Director of Development Services

City of Denison•Denison, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the City Manager’s Office, the Director of Development Services oversees all aspects of planning, zoning, permitting, inspections, neighborhood services/ code enforcement, and historic preservation. The position serves as the City’s lead professional on land use, development, and growth management, providing guidance to the City Manager, City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission, Historic Preservation Board and other boards. The Director manages pre-development processes with developers, ensures fair and consistent application of ordinances and development regulations, and ensures oversight of special districts such as Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ) and Public Improvement Districts (PIDs). This executive leadership position plays a key role in shaping the City’s future growth, ensuring high-quality development, and maintaining strong relationships with citizens, developers, consultants, regional partners and Economic Development Corporation.

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, laws, and regulations governing municipal planning, zoning, subdivision administration, development review, building permitting and inspections, code compliance, community development, historic preservation, and growth management.
Thorough knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Texas Local Government Code, development-related regulations, and programs administered through state and federal agencies, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs.
Knowledge of comprehensive planning, land use planning, economic development principles, real estate development practices, development financing mechanisms, including Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ) and Public Improvement Districts (PID), and municipal infrastructure planning.
Knowledge of public administration principles, including organizational leadership, strategic planning, policy development, performance management, budgeting, fiscal administration, and project management.
Ability to provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for a multifaceted development services organization while balancing community goals, regulatory requirements, and customer service expectations.
Ability to analyze complex technical, legal, financial, and administrative issues; evaluate alternatives; exercise sound judgment; and develop effective solutions and policy recommendations.
Ability to develop, implement, and administer departmental goals, objectives, policies, programs, and performance measures consistent with City priorities and strategic initiatives.
Ability to interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, policies, and technical standards and translate them into clear reports, policy recommendations, and ordinances for elected officials, staff, developers, and the public.
Ability to effectively lead, motivate, mentor, and evaluate professional, technical, and administrative staff while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, boards and commissions, developers, business leaders, community organizations, governmental agencies, employees, and the public.
Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, facilitation, and consensus-building skills, with the ability to navigate sensitive and often complex community and development-related issues.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, complex projects, and competing deadlines while maintaining professionalism, sound judgment, and responsiveness in a dynamic public-sector environment.
Proficiency in the use of modern business technologies, permitting and development software systems, GIS applications, and standard office productivity software.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise discretion, and uphold the highest standards of professional ethics and public stewardship.
Ability to attend evening meetings, respond to urgent matters outside normal business hours.
Consistent and timely attendance.
Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, business, management, architecture, or urban planning with seven (7) years progressively responsible experience in public sector planning/development and five (5) years supervisory experience.
Must have valid driver's license.
Must have driving record sufficient for coverage by City's auto liability carrier.

Nice To Haves

Masters’ Degree.
AICP, CNU, LEED Candidate or Certification.
Development Finance Certification from an accredited entity.

Responsibilities

Directs and supervises the operations, personnel, and programs of the Development Services Department, including Planning, Building, Permitting, and Inspections, Neighborhood Services, Code Compliance and related functions.
Provides leadership, guidance, and performance management for departmental staff, including hiring, training, evaluations, discipline, and professional development.
Oversees the administration and compliance of the City's Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, Building Codes, and other development-related policies and regulations.
Reviews and evaluates development applications, including zoning requests, plats, site plans, variances, conditional use permits, annexations, and other land development proposals for compliance with applicable regulations and City standards.
Directs current and long-range planning activities, including updates to the Comprehensive Plan, small area plans, corridor plans, and other strategic planning initiatives.
Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, recommendations, ordinances, and policy proposals to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation Board, City Council, and other boards or committees, as assigned.
Ensures compliance with statutory public hearing, notice, and procedural requirements for development-related boards, commissions, and City Council actions.
Serves as the primary liaison between the City and developers, property owners, contractors, consultants, governmental agencies, and the public regarding development and regulatory matters.
Provides technical expertise and professional recommendations to the City Manager, City Council, boards, commissions, and City departments on planning, growth management, land use, and development issues.
Oversees special studies, ordinance updates, development-related research, and data analysis to support informed decision-making and anticipate future community needs.
Coordinates with internal departments and external agencies to facilitate development review, infrastructure planning, permitting, code compliance, neighborhood services, and implementation of City initiatives.
Oversees departmental mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) coordination, historic preservation activities, and floodplain management functions.
Develops departmental goals, objectives, policies, performance measures, and work programs; ensures effective implementation and monitors progress.
Prepares and administers the department budget and manages departmental resources in accordance with City policies and objectives.
Interprets and implements policies adopted by the City Council and administrative direction provided by the City Manager.
Keeps the City Manager informed of significant development activities, departmental operations, emerging issues, and matters affecting the City's growth and development.
Represents the City at public meetings, community events, professional organizations, and intergovernmental meetings, as required.
Attends City Council meetings, board and commission meetings, public hearings, and other meetings, workshops, and seminars, as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.