Community Development Director

CITY OF STONE MOUNTAIN

CLASS SPECIFICATION

POSITION TITLE:     Community Development Director

REPORTS TO:          City Manager

SALARY:                   $90,000-$95,000/annually (Full-Time)

 

NATURE OF WORK

The Community Development Director plans, directs, and implements the City’s community development, economic development, and planning functions. The Director oversees initiatives related to business growth, redevelopment, land use, zoning, and long-range planning, while continuing to advance economic development strategies.

The position serves as a key advisor to the City Manager and provides leadership in shaping the City’s physical and economic future through coordinated planning, development review, and revitalization efforts. The Director supervises two staff positions: Tourism Manager and Senior Planner. The Tourism Manager supports downtown programming, tourism, Main Street program initiatives and assists the Downtown Development Authority; while the Senior Planner supports/process planning case, zoning, and board-related activities (assistance with Historic Preservation and Planning Committee cases).er the direct supervision of the Planning Manager, coordinates planning activities, including, but not limited to, Historic Preservation Commission, Planning Commission, Comprehensive Plan Development, Zoning Reviews, Plat Reviews, Preapplication Meetings, and Public Engagement, on behalf of the Planning and Zoning Department.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification; rather, they are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

Community Development & Planning

·         Oversee planning, zoning, land use, and development review functions for the City

·         Review and guide zoning cases, variances, special use permits, and development applications

·         Prepare and update ordinances, development regulations, and planning policies

·         Lead long-range planning efforts, including comprehensive planning initiatives

·         Serve as staff lead or advisor to the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

·         Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal planning and zoning regulations

Economic Development

·         Continue to lead economic development strategies

·         Coordinate redevelopment initiatives and investment opportunities

·         Work with developers, investors, and property owners on development opportunities

·         Support business growth through partnerships and incentive programs

Downtown Development Authority (DDA) & Main Street

·         Work closely with the Tourism Manager to implement downtown programs and projects

·         Provide oversight and coordination of DDA activities

·         Ensure alignment between economic development, downtown revitalization, and Main Street initiatives

Administration & Leadership

·         Supervise and evaluate the Tourism Manager and Senior Planner

·         Manage departmental operations, policies, and priorities

·         Advise the City Manager and City Council on development, zoning, and economic development matters

·         Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations

·         Represent the City in meetings with stakeholders, agencies, and the public

·         Coordinates projects and plan reviews between public works and the department of planning and zoning

·         Attendance at public meetings and hearings for the Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission.

·         Conducts annual training for the Historic Preservation Commission and Planning Commission Members as required per city code.

·         Works with other staff, the public, the planning commission, the historic preservation commission, and regional/state agency staff to implement and conduct reviews, finalize state-mandated documents for approval, and coordinate code enforcement referrals.

·         Identifies, drafts, reviews, and implements modifications to local planning legislation to better serve the community, consistent with the comprehensive plan, state laws, and city code.

·         Responsible for the preparation and presentation of graphic and other materials to committees, elected officials, the planning commission, and the public.

·         Provides services to internal and external customers regarding planning and zoning department programs, requirements, and initiatives.

·         Assists the Planning Manager in workflow coordination of plan reviews and document approvals that require interdepartmental coordination with code enforcement and permitting.

·         Assists with other planning duties, as workloads dictate.

·         Performs other duties as assigned.

 

SKILLS

·         Knowledge of planning principles, zoning regulations, and development processes

·         Knowledge of economic development and downtown revitalization strategies

·         Strong experience with ordinances, zoning cases, and planning boards

·         Ability to manage multiple functions including planning, development, and tourism coordination

·         Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Economic Development, and minimum three (3) years of progressively responsible experience, or a combination of experience and education necessary to successfully perform the essential functions 

• Preferred: Master’s degree in a related field 

• 3 to 5+ years of experience in community development, planning, or economic development, preferably in a municipal setting

REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed in an office environment. Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. 

• Occasional evening, night, and/or weekend work may be required for official city meetings and events.
• Occasional travel within and outside city limits.

·         Frequently required to sit; and to use hands.

·         Occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

·         Occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

To apply: Interested candidates may email a resume to sames@stonemountaincity.org or can deliver resume to City of Stone Mountain, c/o Personnel Director, 875 Main Street, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. This position is open until it is filled. The City of Stone Mountain is an equal opportunity employer.