Director of Community Development

City of New Berlin; New Berlin (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

City of New Berlin is seeking a Director of Community Development to provide executive leadership across Planning, GIS/LIS, Engineering, Building Inspection, Code Enforcement, and other city services. You will guide the development of the Comprehensive Plan, zoning and CIP budgets, and ensure an integrated approach to infrastructure and housing development.

The role requires a Master’s degree in urban planning or related field, 10 years in municipal development, and strong staff leadership.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Engineering, or related field; or a Bachelor’s with a Master’s in Public Administration/Management or related field.
• 10 years of municipal community development experience with staff management.
• Certification by AICP desirable (not required).
• Ability to interpret and present development policies to boards, committees and the public.
• Knowledge of land use laws, zoning, and urban planning principles.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership across Planning, GIS/LIS, Engineering, Building Inspection, Code Enforcement, Water Resources, Parks, Facilities, Emergency Management, Tourism, Housing and Economic Development.
• Direct the review process of development applications and serve as technical advisor to the Mayor.
• Coordinate city-wide comprehensive planning, CIP budgeting, and compliance with zoning/subdivision codes.
• Oversee and improve the one-stop-shop Permit Application Center (PAC) experience for plan review, permitting, inspection and occupancy.
• Manage department budgets, records, reporting, and liaison with Plan Commission and Housing Authority.

Skills

Leadership

Urban planning

Public administration

Zoning & codes

GIS/LIS

Budgeting

Communication

Staff management

Education

Master’s Degree in Urban Planning

Urban planning-related Master’s or MBA/MPA

AICP desirable

Tools

GIS

Cartegraph

MUNIS

Job description

The Director of Community Development is responsible for providing leadership in formulating, implementing, and directing operations for City community development programs, overseeing all aspects of the City’s Planning, GIS/LIS, Engineering Services, Building Inspection Services, Code Enforcement, Water Resources Utility, Park Planning & Design, Facility Planning, Emergency Management, Tourism/Destination Marketing, Housing and Economic Development functions through subordinate supervisors and staff.

• Interprets and presents City development policies and professional planning, community development & land use advice to various committees, boards & commissions, individuals, public, and civic groups.
• Directs the review process of development applications. Serves as technical advisor to the Mayor.
• Directs and ensures that the Department serves as a true “one-stop-shop” for all plan review, permitting, inspection and occupancy activities through the Permit Application Center (PAC).
• Directs and coordinates the development and implementation of the City's Comprehensive Plan, Zoning & Subdivision Codes, neighborhood plans, etc., including coordination of the research and analysis.
• Directs and coordinates the Department’s efforts regarding projects relating to Public Works and the City’s CIP Planning & Budgeting.
• Directs and coordinates implementation of the Geographic/Land Information Systems (GIS/LIS).
• Directs and coordinates implementation of all Building Inspection services and activities.
• Directs and coordinates implementation of all Code Enforcement/Zoning Administration inspection and compliance activities.
• Coordinate all siting, planning, design, engineering, construction management and implementation for projects related to: roadway maintenance, rehabilitation and reconstruction; public facilities; parks and open spaces; storm water and water resource management; public streetscapes; and CIP budgets.
• Coordinate bi-annual PASER evaluations for all City-owned streets and parking lots and prepare coordinated PASER report.
• Responsible for developing, coordinating and implementing all city public infrastructure standards via the Developer's Handbook, including, but not limited to, road, sanitary, water, storm sewer, public buildings/facilities, building systems and grounds.
• Directs and coordinates implementation of all Emergency Management activities and serves as liaison between EM staff, the Mayor and Common Council.
• Directs and coordinates the preparation of a general plan for emergency management of the city and integrate plan into the City’s overall Comprehensive Plan.
• Will assist city departments in the coordination of EM related non-emergency citywide special projects.
• Directs and coordinates implementation of the City’s Stormwater Management Plan and Water Resources Utility research, planning, and operational activities in concert with the Streets Department.
• Directs and coordinates the inventory and analyzing the needs of the community by updating the City's Park and Open Space Plan, at a minimum every five years, and incorporate into the City's overall Comprehensive Plan;
• Guide in the acquisition, dedication, preservation, and development of lands for public parks, facilities, and grounds in conjunction with the Plan Commission; coordinate the planning, engineering, design, development and coordination of contracts:
• Consults with the Plan Commission, CDA and/or other appropriate boards and commissions, for all existing and proposed public parks, public facilities and public grounds in accordance with Common Council approvals as part of a CIP budget and/or plan; provide linkages between parks, open spaces, and public destinations
• Directs and coordinates all Park Planning activities with regards to identifying and / or acquiring new active and/or passive parklands / open space and preparing their associated layouts and designs. Works in cooperation with the Facilities Department on park space programming and relating new functional spaces to the approved park plan/design.
• Directs the economic development program and coordinates with the Mayor, Chamber of Commerce, Waukesha County, the New Berlin Industrial Park Association and/or any other appropriate agencies.
• Supervises department employees either directly or through subordinate supervisors.
• Directs the maintenance of department records and reports.
• Prepares and administers the department budgets.
• Serves as Secretary to the Plan Commission.
• Serves as Secretary of the Housing Authority.
• Serves as Executive Director of Community Development Authority.
• Serves as City’s Fair Housing Compliance Officer and provides support to the Housing Trust Fund Board.

OTHER DUTIES

• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Ability to manage department employees either directly or through subordinate supervisors.
• Ability to direct and manage the administration and technical functions of the department.
• Knowledge of municipal community development, planning and engineering policies and programs in order to develop and implement strategies for department programs and goals.
• Knowledge of land uses and laws and ordinances governing zoning, in order to revise, interpret and apply the codes in accordance with all appropriate guidance.
• Knowledge of technical functions, including reading plans and maps and statistical and research methods and sources of data relating to municipal growth.
• Ability to prepare and maintain a budget.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing, including presenting technical issues before the Council and preparing technical reports.
• Knowledge of computer software packages such as GIS, Cartegraph, MUNIS, and/or database and word processing packages for daily use.

Education

• Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Engineering, or a Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or Engineering with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration/Management or related field.

Experience

• 10 years of experience in Municipal Community Development and Managing staff providing all services associated with Community Development.

Certifications/Licenses

• Certification by American Institute of Certified Planner (AICP) desirable.
• Ability to obtain the Basic WEM Certification (ability to obtain, not required).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Manual Dexterity

• Work requires definite skilled and accurate physical operations requiring some closely coordinated performance.

Physical Effort

• Work requires handling average weight materials or equipment, but not for sustained periods.

Environmental Requirements

• Some exposure to disagreeable features

Sensory Requirements

• The task requires close visual acuity to perform various activities.
• The task requires oral communications ability.
• The task requires sound perception.