Director of Community Development

Amelia, County of (VA); Virginia; On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Amelia County seeks a Director of Community Development to lead planning, zoning, and permitting while aligning growth with the Comprehensive Plan. This role manages multiple units, partners with the County Administrator and boards, and focuses on delivering quality customer service and rural character preservation.

Requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 3–5 years in operations management. Master’s degree and zoning certifications are preferred; Virginia driver’s license required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban development, business management, Environmental Science or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in operations management of a community development or planning department.
• Preferred: Master’s degree, rural Virginia local government experience, and related certifications.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and administration of the Community Development Department.
• Oversee planning, zoning, building inspections, code enforcement, and permit operations.
• Coordinate economic development and environmental management aligned with the Comprehensive Plan.
• Engage with Board, citizens, developers, and regional partners to guide responsible growth.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in urban development, business management, Environmental Science or related field

Master’s degree

Certified Zoning Administrator

Job description

Director of Community Development

Department: Community Development

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports To: County Administrator

Supervises: Planning, Zoning, Building Inspections, Code Enforcement, GIS/Addressing, Permit Administration, Economic Development, Environmental Management and DMV Select staff as assigned.

Position Summary

The Director of Community Development serves as the County's chief planning and development official and is responsible for the overall administration, leadership, and strategic direction of the Community Development Department. The Director manages planning and zoning, building inspections, code enforcement, GIS and addressing, permitting operations, and economic development coordination to ensure the County's growth and development align with adopted policies and preserve the rural character of the community.

As a member of the County's leadership team, the Director works closely with the County Administrator, Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, citizens, developers, and regional partners to guide responsible development, implement the Comprehensive Plan, and deliver high-quality customer service.

Department Structure

Planning and Zoning

• Comprehensive planning
• Zoning administration
• Land use regulations
• Subdivision administration
• Development review
• Planning Commission support
• Board of Zoning Appeals support

Building Inspections

• Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code administration
• Building permit review and issuance
• Residential inspections
• Contractor licensing verification
• Coordination with state agencies and code officials

Code Enforcement

• Zoning enforcement
• Investigation of complaints

GIS and Addressing

• County addressing and road naming administration
• GIS mapping and maintenance
• Development of geographic information resources

Permit Administration and Customer Service

• Building and zoning permits
• Development application intake and processing
• Public information and assistance
• Records management and document retention
• Coordination with citizens, contractors, and developers

DMV Select

• Provides leadership and oversight of the County's DMV Select operations
• Provides oversight of scheduling, training, performance management, and customer service.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Provides leadership and administration of all Community Development functions; oversees planning and development services, building and code administration, economic and community development initiatives, board and commission support, and public engagement activities.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in urban development, business management, Environmental Science or related field, and three to five years of experience in operations management of a community development or planning department, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred: Master's degree, rural Virginia local government experience, certified Zoning Administrator, or related professional certifications.

Special Requirements

Valid Virginia driver’s license. Ability to attend evening meetings and public hearings. Ability to obtain the Zoning Administrator certification within one year of hire.

Organizational Impact

This position plays a critical leadership role in balancing growth, economic opportunity, infrastructure needs, environmental stewardship, and preservation of the County’s rural character.

For additional information, please contact the Human Resources Office at [phone]. A pre-employment drug screening and background investigation are required. Amelia County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.