Director of Development Services

Strategic Government Resources, Inc.; Missouri City (TX); On-site; USD 122,000 - 187,000; Full time

Job summary

Strategic Government Resources, Inc. is assisting Missouri City in hiring a Development Director to guide growth across Fort Bend and Harris Counties.

The role demands strong planning judgment, emotional intelligence, and a track record of process improvement. The Director reports to the City Manager, leads planning, zoning, permits, and community development, and works with the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council to implement the Comprehensive Plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, or related field.
• Ten years of progressive professional experience in planning/municipal work.
• Valid Class C driver’s license with good driving record.
• Preference for Master’s degree, AICP certification, and executive leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and zoning, permits and inspections, and community development.
• Implement the Comprehensive Plan and align ordinances with policy.
• Improve application-to-completion processes and coordinate cross-department reviews.
• Coach division leaders and collaborate with Planning/Zoning Commission and City Council.

Skills

Emotional intelligence

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in planning/public administration

Master’s degree in planning/public administration

AICP certification

Job description

Missouri City, a diverse community southwest of Houston, is seeking a Development leader who will turn a coordinated vision for growth into reality across Fort Bend and Harris Counties. The City seeks an approachable leader who pairs sound planning judgment with predictable service, consistent standards, and staff development.

Reporting to the City Manager’s Office, the Director leads planning and zoning, permits and inspections, and community development functions. Missouri City operates under a council-manager government with a seven-member Council and an adopted fiscal 2027 citywide budget of approximately $305.9 million.

The next Director will help implement the updated Comprehensive Plan, align ordinances and staff practices with adopted policy, and support quality growth and reinvestment. Priorities include improving the application-to-completion process, coordinating reviews across departments, building on permitting technology gains, and coaching division leaders. The Director works closely with the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and City Council.

The ideal candidate brings emotional intelligence, humility, calm judgment, and a record of process improvement and execution through a team. Experience with redevelopment, master-planned communities, and residential and commercial development is valued. The Director will explain complex requirements clearly, resolve competing interests constructively, and earn trust with residents, applicants, colleagues, and elected officials through consistent decisions and follow-through.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university
• Minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience with increasing levels of responsibility
• Valid Class C driver’s license and a good driving record

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in planning, public administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification
• Eight (8) years of professional experience as a Director or Assistant Planning Director in a municipal setting, or at a closely related level of responsibility

The City may consider an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. The salary range is $122,000 – $187,000, DOQ.

For more information on this position contact:

Clay Pearson, Senior Vice President

Strategic Government Resources

[e-mail] | [phone]