The Opportunity
The Community Development and Neighborhood Services Director leads a collaborative, diverse, and innovative team influencing the planning, design, and growth of our community. The Director sets the tone for the team’s productive interactions with residents and stakeholders throughout the community and fosters a culture of integrated and inclusive problem solving, while creating a sense of belonging and connection within the team. The Director understands the big picture and can clearly articulate the vision while remaining grounded and realistic in what is possible.
The CDNS Director reports to the Planning, Development, and Transportation Director and has six direct reports: Chief Building Official, Development Review Manager, Long-Range Planning Manager, Administrative Services Manager, Historic Preservation Manager, and Neighborhood Services Manager. The Director promotes a positive and collaborative working environment where employees thrive, are treated with respect, and recognized for their accomplishments.
A visionary leader, the successful candidate brings a fresh, yet experienced voice and perspective to Community Development and Neighborhood Services with the ability to think ahead, anticipate issues, and proactively develop solutions. With a continued focus on Fort Collins’ economic, environmental, and social triple bottom line, the Director provides strategic guidance to define and prioritize projects and initiatives. Remaining centered in equity and leading with race, the successful candidate considers the proper timing, resources, and community support to bring reality to our initiatives. The ideal candidate maintains an understanding of the community issues affecting Fort Collins and leverages that knowledge to drive decisions.
Total Compensation
City of Fort Collins offers a competitive comprehensive benefits package, including a competitive market salary of $130,000 – $145,000. Other benefits include medical, dental, vision, wellness program, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance. Additionally, the City of Fort Collins offers other benefits, including 401(a) and a 457 deferred compensation plan with an employer contribution, optional Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, and relocation assistance for the successful out of area finalist.
Residency
The CDNS Director is subject to residency requirements under the City’s Charter (Article IV, Section3), which require the incumbent to reside at the time of appointment and throughout employment in this classification within five (5) miles of the City limits as measured by a straight line connecting the parcel of property upon which the residence is situated to the nearest boundary line of the City. City limits and the Growth Management Area can be found on FCMaps.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate has at least eight years of progressively responsible experience in professional planning and administration, with at least five years of management and leadership responsibility. Advanced knowledge of current principles and practices of community planning, including long-range land use planning, development review, zoning, and neighborhood planning is essential. Prior experience developing and managing a budget is required, as is prior experience with strategic planning.
Building and construction fundamentals and code enforcement knowledge are beneficial, along with the ability to analyze and revise current ordinances and codes. Development industry processes and public development review systems knowledge is ideal. A degree in Urban Planning or related field is highly encouraged. A master’s degree and American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is beneficial. An equivalent combination of experience and education that enable success as the CDNS Director will be considered.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The City will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
Directors of a city service area or a group of city service areas, deputy city managers, and assistant city managers shall reside within the Fort Collins Urban Growth Area during their tenure in office, but need not reside within the Fort Collins Urban Growth Area prior to their appointment.
How to Apply
The City of Fort Collins is deeply committed to high-quality public service and cultivating an outstanding culture for its employees. As a high-performing government, Fort Collins attracts and employs diverse and competitive talent, retains its workforce through development and growth opportunities, and promotes intelligent risk-taking to address increasingly complex challenges.
Applications will be accepted electronically by The Novak Consulting Group at https://bit.ly/38KQVVS. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. Please apply no later than April 25, 2021.
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