Community Development Director

IBTS is seeking a visionary, dynamic, and experienced Community Development Director to shape the future of one of Louisiana's newest cities by overseeing key functions including comprehensive planning, code enforcement, building permitting, and development services.

Key Responsibilities/Duties of this position

Leadership and Vision:

Develop and implement a strategic vision for the city's growth and development.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Mayor, City Council, and city management on planning, development, and land use policies.

Comprehensive Planning:

• Oversee the creation, review, and implementation of the city's comprehensive plan to guide future growth and development.
• Lead efforts to identify and eliminate barriers to sustainable and responsible development.

Code Enforcement and Building Permitting:

• Manage the city's code enforcement and building permitting functions, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Identify and recommend updates or amendments to development codes and ordinances to reflect best practices and community needs.

Public Engagement and Communication:

• Engage with community stakeholders, interest groups, and residents to gather input and build consensus on development policies and projects.
• Represent the city in public forums, including meetings with elected officials and community groups, and deliver presentations to articulate planning and development strategies.

Team Management and Development:

• Lead and mentor a team of planning and development professionals, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented culture.
• Resolve conflicts effectively among staff, stakeholders, and external parties to maintain a positive and productive working environment.

Policy Development and Analysis:

• Conduct thorough analyses of development trends, demographic data, and economic conditions to inform policy decisions.
• Draft and recommend amendments to the city's codes and policies to promote efficient and sustainable growth.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in urban or municipal planning, with at least 3 years in a managerial or leadership role.
• Proven experience working with elected officials, interest groups, and the public in a professional capacity.

Professional Certification:

• AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification is highly desired.
• Valid driver's license

Key Skills/Competencies for this position

• Analytical Skills: Ability to assess complex development challenges, analyze data, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with diverse groups, including staff, elected officials, developers, and residents.
• Conflict Resolution: Proven ability to mediate and resolve disputes effectively.
• Public Speaking: Excellent presentation skills with experience addressing governing bodies, public audiences, and interest groups.
• Visionary Thinking: Capacity to anticipate future challenges and opportunities and develop innovative solutions.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of urban planning principles, land use laws, permitting processes, and zoning regulations.

Personal Qualities
IBTS places a high value on certain personal traits that work toward creating a positive,
professional, and supportive work environment, which is essential for working together and achieving success. We believe "how" you achieve your results is as important as what you achieve. The following highlights the personal traits key for success within the organization.

• Strong Work Ethic
• Teachable/Continuous Learner
• Reliable/Dependable
• Collaborative/Team Contributor

Bring your passion, expertise, and experience to IBTS, where we appreciate and are committed to our employees. We offer outstanding benefits, growth opportunities, and work hard to maintain a culture that values our employees.

The Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization established to provide unbiased professional building code compliance services, while enhancing the communities in which we work. At IBTS, our mission is to deliver quality services to meet the challenges of governance at all levels while enhancing public safety, economic development, and the general welfare of the community. Our services include Building and Community Development, Energy and Sustainability Services, Disaster Planning and Recovery, Quality Assurance, as well as Compliance and Risk Monitoring.

IBTS is headquartered in Ashburn, VA, with additional offices in Louisiana, Missouri, New York, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC.

We are committed to building a community of experts with diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and perspectives who are passionate about our mission. IBTS is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer that maintains a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation. This opportunity is open to Section S3 Residents. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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