Strategic Community Development & Planning Lead

Creative Financial Staffing, LLC; Saint Joseph (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Creative Financial Staffing, LLC is seeking a Community Development Leader in St. Joseph, Michigan to lead community development planning initiatives, including land use, infrastructure, and roads.

The role oversees building permits, inspection compliance, and development planning while coordinating with regional agencies and private partners. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in planning, a related degree (Master's preferred), and a Certified Planner certification.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a planning-related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of related planning experience.
• Certified Planner professional certification.
• Experience with capital projects, grant management, implementation, and budgeting.
• Strong knowledge of planning principles, land use, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management abilities.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and GIS/ArcGIS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead community, land-use, infrastructure, and development planning initiatives.
• Manage building permit processes, inspection compliance, and planning documentation.
• Develop and maintain long‑term land acquisition and development plans.
• Manage transportation programs, including grant planning and reporting.
• Research and assist with securing public and private funding for community projects.
• Coordinate with GIS staff and other departments on planning initiatives.
• Build relationships with regional, state, and local agencies and private partners.
• Supervise interns and temporary employees.
• Support the development of policies, ordinances, and procedures related to land use and natural resources.

Skills

Planning experience

Grant management

Capital projects

Budgeting

GIS / ArcGIS

Communication skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning-related field

Master’s degree preferred

Certified Planner certification

Tools

ArcGIS

MS Office

Job description

Creative Financial Staffing, LLC is seeking a Community Development Leader in St. Joseph, Michigan to lead community development planning initiatives, including land use, infrastructure, and roads.

The role oversees building permits, inspection compliance, and development planning while coordinating with regional agencies and private partners. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in planning, a related degree (Master's preferred), and a Certified Planner certification.