Community Development Director

City of Sparks • City of Sparks, NV

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Sparks is seeking to hire one Community Development Director. This posting will be open until filled, with a first review of applications occurring by September 14, 2026. Application review dates may occur sooner, and the posting may be extended or close without notice as needed. Therefore, individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. Only complete applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications. Candidates that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. Aside from working for a City team that is dedicated to their community, the person selected will oversee the newly established Community Development department as the Department Director. The selected candidate can expect a generous and competitive salary and benefit package which includes a comprehensive Group Health Insurance package and 100% City paid premium payment, retirement contributions made 100% by the City into a qualified Nevada PERS account, deferred compensation matching at 100% up to IRS allowable amounts, and more. See full description of benefits under Executive Management Resolution NO. 3499 here.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, regional or urban planning, environmental planning, public administration or a related field.
• Five (5) years of management experience in planning, public administration, or a related field.
• Must possess within thirty (30) days of hire and maintain throughout employment, the equivalent to a valid Nevada Class C driver's license.
• Must possess within ninety (90) days of hire and maintain throughout employment, Incident Command System (ICS) 100/200, ICS 700/800, and must possess as soon as available and maintain throughout employment, ICS 300/400.
• Knowledge of principles, practices and analysis of budget, strategic planning and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of principles, practices and programs related to municipal infrastructure administration, development services, land use planning, code enforcement, building regulations, community development block grant, economic development and redevelopment.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of labor negotiations and employee contract administration.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of emergency management and ability to manage emergency events using the Incident Command System.
• Knowledge of funding sources impacting program and service development.
• Knowledge of and ability to work with social, political and environmental issues influencing program administration.
• Ability to analyze complex technical and administrative problems, evaluate alternative solutions and adopt effective courses of action.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials using a variety of media.
• Ability to make persuasive public presentations.
• Ability to use computer applications and software related to the work including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with those contacted during work.
• Ability to have direct and difficult conversations with others as needed.
• Ability to reason logically and make sound decisions, including consideration of alternative and diverse perspectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to remain poised under all circumstances and to interact effectively with people in a positive manner that engenders confidence and trust within general policy guidelines.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of citizens, public and private organizations, boards and commissions and City staff.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates who have an Bachelor's degree or higher must attach proof of degree conferred in engineering, regional or urban planning, environmental planning, public administration or a related field.
• If there are certifications or degrees that require proof of completion, be sure to attach them to your application before submission.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and direct the activities and programs of the Community Development Department.
• Provide expert professional assistance to City leadership staff on policy development, program planning, fiscal management, administration and operation of assigned functional areas including development services, building and safety, land use planning, code enforcement, housing programs Community Development Block Grant, public infrastructure coordination associated with private development projects, including review and administration of development agreements, subdivision improvements, utility and roadway coordination, drainage and grading considerations, traffic and circulation impacts, economic development and redevelopment.
• Plan, organize, coordinate and direct the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the Community Development Department.
• Prepare and administer the department’s budget.
• Work closely with the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City staff, public and private organizations, and citizen groups in developing programs and implementing projects to solve problems related to the Community Development function.
• Provide technical assistance, directly or through subordinate staff.
• Participate in the City’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, including implementation of equitable hiring, evaluation, and retention practices, compliance with applicable laws, staff training, and ensuring all employees and customers are treated with respect and have equitable access to City services.
• Liaise for the Community Development Department with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Prepare and recommend plans for City services and programs.
• Develop proposals for action on current and future City planning and infrastructure needs.
• Advise the City Manager, the Assistant City Manager, the Mayor and City Council on related issues and programs.
• Assist in the preparation and administration of the City’s budget and strategic planning process.
• Interpret City regulations and various ordinances, codes and applicable laws to ensure compliance.
• Direct zoning and other code enforcement activities.
• Ensure applicable ordinances and regulations are followed.
• Direct the maintenance and updating of the City’s comprehensive plan, zoning code, and other applicable documents.
• Represent the City and Community Development Department in meetings with public officials, public agencies and civic groups to coordinate, develop and implement projects and programs.
• Direct the preparation of and personally prepare a variety of complex administrative and technical reports.
• Direct the maintenance of departmental records.
• Coordinate the preparation of a variety of reports or presentations for City Council, boards and commissions, management, and outside agencies.
• Lead and supervise the department’s subordinate managers and supervisors.
• Direct the selection, supervision and the work evaluation of department personnel.
• Monitor and direct employee relations and grievance procedures.
• Provide for staff development and training programs.
• Direct the development of management systems, procedures and standards for program evaluation.
• Monitor developments related to assigned areas.
• Evaluate their impact on City operations and implement policy and procedure improvements.
• Direct and participate in Community Development and planning aspects of the redevelopment process.
• Perform other duties which may be assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Group Health Insurance package and 100% City paid premium payment
• Retirement contributions made 100% by the City into a qualified Nevada PERS account
• Deferred compensation matching at 100% up to IRS allowable amounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director