Director of Community Development

The City of Newberry is a top-rated, community of 9,000 residents with a small-town feel 10 miles west of Gainesville and the University of Florida. The City aspires to provide superior service to its residents with each interaction. We seek an enthusiastic, dynamic leader for our Community Deveolpment Department- a leader tht shares our passion for excellence, and our desire to help our community achieve its vision. 

The Recreation Director must have strong communication skills, be a passionate, constructive and high-performing leader who exemplifies the organization’s core values and can refine and implement the mission and vision of the department by building on the strengths of current staff and widespread community support. The ideal candidate will lead a dynamic and talented team, embrace change and innovation, and be dedicated to enhancing, expanding and connecting our programs and services for the benefit and enjoyment of our residents.

The City of Newberry is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.

To elevate the organization's performance, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication and seek opportunities to learn, recognize, and reward actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. Doing this will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.

This is an exempt position and serves at the pleasure of the City Manager.

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Director of Community Development reports directly to the City Manager and is a valued member of the City’s Executive Team. The Director is responsible for the operation, planning, administration, financial management and inter-governmental relations for the Community Development Department.

The position oversees planning, building, and codes enforcement, serves as departmental liaison with City boards/committees, City Commission and citizens, and provides professional services by interfacing with other City employees and citizens.

The Director is responsible for strategic planning with a focus on long-term goals and objectives for the department. This includes establishing criteria for project scheduling and\ prioritization to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of operations.

This position participates in strategic planning initiatives with the City executive team and collaborates with departments, staff, elected officials, and community members on the development and implementation of various organizational and community initiatives.

The Director attends City Commission Meetings and Workshops, participates in community events and outreach programs, fosters culture in the department as part of the City's core values, and is an active participant of the organization.
 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodation will be made as required.

• Embraces and upholds the City’s core values, mission, and vision.
• Directs the Planning, Building, and Codes Enforcement through effective planning, staff management, and resource allocation; manages activities to achieve the City’s community development objectives.
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of changes.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates staff; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates the Department’s work plan; meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures.
• Establishes both general policies and specific goals and objectives in the design and implementation of the City’s redevelopment programs in conjunction with the City Manager; coordinates, research, and evaluates projects and programs that will enhance and preserve the City’s housing stock and economic base; oversees the negotiation and preparation of contracts or agreements necessary for the implementation of the City’s redevelopment.
• Manages in the development of the department budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring and approval of expenditures; directs the preparation of and implements budgetary adjustments as necessary.
• Represents the Community Development Department to other City departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets Community Development Department programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant, and controversial issues.
• Confers with and serves as advisor to the City Manager on departmental policies, strategies, and programs that promote quality and economic vitality; coordinates divisional activities with other departments and public and private agencies.
• Plans, designs, and implements redevelopment plans and site-specific development and economic development strategies and programs; improves and expands the community’s affordable housing stock; facilitates and develops urban design and landscaping programs, financing of public/private development and infrastructure projects and analyzes public real estate transactions.
• Assists property owners, businesses, and developers in the City’s development process, which includes site selection evaluation and review, project and/or program negotiations, land assembly and relocation, financial assistance and analysis and contract and/or code compliance.
• Makes oral presentations to City Commission, boards, civic groups, and the general public on planning issues.
• Participates on a variety of boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovation in the field of planning, building and code inspection, redevelopment, and business development.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Newberry and the constituent population by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, client records, and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned by the City Manager.

This job description is a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities. Tasks and duties of the employee may differ from those outlined above.