Community Development Director

GENERAL DESCRIPTIONThe purpose of this position is to perform the management of the department in which the employee is employed. This is a highly responsible administrative and technical position which involves the management of planning, zoning, and community development plans, programs, and services. The position is responsible for working closely with City staff in promoting business and development interests within the downtown district. The position includes working with all noted departments in providing guidance to individuals and companies seeking establishment with in the CRA District and wishing to utilize CRA Programs. The position also includes assisting in the planning and coordination of community development projects, assisting business and residential applicants with local and State permitting processes, and providing research for City sponsored projects. Customarily and regularly directs the work of two or more other employees; has authority to hire or fire other employees or make suggestions or recommendations regarding hiring, firing, advancement, promotion, or any other change in status. Work is performed under the general direction of the City Administrator and requires the exercise of considerable independent judgment and initiative within the framework of regulations. Performance is reviewed through conferences, analysis of reports and records as well as evaluations. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSThe following essential functions represent the primary duties of this position but should not be considered an all-inclusive list of responsibilities. Other duties may be required and assigned.Responsible for comprehensive planning, development review, administration and enforcement of the City's Land Development Code, and re-development activities.Technical and administrative support to the City Council, Citizens Advisory Committee, Planning Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals and Code Enforcement Board.Collaborate with the Economic Development Director to achieve the goals and objectives outlined by the Economic Development Plan. Provide assistance in the development of short- and long-term community development plans, as well as the gathering of information and preparation of studies, reports, and recommendations to achieve such goals. This will involve the preparation and maintenance of information on zoning, transportation, community services, the coordination with other departments and agencies as needed. Provide professional community development advice, assist in the application and permitting process, and serve as an advocate for development in line with the Comprehensive Plan, zoning ordinances, and goals as established by the City. Be a liaison to various local, State, and Federal agencies, coordinating projects with agencies as deemed necessary and appropriate.Provide information and/or make presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups, businesses, individuals, and the general public on community development issues, programs, services, and plans. Manage the Community Development Department staff and functions; and oversee the City's Community Redevelopment Agency. Coordinate the Development Review Committee and the development review process; and manage the long- and short-range planning functions for the City including the preparation and update of the City's comprehensive plan and land development code. Review development plans and other land development related applications to ensure compliance with the City codes. Attend and present information and reports at meetings of the City Council, the Planning Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals, Code Enforcement Board, and the Citizens Advisory Committee.Supervise preparation of all notices, legal ads and documentation necessary for zoning changes, comprehensive plan changes and other related requests. Prepare and present the Community Development Department budget. Work with planning groups that make decisions affecting the city, such as the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council and the Florida Department of Community Affairs. Responsible for coordinating community development related grant projects. Meet with city groups, i.e., the Chamber of Commerce, when working on plans for the city, such as downtown redevelopment. Work closely with the Economic Development Director to identify areas of concern in the promotion of business location and expansion within the City. Performs any other duties or tasks that may be assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIESKnowledge of local zoning and planning, ordinances, policies, regulations, and pertinent information relating to city codes. Knowledge of applicable laws/regulations; maintain an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; read professional literature; maintain professional affiliations; attend workshops and training sessions as appropriate.Knowledge of land development codes, comprehensive plans, building codes, and Florida statutes related to land development and planning.Knowledge of the provisions of the Apopka City Charter and ordinances pertaining to building, zoning, planning and comprehensive plan; organization, functions, and procedures of City government, including the principles and practices of planning and zoning. Ability to become familiar with the existing inventory of available buildings and business and residential development sites within the community. This includes both public and private buildings and land areas. Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting codes, ordinances, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; establish and maintain effective working relationships with the City Council, other City officials, employees and the general public. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing; to read and interpret development plans; to draft ordinances, resolution, and legal advertisements. Ability to establish and maintain effective and amiable working relationships with elected and appointed officials, news media, leadership, supervisors, residents, customers, employees, other departments, and agencies.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSAn equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered, provided that the education and experience are in a relevant and related field.Graduate with Master's degree in land planning or a related field; or equivalent experience. Considerable, progressive experience in planning, zoning and public administration. Valid Florida Driver's license. A valid out of state License is acceptable, but selected candidates must obtain and provide a valid Florida driver's license within thirty (30) days of start date.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSExperience in public speaking and presentation. JOB LOCATIONCity Hall Annex. Occasional travel is required.ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATIONPhysical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, occasional standing, walking, bending/twisting, pushing/pulling up to 10 lbs., lifting up-to 10 lbs.Environmental Conditions: Exposure to dim or bright lights.Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.ADA Statement: The City of Apopka is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to achieving excellence and strength through diversity. The City seeks a wide range of applicants for its positions so that one of our core values, a qualified and diverse workforce, will be affirmed. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance requires the City to provide reasonable invited to discuss accommodations.DISCLAIMER:The City of Apopka reserves the right to fill positions prior to the closing date and also reserves the right to close the posting prior to the date indicated. Positions will be filled by competitive selection from among categories of qualified and available candidates. It is the policy of the City of Apopka to give first consideration to all employees and other internal applicants prior to considering external (outside) applicants. Applicants should expect a starting salary at the minimum of the pay grade range; applicants with exceptional qualifications and/or experience may be eligible for a rate of pay which is higher than the range minimum upon approval by Administration. Your social security number is requested for the purpose of payroll eligibility verification, processing employment benefits, applicant and employee background checks, and income reporting and will be used solely for those purposes. The City of Apopka participates in E-Verify. Employers are required by federal law to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. We utilize the E-Verify system to process our new hires. We provide information to the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with Information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.