Director of Community Development

Alvarado, City of•Alvarado, TX

21h

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Community Development Director administers the Planning and Zoning, Building Inspection, and GIS functions, serving as a liaison to the City Manager to ensure effective delivery of services to City customers. The position reports to the City Manager and supervises positions within the Community Development Department. The Director leads the Department’s planning, zoning, building permitting and inspections, GIS, and development functions; administers and enforces applicable ordinances, regulations, plans, and policies; manages staff, consultants, budgets, and resources; and provides technical guidance and recommendations to City leadership, commissions, developers, stakeholders, and the public. The role includes oversight of the City’s GIS mapping database, development application review, public hearings, Comprehensive Plan updates, departmental financial transactions, annual operating budget, and Capital Improvement Program. Work is performed primarily in an office setting, with potential exposure to hazards related to electronics work and possible exposure to outside weather conditions. The position may require flexible hours, work during emergencies, and callback availability. Physical demands include sitting, walking, standing, communicating, handling or operating objects, tools, or controls, reaching, and repetitive hand or wrist movements. Mental demands include written and oral communication, interpreting information, analysis, problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, detailed work, managing concurrent tasks, and interacting frequently with customers and the public, including dissatisfied or abusive individuals.

Requirements

At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in planning, urban design, or development.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in Planning, Urban Planning or Design, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
Valid Texas Driver’s License, with a driving record compliant with City policy.
Knowledge of urban and regional planning, economic development, community development, public administration, and municipal budgeting.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances governing municipal planning, zoning, land use, building construction, and development, including applicable TCEQ and environmental regulations.
Knowledge of City policies, procedures, enforcement requirements, personnel standards, municipal operations, and personnel management practices.
Knowledge of modern office technology, applicable software, occupational hazards, workplace safety standards, and safe working practices.
Ability to lead and manage departmental operations, personnel, programs, and resources within established policies and budgetary constraints.
Ability to interpret, apply, and enforce applicable laws, regulations, ordinances, policies, and procedures.
Ability to communicate professionally and effectively orally and in writing with City leadership, employees, elected officials, developers, contractors, community stakeholders, and the public.
Ability to present technical information, recommendations, and guidance in public meetings, presentations, reports, and direct inquiries.
Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate initiatives aligned with the City’s Strategic Plan, Comprehensive Plan, and other adopted plans and priorities.
Ability to organize and prioritize responsibilities, manage complex projects, exercise independent judgment, analyze complex situations, perform technical computations, solve problems, and make decisions under pressure.
Ability to conduct studies, evaluate cost-effective solutions, and prepare technical, operational, and financial reports.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive information.
An equivalent combination of education, experience, certifications, and training may be considered.

Responsibilities

Establish policies and procedures, and interpret, administer, and enforce City zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, development application procedures, and building code regulations.
Supervise full-time and part-time staff and applicable consultants.
Manage planning and zoning, building permitting and inspections, GIS, and development activities to ensure compliance with adopted ordinances, comprehensive plans, and City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission policies.
Oversee creation, development, updating, and distribution of a new GIS mapping database.
Coordinate with Public Works to ensure City infrastructure and changes to infrastructure are accurately represented in the GIS database.
Serve as staff liaison to the Planning and Zoning Commission and other ad-hoc committees under its direction.
Prepare staff reports and draft ordinances for planning, zoning, and development matters; review and recommend revisions to relevant ordinances, agreements, and resolutions.
Review annexation petitions, zoning matters, preliminary plats, conditional use permits, variances, appeals, and exceptions for consideration by City bodies; attend meetings and serve as the City’s witness at hearings.
Review and analyze public and private development proposals and residential and commercial plans for compliance with applicable regulations, plans, specifications, policies, and procedures.
Meet with customers and coordinate staff consultations concerning development applications, procedures, policies, and potential zoning or code violations.
Coordinate and facilitate preparation of Comprehensive Plan amendments and periodic review of applicable plan sections.
Provide research, comments, and recommendations about the City’s past, present, and future growth to public participants, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and City Council.
Prepare, manage, control, and report financial transactions for the Planning and Zoning and Building Inspection departments.
Monitor departmental needs and ensure appropriate support for staff performance.
Regularly report to the City Manager on development and construction activities within the City.
Supervise and manage staff, prepare annual performance evaluations, and ensure satisfactory performance and compliance with personnel policies and procedures.
Prepare the Department’s annual operating budget and Capital Improvement Program and implement them upon approval.
Serve as a team liaison to other City departments and support the City’s organizational development plan philosophy.
Perform other assigned tasks and duties.