Community Development Director

Corporation of Ranson•Ranson, WV

10d

About The Position

The Director of Community Development is an exempt management level position responsible for providing leadership, management, and professional oversight of the City’s planning, zoning, development review, building and inspection services, and community development functions. The position plays a key role in advancing the City’s long range growth, redevelopment, and land use objectives through effective planning practices, sound code administration, and coordinated public and private investment. As a member of the City’s leadership team, the Director advises the City Manager, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and City Council on planning, development, design, and related policy matters, while supporting broader economic development initiatives in coordination with the City Manager. The position requires the ability to manage complex development issues, apply sound professional judgment, and grow into expanded economic development responsibilities over time, as aligned with City priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, business administration, political science, or a closely related field, with at least five years of progressively responsible experience in planning, zoning, community development, or development services, including supervisory or management experience.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and progressively responsible experience may be considered.
Knowledge of land use planning, zoning administration, development review processes, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Ability to interpret and apply ordinances and policies in a consistent, fair, and legally compliant manner.
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with elected officials, boards, staff, developers, and the public.
Ability to manage complex development issues, balance competing interests, and support broader community and economic development objectives.

Responsibilities

Plans, organizes, and directs the activities of the Community Development Department, including planning, zoning, development review, building and inspection services, and related community development functions.
Oversees the administration and interpretation of the City’s zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, and related land use policies to ensure consistent, fair, and legally compliant application.
Manages the review of development proposals, rezoning requests, site plans, subdivisions, and permits, guiding applicants through the development process while ensuring compliance with applicable local, state, and federal requirements.
Serves as staff liaison to the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals, including preparation of staff reports, coordination of agendas, presentation of recommendations, and maintenance of official case records.
Advises and supports the City Manager and City Council on planning, development, urban design, and growth related policy matters, including evaluation of fiscal, infrastructure, and community impacts.
Coordinates with other City departments to align development activity with infrastructure capacity, capital planning, transportation, utilities, and operational considerations.
Supports and participates in community and economic development initiatives in coordination with the City Manager, including engagement with developers, property owners, businesses, and regional partners.
Monitors emerging trends, regulatory changes, and best practices related to planning, development, and economic growth, and recommends updates to policies, procedures, and ordinances as appropriate.
Supervises and evaluates department staff, establishes performance expectations, supports professional development, and ensures effective workload management.
Responds to public inquiries and resolves complaints related to planning, zoning, and development matters in a professional and timely manner.