Director of Development Services

City of University Park•Dallas, TX

19h

About The Position

Under the direction of the City Manager/Assistant City Manager, the Director of Development Services leads, directs, and manages the City’s development initiatives and all department activities and operations, including the Building Inspection and Planning Divisions. The Director shepherds development projects through the City of University Park’s development process and builds the City’s economic base by advancing business development, redeveloping key commercial areas, and supporting the Snider Plaza public improvement district. The role coordinates development projects that support business attraction, retention, redevelopment, and residential investment. The Director plans and implements economic development strategies to strengthen and diversify City revenue, expand the non-residential tax base, and promote business growth, attraction, and retention. The role works with local businesses, developers, brokers, real estate professionals, City departments, regional partners, consultants, DART, and Southern Methodist University (SMU). It also oversees the Building Inspection and Planning Divisions, coordinates development review, and conducts research and analysis on economic conditions, demographics, real estate activity, development projects, and target industries. Work is primarily performed in a climate-controlled office environment. The position requires regular and consistent attendance at functions and meetings in other buildings and at other sites, and responding to emergencies on an on-call basis. Physical demands are sedentary in nature, including prolonged sitting and possible eye and finger fatigue from prolonged, repetitive tasks. The position also involves moderate physical effort to carry or move 5–10 pounds, walking, standing, reaching, bending, and occasional driving.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Community Development, Business, Real Estate, Construction Management, Economic Development, Public Administration, or Finance.
Five or more years of experience in development services.
Three years of supervisory experience.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with government officials, local developers, businesses, and the community.
Exceptional public speaking, professional communication, and relationship management skills with business, public, and governmental partners.
Ability to market the City creatively and persuasively to attract prospective businesses.
Organizational skills to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
Experience with strategic planning, zoning, and building inspection services.
Ability to assist with and oversee zoning and development review processes.
Experience managing complex projects and strong supervisory skills.
Ability to balance multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to evolving priorities.
Knowledge of business attraction, retention, and expansion strategies relevant to Texas municipalities.
Ability to analyze economic and market trends and make recommendations for action.
Proficiency in compiling, analyzing, and interpreting demographic, market, and financial data.
Ability to conduct research and prepare comprehensive reports for internal and external audiences.

Nice To Haves

Work experience in economic development, planning, or a related field.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) designation.
ISCS certification or Certified Retail Real Estate Professional designation.
Experience working with higher education institutions.

Responsibilities

Direct and manage the activities and operations of the Development Services Department, including the Building Inspection and Planning Divisions.
Shepherd development projects through the City’s development process.
Plan, manage, and implement economic development activities to secure a strong and diversified City revenue base.
Work with local businesses to identify, develop, and implement plans to expand the non-residential tax base.
Develop strategies that promote business growth, attraction, and retention.
Align economic development priorities with land use planning, infrastructure investment, permitting, and parking objectives.
Lead and facilitate meetings with development prospects, stakeholders, and City staff.
Foster a collaborative partnership with Southern Methodist University (SMU) to align institutional and municipal goals.
Support local businesses, developers, brokers, and real estate professionals with expansion, challenges, and growth opportunities.
Coordinate with internal departments to facilitate development processes and resolve issues affecting development.
Leverage private-sector investment and foster a business-friendly environment.
Serve as a key point of contact for the business community, developers, and contractors.
Work with City departments, regional partners, consultants, and DART to support economic development initiatives.
Lead regular Development Relations Committee meetings to review current and upcoming development and coordinate projects citywide.
Research and analyze economic conditions, demographic trends, real estate activity, development projects, and target industries.
Collect, compile, and analyze data; prepare reports, summaries, and dashboards.
Monitor new development, real estate transactions, planned development, market trends, major property owners, and other relevant information.