Economic and Community Development Director

Position Summary:

The Economic and Community Development Director oversees the day-to-day operations of the Community Development Department. This position provides professional assistance to the public, elected officials, City staff and board and commission members. This position will make recommendations for planning capital expenditures and communicating those goals and objectives as part of the annual budget process for the Planning, Economic Development and Building Divisions. Responsible for managing and staffing the Planning and Zoning Commission. Assigns department staff to various boards and commissions.

Essential Functions:

• Recommends community development policy adoption to the City Manager, including policy and plan formation for long-range community goals and objectives; preparation of plans, guidelines, project studies, ordinances, and other documents to implement policies and objectives.
• Performs day-to-day development review and implementation of future land use planning, capital improvement and development planning, municipal code regulations, and other special projects and duties as assigned.
• Responsible for analysis of options and implementation methods of policies and objectives as identified by staff and City officials.
• This position works closely with the City Attorney and City Manager when negotiating annexations, assists developers with infrastructure development and expansion, and business retention and expansion.
• Acts as the City of Glenwood Springs’ liaison with state, regional, and county economic development organizations and assists with the marketing and advertising of local business opportunities using tools such as the provision of demographic information to public and private sectors and real estate searches for new and expanding businesses.
• The Economic and Community Development Director will also work closely with the Downtown Development Authority and assist the City Manager with all other redevelopment/revitalization efforts. This includes coordinating efforts regarding potential commercial/mixed-use development in line with the Economic Development Strategy.
• Establish goals and objectives; develop and implement long-range planning for the City and sphere of influence, including: land uses and development regulations, infrastructure, and capital improvements; fiscal, social, and physical impacts of growth, and economic development implementation.
• Assists the City Manager in planning capital expenditures and communicating those goals and objectives as part of the annual budget process.
• Responsible for the administration of the Municipal Development Code with respect to private development and construction. Conducts population, land use and other planning studies and prepares analytical reports as required.
• Researches, develops, and implements grant proposals to Federal, State and/or other agencies for the purposes of funding various City plans and projects from Federal, State and/or other Agencies.
• Provides technical input, develops and assists in implementing capital and public facilities plans. Develops special planning projects to comply with Federal, State and local requirements; submits reports and applications as necessary.
• Either prepares or assists in the preparation of requests for proposals for public projects and studies. Interacts with State representatives, County, and other municipal officials, public officials, professional peers, the public, and others in carrying out a variety of planning functions.
• Performs other related special projects and duties as required and necessary. Performs performance reviews, time off requests, etc., and personnel administration as manager of the Division.
• Attendance at City Council meetings and workshops, and outside the scope of normal working hours, is required
• Manages the Planning and Zoning Commission and coordinates meetings.

Other Duties: 

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Core Competencies: 

• Conflict resolution and diplomacy when interfacing with members of the public, elected officials, boards and commissions, and City staff.
• Possesses strong writing, reporting, analytical, presentation and grammatical skills.
• Acts as a liaison with the public, developers, departments, and boards regarding land-use and building division issues, regulations, and development review process.
• Coach members of the Community Development Department as required.• Detail-oriented, responsive, and committed to providing high quality content and customer service.
• Willing to work weekends, evenings, and special events on occasion.
• Team-player and deep understanding of the city’s strategic vision, mission, and culture.
• Ability to take ownership over key communication topics, and problem solve as needed.
• Excellent time management and ability to prioritize high-volume workloads under tight deadlines.
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises sound judgment in internal and external situations.
• Detail-oriented, responsive, and committed to providing high-quality customer service.

Education, Training & Certifications:

Necessary:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in planning, landscape architecture, public administration or a related field.
• Five (5) years of responsible professional experience in planning, community development or a closely related field required.
• Two (2) years supervisory experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.

Desired:

• Master's degree in planning or a closely related field is desirable.
• Certification with the American Institute of Certified Planners within two years of employment.

Necessary Physical Requirements:

Action                                                                          Frequency

Lifting                                                                     10 pounds frequently; 20 pounds occasionally

Carry                                                                       10 pounds frequently; 20 pounds occasionally

Pushing/Pulling                                                   10 pounds frequently; 20 pounds occasionally

Driving                                                                    Occasionally 

Balance/Stoop/Bend                                         Frequently

Twist/Squat/Crouch                                           Frequently

Kneeling                                                                N/A

Crawling                                                                 N/A

Climbing Stairs                                                    Frequently

Climbing Ladders                                                N/A

Standing/Walking                                                Frequently

Reaching Above/Below/At Shoulder Level  Frequently