Director of Community Development

The Economic Development Director serves as the executive leader of the City’s Building and Community Development functions, providing strategic direction and full management oversight of planning, inspection services, zoning administration, and implementation of the City’s comprehensive development plans. This position directs and coordinates all city-wide economic development initiatives, leading business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts while fostering sustainable community growth.

Acting as the chief administrator for the Garden City Downtown Development Agency (DDA), the Director works under the guidance of the DDA Board of Trustees to advance downtown revitalization efforts through marketing, branding, design review, maintenance oversight, loan program administration, and contract management. The role balances responsibilities between City-led projects (under the direction of the City Manager) and DDA-specific initiatives (under the direction of the DDA Board), ensuring compliance with applicable laws, policies, and funding requirements.

Competitive candidates will have a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, business management, or a related field, and seven (7) years’ experience in municipal community development, with extensive program management, ordinance management, marketing, special event management, supervisory, and budgetary experience in local government, or a combination of any or all the above. AICP Certification or other advanced training is preferred.

• City and DDA organization, operations, policies, and procedures.
• Applicable Federal, State, and City codes, laws, statutes, and ordinances.
• Principles and practices of planning, redevelopment, economic development, and land use, real estate acquisition, and development processes.
• Regulations and standards governing public policy development and Michigan redevelopment and land use law.
• Principles of the planning and design of redevelopment projects, affordable community housing and public/private development and infrastructure projects.
• Principles and practices of administrative management, including procurement, contract management, and risk management.
• Strategic planning and management principles and techniques.
• Record keeping and file maintenance principles and procedures.

• Working autonomously, with no staff, to redevelop the community through economic development.
• Analyzing complex community development issues, evaluating alternatives, and making creative recommendations based on findings.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Facilitating and building community, business, and organizational consensus in the visioning, planning, design and implementation of the City’s planning, development, and economic development activities.
• Interpreting complex regulations, laws, and guidelines.
• Organizing, evaluating, analyzing, and presenting data and information.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands.
• Planning, organizing, and coordinating the work of volunteers.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with elected officials, appointed board members, public service providers, and representatives from other local, State and Federal agencies.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of standard and specialized software.
• Effective verbal and written communication.