Director of Community Development

About the role

This position is a member of the City's Executive Team and is responsible for leading a department of professional staff that is responsible for services related to land use planning, engineering development review, building inspections, and code compliance. The position reports to the Deputy City Manager and supervises a large team of planners, real estate staff, code and compliance staff and administrative staff.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic plans, drive accountability, and lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness and the customer experience.
• Ensure the highest levels of customer service to residents, developers, business partners, and other stakeholders while maintaining the integrity of the City's regulatory responsibilities.
• At City Council's direction, and through processes of citizen and professional input, develop long-range plans for Greeley related to community design and function, land use development, property maintenance, environmental impact, historic preservation, inspections, and fiscal sustainability.
• Lead continuous improvement and modernization of development review, permitting, inspection, and code compliance processes. Evaluate workflows, policies, technology, and service delivery models to improve efficiency, predictability, transparency, and customer experience while maintaining regulatory compliance and consistency.
• Communicate proactively with all stakeholder groups. Design, develop and implement a comprehensive proactive and reactive communication strategy to ensure City Council, the City Manager's Office, internal and external partners and other appropriate stakeholders receive information in a timely manner and that the information is complete, accurate and appropriate.
• Manage resources and form innovative and cooperative programs with other organizations.
• Provide coaching and professional development opportunities and administer corrective and disciplinary actions as needed.
• Develop and manage the department's budget and staff in a responsible and effective manner.
• Collect, interpret and analyze community data (e.g. Census, community indicators, demographics, surveys) that help identify trends and potential issues. Solicit and consider customer and citizen concerns.
• Produce individual contributions and work product. Make presentations and recommendations to the City Manager, City Council, staff, citizen advisory groups, community organizations, etc. Develop position papers, memos, and fiscal analysis for various initiatives or opportunities, or in support of department operations or work program items. Respond to requests from other departments.
• Supervise, motivate, and coach employees; evaluate employee performance and goal setting; hold employees accountable for assigned tasks and goals; provide timely and constructive feedback and training opportunities; resolve conflicts and complaints; analyze information and processes and develop more effective or efficient processes; establish and achieve business and financial objectives; ensure compliance with safety procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in land use planning, public administration or related field.
• Eight (8) years of relevant experience leading community development, real estate, business development or related municipal functions.
• Five (5) or more years of supervisory experience with evidence of driving excellent outcomes.
• Master's Degree in public planning, public policy, business administration or related field preferred.
• Bilingual Spanish/English Knowledge, Skills And Abilities preferred.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of urban planning principles & zoning law.
• Familiarity with building codes & construction standards.
• Strong grasp of real estate economics, market analysis, land acquisition, incentives like Tax Increment Financing (TIF).
• Knowledge of municipal law & code enforcement principles.
• Understanding of public budgeting & capital improvement programming (CIP).
• The ability to look at a 20-year comprehensive plan and align current zoning changes, infrastructure capacity, and building permit workflows to support that vision.
• The skill to navigate complex political environments, presenting technical data clearly to City Council, Planning Commission, and community groups with competing interests.
• The ability to represent the city's interests effectively when negotiating development agreements, public infrastructure build-outs, or affordable housing set-asides with private developers.
• Experience streamlining building permit and development review pipelines—reducing administrative bottlenecks while maintaining strict regulatory oversight.
• The capacity to remain calm and objective during highly charged public hearings, community opposition campaigns, or intense scrutiny from local media.
• The ability to translate dense, technical code or complex planning concepts into clear, accessible language for the general public, business owners, and elected officials.
• A steadfast commitment to transparency, fairness, and public ethics, ensuring that regulatory enforcement is unbiased and development practices avoid even the appearance of impropriety.
• The ability to build strong cross-departmental partnerships, particularly with Public Works (for infrastructure capacity), Economic Development, and the City Attorney’s office.

Skills

• Urban Planning Principles & Zoning Law.
• Building Codes & Construction Standards.
• Real Estate Development & Public-Private Partnerships (P3s).
• Municipal Law & Code Enforcement Principles.
• Public Budgeting & Capital Improvement Programming (CIP).
• Strategic & Systems Thinking.
• Political Acumen & Consensus Building.
• Negotiation & Deal Structuring.
• Process Optimization & Public Management.
• Crisis & Conflict Management.
• Executive Leadership & Culture Building.
• Resilience & Composure Under Pressure.
• Exceptional Communication.
• Sound Ethical Judgment.
• Collaborative Orientation.

Benefits

This position is benefits eligible. Please view our benefits guide here.

Pay

Full Salary Range: $173,469 – $251,531 annually
Anticipated Hiring Range: $173,469 - $212,500 annually

Schedule

Regular Local/Field Based Travel: This position requires regular travel within the County and nearby cities. Employees frequently travel to field sites, client locations, or other City buildings as part of their job duties. Access to a personal or City fleet vehicle may be required.

City of Greeley: Work, Live, and Play in Greeley

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Greeley provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

ADA Statement

We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free search process. We provide accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process such as alternative formats of this posting. Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodations throughout the search process should contact the ADA Coordinator at: HR@Greeleygov.com.

Conditions of Employment

• Candidates must successfully complete all pre-employment screenings and employment eligibility verification.