Job Title: Director of Community & Economic Development

Salary range: 56,100.00

Hours: Full-Time

Job Description:

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

The Community Development Director is responsible for planning, directing, and managing services, operation and information dissemination for the Community Development Department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans, directs, coordinates, manages departmental services and operations;
• Ensures City zoning requirements are enforced; disseminates zoning information internally/externally;
  • Provides information/responds to inquiries regarding interpretation of sign, zoning and subdivision codes;
  • Provides information/responds to inquiries regarding community development programs and related projects/reports;
  • Assists citizens/groups in planning community development projects; attends citizen group meetings, provides information and solicits compliance support;
  • Oversees and supports all activities and responsibilities of the City Planner, Engineer, Building Inspectors, Permit Technicians, and Code Compliance Officers.
• Develops recommends and implements approved changes in codes, inspections and enforcement procedures;
• Directs and coordinates long range planning and land use management, pre-annexations and annexations;
• Coordinates special projects assigned with other departments.
• Prepares annual budget, reviews budget requests, allocated operating expenses, directs purchase/distribution of equipment and supplies;

• Attends City Council meetings and related committee meetings, such as Utilities, Planning and Zoning;
• Staff liaison to the Historic District Commission, setting agendas and evaluates all history and historic preservation related work for Downtown Benton.

• Serves as City representative to all community development organizations;
• Answers questions and provides information to business representatives, developers, property owners and citizens;
• Sets agenda and facilitates meetings of the Design Review Committee.
• Reviews proposed legislation affecting economic development, analyzes impact and makes recommendations;

• Conducts research, analyzes data, conducts cost benefit analyses and compiles reports as requested;
• Complies with City ordinances/policies and applicable Federal, State and Municipal laws, rules and regulations;
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field required;
• Five (5) years’ progressive experience in planning and development and zoning;
• Four (4) years’ previous management experience;
• Institute of Economic Advance (IEA) certification or Community Development Institution (CDI) certification preferred;
• Professional Engineering (PE) credentials preferred;
• Strong problem solving and communication skills required;
• Knowledge of local economic development practices and principles preferred;
• Knowledge of building and architectural plan/blueprints preferred;
• Knowledge of zoning and building codes, pre-annexations and annexations preferred;
• Knowledge of basic engineering principles/practices/methods;
• Knowledge of required community development files related to permits, projects, correspondence preferred;
• Current Arkansas Drivers’ License required.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR FUNDS, PROPERTY and EQUIPMENT

$1,000,000+

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.  While performing the functions of this job, the employee is continuously required to talk or hear; frequently required to walk, sit, reach with hands and arms; and occasionally required to stand, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; and color vision.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  It is intended to identify the essential functions and minimum qualifications of this job.  The incumbent(s) may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign job-related responsibilities and tasks to this job at any time.  Certain functions are understood to be essential; these include, but are not limited to, attendance, getting along with others, and dealing with and working under stress.  Any essential function of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible

EOE

CITY OF BENTON APPLICATION.pdf

Please email applications to: jennifer.perry@bentonar.org or payton.dawson@bentonar.org