Planning & Community Development Director

Essential Job Functions: Under the general supervision of the Assistant City Manager, this position plans, directs, and supervises the activities of the Planning & Community Development Department. This includes the Planning Division, Building Codes Division, Code Enforcement Division and CDGB Division. This Department also oversees the transit system that is managed by a private company. The position is also responsible for economic development and downtown development activities.

The ideal candidate will be an innovative thinker who can articulate a clear vision and embrace a department culture that focuses on emerging trends and Community Development best practices while focusing on customer service. The director must have a thorough understanding and knowledge of planning, zoning, code enforcement, land use principles, grants programs and contract oversight, including the interpretation and implementation of laws, code, rules, and regulations. In addition, the director should be skilled in providing positive, solutions-oriented, and effective recommendations for development and redevelopment to meet the needs of the community. The ability to identify and implement new and innovative approaches is an important qualification expected of the new director.

Other Job Functions: Performs other duties as required. Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

Normal office environment. Must be available to work Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Must be available to work overtime as needed.

Knowledge: Knowledge of operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive Community Development program; knowledge of principles and practices of Community Development, including current and advanced planning, economic development, redevelopment, building, and code enforcement; knowledge of principles and practices of public administration, supervision and training; principles of economics, statistics and demographics; knowledge of city organization, operation, policies and objectives. Knowledge of principles and practices of budget preparation and control; knowledge of practices and techniques of developing grant proposals; knowledge of office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as permit processing, word processing, GIS, spreadsheets, and databases; requires public speaking, oral and written communication skills.

Skills/Abilities: Ability to plan, organize, direct, coordinate and evaluate the work of staff engaged in a wide variety of Community Development activities; ability to work independently with little direction; ability to develop and administer departmental goals, objectives, and procedures. Ability to analyze and assess programs, policies, and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments; ability to identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs. Ability to meet schedules and time lines; ability to train, supervise and evaluate personnel; ability to research data and prepare reports; ability to work confidentially with discretion; ability to present ideas and concepts persuasively in speaking before groups or writing for publication. Ability to read, interpret construction plans, analyzes plans, specification, and proposals and consider design issues and standards and make appropriate recommendations. Ability to interpret, apply and explain laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures; ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Physical Requirements: Constantly calculates and sits; frequently drives, files, operates PC, sees, sorts, stands, writes by hand, enters data and types; infrequently cleans, crawls, kneels, runs, twists body, carries, climbs, squats, stoops, walks, drags, holds, lifts, pulls and pushes objects weighing up to 25 lbs.

Education/Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Graduation from an accredited four-year (4) college or university with a degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, Engineering, or related field and six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in at least one (1) area of Community Development, four (4)years of which were in a responsible supervisory position. Master's Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration or a related field is desirable; American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is preferred.

Must possess a valid Class C driver's license with a good driving record. Other state valid Driver's License equivalent to Texas Class C with a good driving record will be considered. Texas state law requires within 30 days of residency, you must possess a valid Texas driver's license. Applicant selected for hire will be subject to a background investigation and drug/alcohol screen test.

The City of Beaumont provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, The City of Beaumont will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation or other assistance contact a Human Resources representative at (409) 880-3777 or through RELAY Texas at 1-800-735-2989 or mail your request to P.O. Box 3827, Beaumont, Texas 77704.

The City may consider all related education and/or experience in determining the applicant's minimum qualifications and starting salary.