Assistant City Manager- Community And Economic Development

POSITION TITLE: Assistant City Manager – Community and Economic Development

REPORTS TO: CITY MANAGER

DEPARTMENT(S): COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

SALARY RANGE: $106,621 - $136,469 (DOQ)

NATURE OF WORK:

This is a highly responsible supervisory, administrative, and management position responsible for the planning, Economic Development, permitting & inspections, tourism & special events, codes enforcement and parking management divisions. This position provides leadership, direction, and guidance in Community and Economic Development programs, citywide planning initiatives, and public policy development. Work involves ensuring the divisions enforce and comply with city, state, and federal laws regarding all aspects of development. Work assignments vary and are broad in scope requiring good judgment in making technical decisions. Work is performed under general supervision of the City Manager.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Engages in and supports the mission of the Community and Economic Development Department through strategic planning, creative problem solving, decision making, and responsible stewardship of City resources.

Manages and directs assigned divisions through effective planning, staff management, resource allocation, and sound fiscal practices; provides leadership to assure that departments’ services meet the City’s strategic goals; assures the level of services keeps pace with community needs.

Supervises division heads responsible for the enforcement of building, zoning, housing, and other codes, and issuance of permits; ensures employees are properly trained in methods and procedures; inspects and monitors work of employees; reviews and evaluates employee performance.

Possesses a proficiency, understanding, interest, and capacity for innovative and contemporary planning practices in as many of the following key areas as possible:

• urban pedestrian accessibility,
• signage and wayfinding,
• urban parking,
• traffic calming, and
• pedestrian, bicycle, and automobile safety and connectivity.

Collaborates and communicates with other City Departments to ensure service efficiency, effectiveness and equity.

Ensures policies, procedures and laws are properly applied to boards and commissions supported by department staff, including the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission, Lifelong Community Advisory Board and Development Authorities.

Develops and implements policies and procedures to enhance the operation of the Department.

Reviews and prepares amendments to unified development ordinance and provides enforcement as necessary; prepares and revises land use and zoning codes.

Provides assistance to property owners, developers, business operators, community groups, and others involved in the development of property; receives and responds to problems, complaints, and questions from community members regarding planning, codes enforcement, permits and parking management.

Serves as staff to the Decatur Downtown Development Authority and Decatur Development Authority.

Represents the City in discussions and negotiations with governmental agencies and private organizations interested in development in the City; provides advice and recommendations regarding the City’s urban design and development goals.

Consults regularly with the City Manager, Assistant City Managers, department heads, and division heads regarding City’s needs and responsibilities; attends City Commission work sessions and meetings to provide assistance and information as needed.

Prepares budget recommendation for Community and Economic Development Department; reviews budget requests from Downtown Development Authority; reviews expenditures and purchasing for departments as required.

Participates in litigation activities involving the City as necessary.

Provides staff support to various community task forces as needed.

Compiles and prepares various memoranda, reports, and records; composes letters and other correspondence as needed.

Meets challenges with resourcefulness through original thinking and creativity.

Contributes to the continuous improvement of self, department and City through participation in training.

Performs related work as necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A master’s degree in public administration, urban planning, business administration or other relevant fields is preferred.
• A bachelor’s degree in public administration, urban planning, business administration or related fields is required.
• Experience in city planning, capital budgeting and people management is highly valued along with a commitment to strategic planning, excellence in customer service and a desire for ongoing innovation in local government service delivery.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in local government is desired.
• Candidates must exhibit strong project management skills, a record of taking initiative, and a management and leadership style that reflects collaboration and team building.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Comprehensive knowledge of urban planning, placemaking and land use theory and methods.
• Thorough knowledge of management theory and supervisory practices.
• Ability to understand and interpret design drawings, construction specifications, and contract documents.
• Ability to plan, direct, and supervise the work of personnel.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with federal, state, and county agencies, public utilities, businesses, City officials, employees, and the public.
• Excellent writing, public speaking and facilitation skills are vital.
• Ability to multi-task and deal with competing priorities effectively.
• Ability to work comfortably under pressure and meet tight deadlines. 
• Open to change and new information and ideas and adaptable to the same.
• Results Orientation (practical project and time management, sense of urgency, and deadline-driven).
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with highly sensitive political, public policy, Community and employee issues and situations.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to drive and operate any assigned vehicles and equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

HOW TO APPLY

Candidates should apply on the city’s website: www.decaturga.com/hr/page/current-job-opportunities and attach your resume, cover letter and professional references. If you have any questions please contact Human Resources Director Tracy Carter, tracy.carter@decaturga.com.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Decatur is committed to having a workforce that reflects diversity at all levels and is an equal opportunity employer. Therefore, qualified applicants are considered for employment, and employees are treated during employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, familial status, or veteran/military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.