with division leaders, County leadership, and stakeholders to support consistent decision-making and high-quality public service.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in a related field.
• Eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in community development or related fields, including five years in leadership/management with supervisory responsibility.
• Knowledge of planning, zoning, engineering, building inspections, and land development within local government.
• Experience working with elected officials, boards, or commissions and presenting information in public meetings.

Responsibilities

• Lead department operations and ensure alignment with the County's strategic priorities.
• Provide leadership, direction, and coordination across divisions; emphasize performance and customer service.
• Advise the Director, County executives, the Board of Supervisors, and stakeholders on complex development and policy issues.
• Represent the Director on assignment and help shape department goals, budgets, and initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Staff development

Performance management

Education

Bachelor's degree in public administration or related field

Master's degree in public administration/urban planning/engineering/business administration/public policy/organizational leadership

Job description

Albemarle County is seeking a Deputy Director of Community Development to serve as the department's operational leader and a key partner to the Director of Community Development. This role provides leadership, direction, and coordination across the department's functional divisions, with a strong focus on performance, productivity, regulatory compliance, customer service, staff development, and process improvement. The Deputy Director helps ensure that departmental operations are aligned, effective, and responsive to the County's strategic priorities, development review mission, and service expectations.

Reporting to the Director of Community Development, the Deputy Director serves as a senior advisor on complex development, land use, regulatory, operational, and organizational matters. The position works closely with division leaders, the County Executive, the Board of Supervisors, the Planning Commission, community stakeholders, developers, and partner agencies to support consistent decision-making, thoughtful problem-solving, and high-quality public service. The Deputy Director also helps shape departmental goals, policies, budgets, and strategic initiatives, and acts on behalf of the Director as assigned.

This is a highly visible leadership role for a professional who can strengthen internal coordination, use performance data to improve service delivery, develop managers and staff, and guide the department through change in a fast-moving local government environment.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications

include any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in public administration, urban planning, engineering, architecture, business administration, public policy, organizational leadership, or a related field. Candidates should also bring at least eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in community development, development services, local government administration, land use, or a related field, including at least five years of leadership and management experience with responsibility for supervising managers or supervisors, employee development, performance, and operational effectiveness.

Candidates should demonstrate thorough knowledge of planning, zoning, engineering, building inspections, and land development functions within a local government environment, as well as knowledge of the Code of Virginia, the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, County ordinances, the Comprehensive Plan, and related regulations and policies. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience working with elected officials, appointed boards or commissions, community organizations, developers, and other stakeholders on complex or high-profile issues, as well as experience presenting information and recommendations in public meetings and facilitating discussions involving diverse interests and perspectives.

Preferred qualifications

A master's degree in public administration, urban planning, engineering, business administration, public policy, organizational leadership, or a related field. Experience leading multiple functional areas within a community development, development services, planning, engineering, zoning, or building inspections organization will be viewed favorably.

The selected candidate must be able to obtain a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and must meet the eligibility requirements of the County's safe driver policy. This position is eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule in accordance with the County's Remote Work Policy, and all County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected hiring range is up to $137,447 to $151,918. The selected candidate’s salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Albemarle County offers a compelling benefits package that includes a holistic employee health clinic, multiple health insurance options (health, vision, and dental), and Virginia Retirement System (VRS) benefits, paid vacation and sick leave, tuition reimbursement and more. Residency within the County is not required, but all County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia. This position is eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule consistent with County policy and operational needs, and relocation assistance may be offered.