Director of Community Development

The City of Bay City, Michigan•Bay City, MI

About The Position

Responsible for supervising, planning, directing, managing and overseeing the activities and operations of the Community Development Department including the Economic Development, Planning & Zoning, Building Enforcement, Code Enforcement and Grant Management Divisions. The position coordinates assigned activities with other City Departments and outside agencies. Work is performed under the general direction of the City Manager and is performed with discretion and latitude in meeting those objectives. Exercises direct supervision over Management, Professional, Technical, and Clerical staff.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of urban planning, economic development, building code, community development, code enforcement, and engineering as related to a comprehensive community development program.
Extensive knowledge of business transactions for the acquisition or sale of property and development projects.
Extensive knowledge of research methods, information sources, and techniques used in involving community residents in assessing and establishing community goals and objectives.
Considerable knowledge of modern public management principles and practices.
Ability to plan, organize, schedule, and program work on a long-term basis.
Excellent communication skills; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, as well as establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the public, government agencies and officials, developers, financers, the general public and neighborhood & civic groups.
Must possess excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to work with numerous interruptions and work effectively under time constraints to meet deadlines.
Ability to develop creative and practical solutions to difficult problems.
Ability to make sound decisions in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.
Ability to analyze problems, identify multiple solutions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays as needed to accomplish job tasks and projects.
Ability to provide clear direction to employees to increase success in achieving short- and long-term goals, organizational effectiveness and efficiency, and overall accountability.
Bachelor's Degree with major course work in urban planning, public administration, or related field required. Candidates with equivalent work experience will be considered.
A minimum of ten (10) years progressively responsible experience in comprehensive community development work which may include an appropriate combination of experience with Public or Private businesses, real estate or economic development.
Must possess or acquire and maintain a valid Michigan driver's license.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and management for the Community Development Department, ensuring fair, professional supervision, high performance, employee productivity, and a customer-service-focused work culture.
Ensure compliance with all applicable Federal, State, City laws, regulations, General Orders, policies, safety requirements, and departmental directives.
Direct and oversee departmental operations and services , including economic development, planning and zoning, building and construction enforcement, code and rental enforcement, and community development programs.
Develop, administer, and monitor the departmental budgets , including financial controls, recordkeeping, reporting, and compliance with adopted policies and procedures.
Manage and oversee federal grant programs , including CDBG, HOME, and related housing programs, encompassing planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and regulatory compliance.
Plan, coordinate, and implement community and economic development strategies , including redevelopment of underutilized properties and collaboration with internal departments and external partners.
Serve as the primary liaison and representative of the Department to City leadership, elected officials, boards and commissions, citizen groups, developers, businesses, outside agencies, and the general public.
Advise and support the City Manager, City Commission, and boards/commissions , including preparing staff reports, resolutions, presentations, ordinance recommendations, and technical guidance.
Oversee staff development and training , ensuring employees meet all required certifications, continuing education, and performance standards.
Maintain effective labor and employee relations , including communication, problem resolution, and participation in collective bargaining activities as assigned.
Respond to and resolve sensitive or complex issues , including citizen inquiries, complaints, and controversial development or regulatory matters.
Pursue continuous improvement initiatives , streamlining processes, improving operational efficiency, and undertaking special projects or related duties as assigned.
Performs related work as required.