Community And Economic Development Director

**First review of applications will take place the week of January 8th, 2024. Tentatively, interviews are scheduled to take place the weeks of January 22nd and 29th. The salary range listed on this position reflects a 2023 Salary Range. The monthly salary range in 2024 will be $12,670 - $16,073/mo**
**The City of Lakewood participates in the Department of Retirement Systems PERS system.**
Under the direction of the City Manager, provide direction, leadership, and general oversight to the Community and Economic Development Department. Facilitate the development of strategy and policy in collaboration with the City Manager and other city departments. Ensure that the City's mission and guiding principles, and City Council direction and goals are incorporated into the operational activities and services. Represent the City in the community, the region, and nationally regarding policy and operational initiatives. Serve as a member of the City's executive leadership team. Develop, administer and enforce the City's growth management policies, Economic Development regulations, plan review and permit processing procedures, Rental Housing Safety Program (RHSP), dangerous building abatement and property nuisance programs, the South Sound Military Community Partnership (SSMCP), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and HOME Investment Partnerships programs. Essential duties may include but are not limited to the following:
Management
- Plan, organize, control and direct the activities, services, operations, budget and policy formulation and administration of the City's land use and planning, building services, permitting, Economic Development, SSMCP, RHSP, CDBG and HOME, and other programs in accordance with state and federal laws, and city codes.
- Oversee the development, implementation, accomplishment and reporting of the department's long-range strategic plan and short-range goals and objectives.
- Participate as a member of the City's Executive Leadership Team to assist in the City's strategic planning efforts, and addressing citywide policy and management issues and initiatives.
Economic Development
- Direct the planning, research, analysis and implementation of policies, strategies, projects, and activities to enhance the City's Economic Development and tourism; plan, develop, implement and direct programs to assist in the City's redevelopment strategies and to recruit new businesses, retain existing businesses and provide assistance to businesses seeking to expand; and serve as a City liaison to the local business community on Economic Development activities, issues and projects.
- Oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive Economic Development program, evaluate program elements for effectiveness, work with various segments of the community in achieving Economic Development goals and provide information and coordinate requests from prospective businesses.
Staff Supervision
- Exercises supervision over all employees in the department, either directly or indirectly through supervisors. Supervise and evaluate the performance of direct reports; select, reassign, promote, and discipline employees according to established procedures; assure efficient and effective use of department employees in assigned activities; receive, evaluate and resolve complaints related to departmental employees and operations.
Construction and Land Use
- Develop and implement policies, procedures and practices for the permitting and inspection function, conduct plan studies, review zoning and other land use ordinances, evaluate proposed annexations; direct Planned Unit development and other programs in relation to appropriate ordinances, plans or acts.
- Provide pertinent information; to resolve disputes involving development proposals; to develop or modify comprehensive plans; to develop or modify zoning codes; to implement and clarify policies; and to report on development activities, land use laws and related issues. Prepares and presents oral and written reports to explain proposals, policies, plans and/or development impacts.
Advisory
- Coordinate and guide city-wide strategic processes based on the City's Comprehensive Plan and short-range goals and objectives.
- Communicate with City leadership and other agencies and provide staff support on administrative matters, legislation and policies; recommend appropriate action to Planning Commission, committees, City Council or outside agencies.
- Serve as a resource to the City's collective bargaining teams to advise on labor relations activities and operational impacts to draft proposals.
Contract Administration
- Administer consultant contracts, service contracts for compliance and assure capital equipment purchases within budgetary limitations; review and recommend annexation requests and land use actions in accordance with State regulations.
Budget
- Prepare, monitor, and control the biennial department budget; assure department goals, policies, procedures and operations are maintained within budget limitations; develop and administer departmental grants as required.
Regulations and Compliance
- Develop and implement departmental operating policies and procedures; assure compliance with applicable laws including the Growth Management Act (GMA), Shoreline Management Act (SMA), Puget Sound Regional Council requirements, court decisions and management principles and techniques.
- Serve as SEPA responsible official and make SEPA determinations of significance, mitigated determinations and non-significance determinations; review and make recommendations on SEPA appeals.
- Coordinate with City departments regarding the administration and enforcement of planning, zoning, business licensing, permitting, inspection, and a wide variety of codes and ordinances; coordinate activities with City, State, and federal agencies, property owners, developers and other City departments; provide planning assistance to City departments as needed.
Meetings
- Conduct departmental employee meetings as needed; attend City Council, city boards and commissions, leadership, management, special interest, professional meetings, and seminars as required.
Records and Reports
- Prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports related to community development operations and activities; review and edit a variety of reports prepared by departmental staff.
Safety
- Actively champion a culture of and commitment to workplace safety through everyday actions and leadership.
Attendance
- Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
Regional Coordination:
- Coordinate with Pierce County Permit Application and Licensing System (PALS) and other City departments; Lakewood Water District, West Pierce Fire and Rescue, Pierce County Sewer, and other agencies.
Equity and Inclusion:
- Actively champion a culture of and commitment to equity and inclusion in the workplace and community through everyday actions and leadership.
Perform related duties as assigned.Any equivalent combination of education and experience that would likely provide the candidate with the knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the job will be considered. A typical combination is: a bachelor's degree in planning, public administration, community development, Economic Development or related field, and and seven (7) years of experience in planning, development review processes and Economic Development; including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or management capacity. Master's degree is preferred.
Licenses and Other Requirements
Valid Washington State driver's license.
Working Conditions
Environment:
Office environment.
Driving vehicle to conduct work.
Working evening or variable hours.
Physical Abilities:
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations.
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.
Seeing to conduct a variety of assigned activities.KNOWLEDGE OF:
- Principles and practices of public administration, planning, budgeting and personnel.
- Advanced professional knowledge in the theory, principles, practices, and techniques of current and long range urban planning and design, land use, zoning administration and urban renewal.
- Local Economic Development principles and practices.
- City, State, and federal regulations, the federal funding process and program requirements related to areas of responsibility.
- Permitting and inspection activities relating to planning, development review, land use and building.
- Grant writing methods and techniques.
- Leadership principles and practices, including motivation and team building.
- Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
- Clear and persuasive oral and written communication skills.
- City organization, operations, policies and objectives.
- Knowledge of and sensitivity to the social, political and environmental issues influencing planning programs and project development.
- Research and analysis methods.
ABILITY TO:
- Plan, organize, direct, and review the activities of the Community & Economic Development Department in accordance with State and federal laws, and City codes.
- Identify the department's future direction in response to changing community needs, and to develop, implement, and monitor appropriate plans, schedules, and action steps.
- Participate in regional planning processes.
- Use sound judgment when making decisions, interpretations, and in communications with others.
- Direct and perform difficult research and analysis.
- Understand, interpret, explain and apply all policies, laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances applicable to community development in the City.
- Analyze, interpret and explain proposed legislation and programs and the implications and impact on City planning.
- Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically, and persuasively in public meetings.
- Represent the City's interests in negotiations and other dealings on a variety of difficult, complex, sensitive and confidential issues.
- Make decisions in an environment of competing groups and interests which are often polarized.
- Collaborate and coordinate activities with other City Departments and various jurisdictions while ensuring the Department's overall goals are met.
- Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel.
- Establish budget controls and assure compliance with sound fiscal management policies.
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with elected officials, business leaders, advisory boards, and the general public
- Work independently with little direction.
- Meet schedules and time lines.
- Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
FLSA Designation
Exempt, not eligible for overtime.
Union Affiliation
Non-represented
Equal Opportunity
The City of Lakewood is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages, supports, and celebrates respect, empowerment, diversity, and inclusion for all. We welcome your contributions!Employment Type: Regular Full-Time