Director of Development Services

City of Marietta, GA; Marietta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Marietta, GA seeks a Development Services Director to lead Planning and Zoning, Code Enforcement and Community Development, ensuring regulatory compliance and efficient service delivery. You will supervise division managers, develop the department budget, and review development plans for zoning and environmental compliance.

The role requires collaboration with county and regional officials to advance smart growth and neighborhood revitalization, and demands seven+ years in

Qualifications

• Requires BA degree in economic development, political science, urban planning, economics, real estate or related field.
• AICP or CED certification is highly desirable.
• Minimum seven years of progressively responsible planning/economic development experience, including three years in a supervisory role.

Responsibilities

• Supervise staff of Development Services Department and oversee Planning & Zoning, Code Enforcement, and Community Development divisions.
• Review development plans for zoning, code and environmental compliance; provide insights from evaluations.
• Develop and manage the department budget and capital program; authorize expenditures.
• Collaborate across divisions to implement innovative development strategies and best practices.
• Coordinate land use planning with county, state, and regional officials; advise Mayor and City Council as needed.
• Prioritize Community Development Block Grant funds and support economic development collaborations.

Skills

Staff supervision

Budget management

Strategic planning

Policy analysis

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Economic Development/Urban Planning/Political Science or related field

Master's degree desirable

AICP or CED certification desirable

Tools

None

Job description

Rate of Pay: Based on Qualifications
Status: Open Until November 15, 2026

This role operates within a highly regulatory environment and requires demonstrated expertise in ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and governing standards. This position reports to the City Manager and is responsible for organizing and directing the functions of the: Planning and Zoning, Code Enforcement and Community Development divisions.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provides supervision and direction to immediate staff of the Development Services Department and is responsible for the planning, directing, organization and general management of Planning and Zoning, Code Enforcement, and Community Development Divisions including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Evaluates the performance of division managers and administrative staff.
• Works with staff to review developers' plans to ensure compliance with zoning, code and environmental regulations. Formulates and conveys insights based on this evaluation.
• Responsible for the Development Services Department operations and budget. Compiles all financial data necessary to provide an accurate annual operating and capital budget for the department and each division. Controls and approves department and division expenditures.
• Develops collaborative initiatives across the three division areas that bring innovative strategies and approaches to the operations.

• Analyze the City’s development review process and develop policy and process improvements.
• Compiles, analyzes and publishes data on land use and community development with the City of Marietta.
• Coordinates local land use planning efforts with county, state, and regional planning officials.
• Receives calls and provides information and assistance concerning development regulations and procedures to developers, investors and businesses interested in development within the City of Marietta. Develops creative solutions and approaches to help development advance.
• Provides guidance and assistance to city management and, when requested, the Mayor and City Council, in formulating planning policies. Department acts as advisor to various appointed boards, including but not limited to the Planning Commission, Zoning Appeals Board, and the Historic Board of Review.
• Helps prioritize Community Development Block Grant funds and devises innovative approaches to community development.
• Collaborates with the Economic Development team in the development of small and large area plans.

Job Requirements:

• BA degree in Economic Development, Political Science, Urban Planning, Economics, Real Estate or related field. Prefer master’s degree in Economic Development, Planning, Public or Business Administration, Architecture, or related field. AICP or CED certification is highly desirable.
• Minimum of seven (7) years progressively responsible experience in planning, economic or land development including at least three years management or supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of the principals of local government planning, economic and community development, new urbanism, traditional neighborhood design, smart growth strategies, strategic planning procedures, redevelopment principals, marketing principals, and real estate sales and purchase procedures.
• Ability to promote collaborative efforts across work streams.
• Ability to analyze development processes and implement best practices.
• General knowledge of development and planning practices and principles, zoning and code regulations, housing programs, and applicable federal and state programs.
• Skill in formulating, analyzing and effectively communicating development plans to the public, private developers, city management and city officials.
• Ability to manage, direct and supervise professional and clerical staff.

Disclaimer Successful candidates are required to submit to drug screen, and background inquiry.