Community Development Director

City of Grand Junction • Grand Junction, CO

12h • Onsite

About The Position

The Community Development Director leads the City of Grand Junction’s Community Development Department and serves on the Executive Leadership Team, reporting to the Deputy City Manager. The Director oversees planning and development services, historic preservation, and housing initiatives while helping guide the City’s long-term growth and redevelopment. The ideal candidate is a strong, approachable leader who can clearly communicate complex issues to City Council, residents, developers, and community partners. They will value responsive customer service, consistent application of City codes, and transparent decision-making. This position requires sound judgment, diplomacy, and the ability to navigate competing priorities in a highly visible environment. The successful candidate will build strong relationships, manage department priorities and resources, and help advance the City’s community development goals. The Community Development Department leads the City's community planning, development services, zoning, historic preservation, and housing functions, and works closely with economic development partners and community organizations to support the City's growth and reinvestment priorities. The department manages current and long-range planning, plan and permit review, annexation, and maintains the City’s zoning and development code, and the City's Comprehensive Plan. As a HUD entitlement community, the City receives a direct federal Community Development Block Grant allocation, which the department administers alongside other state and local housing funding. The department collaborates closely with other City departments, regional and state partners, and community and economic development organizations to advance shared priorities.

Requirements

• Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible community development experience including three (3) years of management and administrative responsibility.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, public administration or related field.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado Driver's license
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, the City of Grand Junction Leadership Track certification within two (2) years of appointment.
• Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the City’s Community Development Department, including planning and development services, historic preservation, housing, and related community development initiatives.
• Lead department priorities, budget development, grant administration, complex development and funding agreements, and continuous improvement of development review and permitting services.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with City Council, Planning Commission, community members, developers, economic development partners, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify and respond to complex, sensitive, and highly visible community development issues while balancing regulatory requirements, customer service, organizational priorities, and community interests.
• Partner with the City Manager, economic development organizations, and other community partners to advance major redevelopment and economic development initiatives throughout the community.
• Lead, develop, and support a high-performing team through clear expectations, accountability, collaboration, and professional development.

Benefits

• The City is committed to supporting the health and well-being of employees and their families. Our near-site Sage Health & Wellness Center offers free or low-cost healthcare services for employees and dependents enrolled in a City health plan. Services include preventive care, health assessments and coaching, treatment for common illnesses, lab services, physical therapy, a medical massage therapist, and behavioral health counseling. The clinic also offers wellness programs, challenges, and classes that empower employees and their families to stay healthy and thrive.

What This Job Offers

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