Community Development Director

Town of Fort Myers Beach Florida • Fort Myers Beach, FL

1d

About The Position

The Community Development Director oversees and leads community development functions for the Town of Fort Myers Beach, including planning, zoning, building permitting and inspection, floodplain management, economic development, and community engagement. Reporting to the Town Manager, the Director leads internal staff and contracted professionals, builds a high-performing and customer-focused department, and guides permitting, planning, and post-disaster rebuilding in alignment with the Town’s vision, regulations, and community needs.

The role oversees long- and short-range planning, GIS, FEMA and Community Rating System programs, the Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code, department budgets, contracts, grants, and department projects. The Director works with Town officials, residents, businesses, developers, other departments, and local, state, and federal agencies. As an essential emergency employee, the Director serves on the Town’s Emergency Operations Center team and must be available for irregular schedules and assigned emergency duties, including work around the clock for several days when necessary.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Public Administration, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• At least eight years of progressively responsible municipal government experience in community development, urban planning, zoning, or permitting.
• At least five years of supervisory or management experience leading multidisciplinary staff.
• Current FEMA ICS/NIMS training IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800 within six months of employment; ICS-300 and ICS-400 within twelve months of employment.
• Valid Florida driver license.
• Knowledge of urban planning, land use management, community development, building codes, environmental regulations, coastal resource protection, grant requirements including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), government operations, Florida statutes and regulatory frameworks, Chapter 163, F.S., the Florida Building Code, FEMA regulations, floodplain management, NFIP, public-sector budgeting, OSHA standards, workplace safety, risk management, and contract administration.
• Skills in staff leadership and development, communication and public presentations, conflict resolution and consensus-building, Microsoft Office, permitting and land management software, GIS platforms, and project management.
• Ability to build effective working relationships; shift between leadership, advisory, and operational roles; interpret and apply laws and codes; exercise sound judgment; adapt to changing priorities and emergencies; promote customer service and community engagement; analyze data and communicate technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Must be readily available for irregular work schedules immediately before, during, and after severe weather events or other declared emergencies, and carry out assignments from the Town Manager or designee.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree.
• Experience working in a coastal community or FEMA-designated floodplain.
• Experience leading post-disaster recovery and rebuilding, including damage assessment, substantial damage determinations, and coordination with FEMA and state recovery agencies.
• Experience managing grant-funded projects and contracted professional services.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certification.
• Additional FEMA and emergency management training, including Emergency Operations Center courses, may be assigned as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage community development staff and contracted professionals; set expectations, delegate, manage performance, develop supervisors, and plan for staffing and succession.
• Recommend laws, policies, ordinances, resolutions, and regulations to the Town Manager.
• Oversee zoning, land use, long-range and current planning, GIS, FEMA, Community Rating System programs, and special projects.
• Coordinate development efforts with other departments and stakeholders, including partnering with Public Works & Utilities on infrastructure maps, databases, and plans.
• Coordinate with Code Compliance on referrals and enforcement of land development, building, and construction-related ordinances.
• Plan and manage department projects, including planning studies, code updates, and resilience initiatives; oversee scope, schedules, budgets, consultants, and deliverables.
• Provide planning, zoning, floodplain, and permitting guidance for Town projects and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Identify and prioritize grant opportunities; lead department contributions to grant applications and oversee compliance, documentation, reporting, and reimbursement coordination.
• Review and approve consultant invoices and change orders.
• Oversee FEMA, CDBG-DR, and other disaster recovery and hazard mitigation funding activities related to planning, permitting, and floodplain management.
• Administer contracts for outsourced building, inspection, and planning services and monitor performance, costs, and service levels.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including zoning, building, and environmental codes.
• Address community concerns related to planning, development, permitting, and zoning while balancing customer service and consistent code compliance.
• Lead the creation, update, and administration of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code.
• Analyze department data, review programs, conduct studies and surveys, and develop initiatives to improve operations and support development recommendations.
• Prepare and manage department budgets, maintain fiscal accountability, establish internal controls, and develop departmental procedures.
• Attend Town Manager leadership meetings and facilitate internal staff meetings.
• Prepare agenda materials and participate in and present at Town Council meetings, public hearings, and other board sessions.
• Maintain relationships with outside agencies, consultants, the development industry, and the public; represent the Town at assigned meetings and public events.
• Implement and maintain electronic tracking systems and manage department web content.
• Administer floodplain regulations and maintain or improve the Town’s CRS classification.
• Lead post-disaster permitting and rebuilding, including NFIP substantial damage and substantial improvement determinations.
• Serve as liaison to local, county, state, and federal building and development agencies.
• Prepare and submit operational reports and strategic plan updates.
• Participate in emergency response operations and perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance with low deductibles and annual maximums; the Town covers 100% of employee premiums and 50% of dependent premiums.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Gym membership reimbursement.
• Paid leave accrued monthly, plus annual sick leave and a birthday benefit.
• 14 paid holidays.
• Immediate vesting in a 401(a)/457(b) pension plan with employer contributions.
• Supportive, team-oriented environment.

What This Job Offers

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