Summary:

Under supervision of the City Manager, the Community Development Director performs high-level and complex administrative duties and is responsible for overseeing the code enforcement, planning, and zoning activities, the review of building plans and permit applications along with the building maintenance division. In addition, assists the Franklin County Development Council with development opportunities. The position assists with current and future planning needs and ensures proper development and planning practices in compliance with the City’s Master Plan. Oversees the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Construction Boards of Appeals and to establish and interpret general planning and zoning policies. Ensures that applicable laws and policies related to building and environmental codes are updated and enforced. Provide staff support to the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Construction Boards of Appeals and City Manager, including preparing reports and researching planning issues.

Essential Job Functions:

Evaluates and recommends candidates for community development programs.
Work with other department directors, City Staff, and the City Commission to coordinate development projects
Represents department at community meetings and public forums providing information on department activities
Prepares reports for the City Commission and other government agencies on program activities and accomplishments
Provide customer service and work to resolve issues related to planning, nuisance, and code work
Ensures compliance of inspections of developments and properties
Review all planning documents and permits for compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
Revise and develop City ordinances
Analyzes community needs to determine programs/projects which will have the greatest benefit from grant funding.
Directs and approves development and coordination of plans, programs, and projects carried out through grant funds and in accordance with City, State, and Federal regulations; maintains liaison with grantor agency, citizen advisory committees, public agencies, program applicants, and the general public maintain liaison with grantor agency, citizen advisory committees, public agencies, program applicants, and the general public.
Prepare and administer department budgets
Oversee investigations and resolutions to zoning violations.
Advise and inform the City Manager on issues involving major developments, downtown revitalization, historic preservation, code enforcement issues, urban design issues, etc

Ancillary Job Functions:

Participate in economic development activities, including tax increment financing, project negotiation, and business development.
Ensure proper training of subordinate staff.
Ensure the enforcement of the City’s adopted codes and administrative policies/procedures.
Ensure that services to the public and to developers are provided in a respectful and professional manner.
Comply with all City ordinances and policies.
Assist other departments and perform other related duties as assigned

Education and Experience: (Combination of education, training, and experience will be considered)

Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Engineering, Business, Public Administration, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred
AICP preferred.
Minimum of seven years of experience in professional city or county planning
Minimum of three years of building and environmental code enforcement experience
Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible managerial experience in state or local government preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: (not all inclusive)

Strong verbal and written communication skills which would include making presentations to the Governing Body and Advisory Boards
Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive written reports
Must have excellent analytical, managerial, organizational, and public relations skills
Understanding of economic development incentives such as tax abatement processes, tax increment financing industrial revenue bonds, and community development block grant programs.
Thorough knowledge of planning laws, statutes, cartography, and software programs
Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive written reports
Must have excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365
Ability to make high-level decisions quickly
Working knowledge of technical drawings and mathematics
Ability to interpret ordinances, data, written instructions, memos, proposals, technical manuals, blueprints, reports, and schematics
Thorough knowledge of City, State, and Federal building and environmental codes and regulations
Working knowledge of construction materials, drafting, and general accounting
Familiarity with GIS and ERIS data. Ability to carry out projects and duties to their completion following prescribed policies and procedures
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with other employees, City officials, business entities, and the general public
Strong interpersonal skills.
Excellent negotiation and problem-solving skills
Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work as well as concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously
Ability to work under general supervision and make responsible decisions
Ability to use good judgment and think quickly and rationally in difficult or stressful situations

Work Environment:

May be exposed to wet/humid conditions, inclement outdoor weather, extreme temperatures, airborne particles/fumes, or risk of electrical shock when visiting construction/new development sites.

Physical Abilities: (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions)

Must be able to sit for extended periods of time
Must be able to talk, hear, stand, walk over uneven terrain, and drive
Must be able to have repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement and manual dexterity
Must have precise hand-eye coordination, clarity of vision, three-dimensional vision, and ability to identify/distinguish colors
Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds
Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function

Application: Candidates must also attach a cover letter, resume and three professional references.

Range: $116,001.60 to $162,406.40

Date Opened: March 23, 2026

Deadline to Accept Applications: *June 15, 2026 - This position is open until filled.

The residency requirement for new and current officers of the City of Ottawa, KS as set forth in Section 2-303 of Article II, of Chapter 3 of the Municipal Code of the City of Ottawa, Kansas: As full-time employees, City officers shall reside within 35 miles of the corporate limits of the City of Ottawa within six (6) months of such appointment.

E-Mail Confirmation: After your application has been received by the City of Ottawa, you will receive confirmation by e-mail. Please check your SPAM filter or JUNK Mail. If you have not received confirmation within 48 hours of submitting your application, please call 785-229-3634 to verify application has been received. For additional information, contact Human Resources at 785-229-3634 or e-mail humanresources@ottawaks.gov.

Anyone with a disability who needs reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at 785-229-3634 at least two days prior to a scheduled test or interview.

The City of Ottawa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

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City of Ottawa, Kansas jobs

Community Development Director