Community Development Director

City of Ball Ground, Georgia

The Role

The City of Ball Ground is seeking an experienced and collaborative Community Development Director to lead the City’s planning, zoning, permitting, code enforcement, and economic development activities. This position serves as a key member of the City’s leadership team and plays a central role in guiding growth, preserving community character, and delivering responsive customer service to residents, businesses, and development partners.

Ball Ground is a growing small city with a strong historic identity and an active downtown. The Community Development Director will help manage growth in a way that supports economic vitality while protecting the City’s small-town character and quality of life. The position requires both strategic leadership and hands-on daily management in a fast-paced environment.

The Director works closely with the City Manager, Mayor, City Council, Planning Commission, developers, business owners, and residents to implement the City’s vision, administer development regulations, and resolve complex land use issues.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Administration

Serve as department head for Community Development and a member of the City’s leadership team.
Provide professional planning advice to the City Manager, Mayor, City Council, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and other boards and committees.
Develop and implement department goals, policies, procedures, and annual work plans. Prepare and manage the department budget and capital project coordination as assigned.
Oversee contracted services including building inspections and planning consultants.

Planning & Zoning

Administer and enforce the City’s zoning ordinance and development standards.
Manage rezoning requests, variances, special use permits, annexations, and text amendments.
Review site plans, subdivision plats, and development proposals for compliance with City regulations.
Coordinate updates to the Comprehensive Plan, zoning ordinance, and development regulations.
Prepare staff reports and departmental reports at public hearings and meetings.

Development Services & Customer Experience

Oversee permitting, plan review coordination, and development review processes.
Provide guidance to property owners, residents, developers, and business owners regarding City regulations and procedures.
Continuously improve processes to enhance transparency, efficiency, and customer service.
Work collaboratively across departments to facilitate timely project review and approvals.

Economic & Downtown Development

Support business recruitment, retention, and expansion efforts.
Assist in implementation of downtown program and economic development initiatives.
Pursue grants and funding opportunities related to planning, infrastructure, and redevelopment.
Maintain relationships with local and regional economic development partners, including the Cherokee Office of Economic Development, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and other state and regional agencies.
Facilitate redevelopment and infill opportunities, with an emphasis on strengthening the downtown district and supporting compatible commercial growth.
Develop and implement strategies for business recruitment, retention, and expansion consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and strategic priorities.
Act as the primary point of contact for prospective businesses, property owners, and developers seeking to locate or invest in the City.
Monitor economic and development trends and advise City leadership on opportunities, risks, and strategic initiatives.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a practical and solution-oriented professional who can operate strategically while remaining hands-on in daily operations. Successful candidates will demonstrate:

Strong knowledge of municipal planning, zoning, and development processes
Experience working effectively with elected officials and appointed committees
Excellent communication and public presentation skills
Ability to build trust with residents, businesses, and development partners
Strong organizational and project management abilities
A collaborative leadership style that supports teamwork and accountability
Commitment to high-quality customer service and responsiveness
Ability to balance growth, economic development, and preservation of community character
Sound judgment, professionalism, and high ethical standards
Comfort working in a small-city environment where flexibility and initiative are essential

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, geography, engineering, or a related field.
At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning, zoning, community development, local government operations, or related field.
Experience presenting to boards, commissions, and elected officials.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in planning, public administration, or related field.
AICP certification or ability to obtain.
Experience in a small or mid-sized local government environment.

Application Process

Please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@ballgroundga.gov.

City of Ball Ground

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Community Development Director