Community Development Director
City of Sandy Springs, GA
April 30, 2015
Professional Area:
Community Development and Redevelopment
Economic Planning and Development
Planning Management, Budgeting and Finance
Experience:
More than 10 years
Email:
jobs.ga@thecollaborative.com
Location:
Sandy Springs, GA
The Collaborative is seeking a dynamic leader and proven planning executive to oversee the activities of 35-person community development department for the rapidly growing, 10-year old City of Sandy Springs, GA. Located in metro north Atlanta, the city of 100,000 is a unique experiment in municipal government. On-site contractors perform a large share of the City’s services. The Collaborative, a Boston-based planning, design and communications firm manages the Departments of Community Development, Economic Development and Communications.
With nearly $1B of commercial development occurring in the city, and over $250M of municipal funds being invested in the creation of a new city center, the position presents an exciting opportunity to lead a key City department in helping the City grow in a sustainable way.
To learn more about the City and community, please visit the City’s website at www.cityofsandyspringsga.org.
Salary and Benefits
$120,000 to $145,000 annually dependent on experience. The Collaborative offers full benefits. Reasonable relocation assistance is available.
Please send cover letter and resume to Sr. Vice President Matt Houser at jobs.ga@thecollaborative.com.
Responsibilities
In addition to providing primary leadership for long-term planning, the Director oversees the Divisions of Planning and Zoning, Building and Development and Code Enforcement. In doing so, the Director promotes, leads, and supports initiatives designed to provide guidance in long-term planning activities, as well as formulates, modifies, and improves programs and processes for planning and zoning, plan review, building development, inspections, and code enforcement. Also:
- Reviews growth patterns, trends in land use, community needs and other factors in developing recommendations for controlling and regulating community development and services
- Communicates and works proactively with developers and other community organizations to promote projects and programs that add to the economic health and quality of life of residents
- Establishes policies and programs for housing, redevelopment, neighborhood improvement, and plans review and inspections
- Guides developers through the development process, coordinates site selection, negotiations, land assembly and city financing; ensures City codes and ordinances, state and federal laws are met; establishes control systems to ensure timely and effective implementation
- Resolves problems and issues arising from the development process; works with applicants, department staff and other City departments to effectively resolve conflicts; works effectively with a variety of conflicting or competing interests
- Serves as a member of the City's management team; provides information and recommendations regarding operations; assists in making decisions related to all facets of municipal government
- Serves as technical advisor to City Boards and Commissions, City Council, Assistant City Manager, City Departments, and civic groups on planning, zoning, plan review, inspection, code enforcement, and related matters; interprets ordinances and regulations as they apply to respective areas
- Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates personnel; establishes and monitors employee performance objectives; prepares and presents employee performance reviews; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures
- Confers with engineers, developers, architects, a variety of agencies, and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating development services matters
- Supervises and participates in the development and administration of the department's operating budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements mid-year adjustments
Qualifications
- Minimum of 10 years experience with at least 3 years serving as Community Development Director, or Deputy Director or similar managerial responsibility. Past position(s) should demonstrated extensive experience in urban planning, community development, placemaking, economic development, and growth management
- Knowledge of current trends in planning and zoning, new urbanism, form-based zoning, low-impact development, and use of bonus measures to encourage desirable development outcomes
- Ability to work effectively with a variety of conflicting or competing interests through consensus building, discussion and persuasion
- Knowledge of land use and development principles and practices, engineering, plan review, and building inspection
- Ability to research methods and sources of information related to urban growth and development
- Ability to effectively apply development techniques and practices to the establishment of strategies, programs, goals and objectives
- Ability to present and communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
- Master's degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Public Administration, or related field desirable. Bachelor’s degree in similar fields required.
- AICP Certification
The Collaborative is an Equal Opportunity Employer