Job Title: Community Development Director
Department: Municipal Infrastructure & Development - Community Development
Pay Grade: 118
Salary Range: $72,018.00 -$ 111,627.89 DOQ
FLSA Status: Exempt
JOB SUMMARY
This position is responsible for overseeing all functions of the Community Development Department, including building permitting, business licensing, planning, zoning, and GIS. The Director ensures department operations are efficient, compliant, and aligned with the City’s vision for growth and development. A core emphasis of this role is zoning leadership administering the zoning ordinance, guiding rezoning and variance processes, reviewing site plans, being the primary representative who interprets and applies the zoning ordinances, trains staff in zoning administration, and developing zoning policy recommendations that support the City’s comprehensive plan. This position reports to the Assistant City Manager for Municipal Infrastructure and Development.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Provides strategic leadership for all Community Development functions, including permitting, licensing, zoning, planning, and GIS.
- Ensures zoning operations, including rezonings, variances, and special use permits, are managed efficiently, meet legal requirements, and align with the City’s land use goals.
- Reviews site plans and zoning staff reports; interprets zoning ordinances; prepares recommendations for boards, commissions, and council.
- Develops, amends, and implements zoning ordinances, land use maps, and development regulations to support the comprehensive plan and redevelopment initiatives.
- Manages comprehensive plan updates, corridor studies, and related long-range planning initiatives in coordination with Cobb County and regional partners.
- Oversees building permitting, business licensing, and code enforcement functions, ensuring compliance with laws, deadlines, and departmental standards.
- Prepares and trains others to prepare analyses of zoning and land use applications and requests, which includes related research; presents findings and recommendations to elected officials, boards, and community stakeholders.
- Coordinates zoning and community development functions with city departments, consultants, and external agencies.
- Provides technical expertise and guidance to citizens, developers, architects, and engineers regarding zoning and development regulations.
- Supervises zoning, planning, licensing, permitting, staff; provides training, performance management, and team leadership.
- Manages departmental budgets, contracts, and consultant services (i.e. building official; GIS; engineering); develops annual work programs and tracks performance metrics.
- Collaborates with the city’s Engineer & Stormwater Management Director in ensuring compliance with stormwater laws and regulations and with city’s Economic Development Director in removing unnecessary barriers to development that helps the city achieve its strategic priorities.
- Represents the City on zoning and community development matters before boards, commissions, task forces, and community organizations; may attend council meetings.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, or related field; and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in community development, zoning, and planning, including supervisory responsibility; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Master’s degree in a relevant field and American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Zoning & Land Use Expertise – Comprehensive knowledge of zoning principles, land use regulations, and site plan review processes.
- Policy Development – Ability to draft, amend, and implement zoning ordinances, land use policies, and development regulations consistent with the City’s comprehensive plan.
- Community Development Oversight – Knowledge of permitting, licensing, planning, and redevelopment functions relating to infill development or corridor studies.
- Strategic Planning – Ability to connect zoning and development decisions to long-range planning, economic development, and community growth goals.
- Leadership & Supervision – Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage staff performance, and direct complex projects.
- Analytical & Research Skills – Ability to analyze zoning, land use, and demographic data to inform decision-making.
- Public Engagement & Communication – Skilled in presenting complex zoning and development issues to citizens, developers, boards, and elected officials; strong oral and written communication.
- Intergovernmental Coordination – Knowledge of state and Uniform Development Code (UDC).; ability to collaborate effectively with county, state, and regional agencies.
- Conflict Resolution – Ability to mediate zoning and development disputes and balance competing stakeholder interests.
- Budget & Program Management – Experience in managing departmental budgets, contracts, and work programs.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is primarily sedentary, performed at a desk, with occasional site visits requiring walking, standing, or light physical activity.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is typically performed in an office setting with periodic fieldwork.
The City of Powder Springs has the right to revise this position description at any time, and does not represent in any way a contract of employment.
The City of Powder Springs is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All applicants must complete a City of Powder Springs employment application. Applications may be downloaded and printed from the website at www.cityofpowdersprings.org or visit 1114 Richard D. Sailors Parkway, Powder Springs, GA 30127 M-F between 8:30am-4pm to receive an application.
Please submit a letter of interest and resume along with a City of Powder Springs employment application to:
Rosalyn Nealy, Human Resources Director
City of Powder Springs
P.O. Box 46
Powder Springs, GA 30127
Closing Date: Open until filled