Development Services Director

City of Coral Gables; Coral Gables (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Coral Gables seeks a Development Services Director to lead the Building, Planning & Zoning, and Code Enforcement divisions. You will manage the department’s strategic initiatives, budgets, and long-range plans to support a growing city and ensure high-quality customer service.

The role requires strong leadership, senior management experience in local government, and a Florida driver’s license. Advanced degrees and professional certifications are preferred; a comparable background may be

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Planning, Construction Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
• Advanced degree and professional certificate(s) strongly preferred.
• Eight (8) years of responsible and relevant experience in local government with considerable senior management level experience.
• Valid Florida Driver's License.
• A comparable amount of training or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Directs and manages a comprehensive City-wide Development Services Department consistent with the City's goals and initiatives ensuring high-quality customer service and professional standards.
• Develops and manages the annual operating budget of the Development Services Department.
• Develops and implements long range and annual action plans to meet the needs of a growing City.
• Provides overall direction and strategy regarding Building, Planning & Zoning, and Code Enforcement policies, procedures, and regulations to the City, including the formation, adoption, and enforcement of zoning regulations and comprehensive plans; the review and assessment of development plans and proposals for land use; and the administration of building and other related codes.
• Demonstrates leadership by advocating for innovation and strategic change within the Development Services department; reviews, evaluates and when necessary, implements business practices to ensure the efficient provision of development services to the public.
• Manages and develops a qualified staff, ensuring professional and courteous service from all employees in support of the City’s mission, values, customers, and stakeholders. Promotes the development of a diverse and engaged workforce.
• Oversees the department's divisions in providing assistance to contractors and developers and may at times perform field inspections to review work at construction sites.
• Confers with the Building, Planning & Zoning, and Code Enforcement division heads, architects, engineers, and property owners regarding compliance with City ordinances and City zoning codes. Interprets ordinances and codes, makes recommendations, and settles difficult enforcement problems.
• Remains informed of cutting-edge technologies and advancements in municipal building, code enforcement, and planning and zoning programs.
• Works collaboratively with and regularly interacts with other agencies, boards, authorities, commissions, developers, contractors, regulatory agencies, and civic groups.
• Pursues ongoing professional development through course attendance, professional organizations, and meetings/conventions to stay informed of technological advancements and trends in the industry.
• Conforms with and abides by all regulations, policies, work procedures, and instructions.
• Conforms with and abides by all applicable safety rules which include wearing and using all appropriate safety equipment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Planning, Construction Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field

Job description

Under the broad policy guidance of the City Manager, this position serves as a key member of the City’s leadership team with direct responsibility for the effective implementation of City-wide strategic and operating initiatives. The Director provides leadership through managing, directing, and coordinating the activities of the department’s three divisions: Building, Planning & Zoning, and Code Enforcement. The Development Services Director organizes land development services with other divisions and departments and provides highly complex staff assistance to the Building, Code Enforcement, and Planning & Zoning Directors. Implements strategies and systems to enhance operations, management of employees, customer satisfaction, and budget management. Must be able to think strategically and exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the City Manager.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.

Directs and manages a comprehensive City-wide Development Services Department consistent with the City's goals and initiatives ensuring high-quality customer service and professional standards. Develops and manages the annual operating budget of the Development Services Department. Develops and implements long range and annual action plans to meet the needs of a growing City.

Provides overall direction and strategy regarding Building, Planning & Zoning, and Code Enforcement policies, procedures, and regulations to the City, including the formation, adoption, and enforcement of zoning regulations and comprehensive plans; the review and assessment of development plans and proposals for land use; and the administration of building and other related codes.

Demonstrates leadership by advocating for innovation and strategic change within the Development Services department; reviews, evaluates and when necessary, implements business practices to ensure the efficient provision of development services to the public.

Manages and develops a qualified staff, ensuring professional and courteous service from all employees in support of the City’s mission, values, customers, and stakeholders. Promotes the development of a diverse and engaged workforce.

Oversees the department's divisions in providing assistance to contractors and developers and may at times perform field inspections to review work at construction sites.

Confers with the Building, Planning & Zoning, and Code Enforcement division heads, architects, engineers, and property owners regarding compliance with City ordinances and City zoning codes. Interprets ordinances and codes, makes recommendations, and settles difficult enforcement problems.

Remains informed of cutting-edge technologies and advancements in municipal building, code enforcement, and planning and zoning programs.

Works collaboratively with and regularly interacts with other agencies, boards, authorities, commissions, developers, contractors, regulatory agencies, and civic groups.

Pursues ongoing professional development through course attendance, professional organizations, and meetings/conventions to stay informed of technological advancements and trends in the industry.

Conforms with and abides by all regulations, policies, work procedures, and instructions.

Conforms with and abides by all applicable safety rules which include wearing and using all appropriate safety equipment.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Planning, Construction Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field. Advanced degree and professional certificate(s) strongly preferred.

Eight (8) years of responsible and relevant experience in local government with considerable senior management level experience.

Valid Florida Driver's License.

A comparable amount of training or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.