Director of Development Services

Cities, Inc.; Miami, Northern (FL, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

City of South Miami seeks a Director of Development Services to lead Building, Planning and Zoning, and Code Enforcement divisions, aligning land development with city goals and ensuring high-quality customer service. The role oversees strategic planning, budget management, policy direction, and staff development to advance growth responsibly.

The position requires strategic thinking, initiative, and independent judgment in a thriving municipal environment, with duties including cross-department

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 and Zoning, and Code Enforcement policies, procedures, and regulations to the City.
• Including the formation, adoption, and enforcement of zoning regulations, and comprehensive plans.
• Reviews and assesses the development plans and proposals for land use; and the administration of building, and other related codes.
• If eligible to be certified by Miami-Dade County Board of Rules and Appeals, may act as Building Official.
• 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 assisting contractors and developers and may at times perform field inspections to review work at construction sites.
• Confers with the Building, Planning and 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.
• Drafts and prepares Memo's and Resolutions for City Commission Meetings.
• Presents items to the City Commission as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job description

General Summary

The Director of Development Services 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 (3) divisions: Building, Planning and Zoning, and Code Enforcement. The Director of Development Services organizes land development services with other divisions and departments and provides highly complex staff assistance to the Building, Code Enforcement, and Planning and Zoning staff. 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.

Supervision Received & Exercised

The Director of Development Services position exercises supervision and management of the department's three (3) divisions: Building, Planning and Zoning, and Code Enforcement. The Director works strategically and exercises considerable initiative and independent judgment, while under the general supervision of the City Manager. This position is classified as an exempt, full-time position.

Duties & 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 and Zoning, and Code Enforcement policies, procedures, and regulations to the City. Including the formation, adoption, and enforcement of zoning regulations, and comprehensive plans.
• Reviews and assesses the development plans and proposals for land use; and the administration of building, and other related codes.
• If eligible to be certified by Miami-Dade County Board of Rules and Appeals, may act as Building Official.
• 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 assisting contractors and developers and may at times perform field inspections to review work at construction sites.
• Confers with the Building, Planning and 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.
• Drafts and prepares Memo's and Resolutions for City Commission Meetings.
• Presents items to the City Commission as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Disclaimer

The City of South Miami provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the City of South Miami complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.The City of South Miami provides Veterans' Preference in accordance with Chapter 295, Florida Statutes. Eligible veterans, servicemembers, and certain spouses and family members may receive preference in employment. Eligible applicants should indicate their eligibility during the application process.