Director of Community Development

Charles City County is seeking an experienced and collaborative professional to serve as Director of Community Development
.

The role oversees planning, zoning, economic development, and code enforcement, ensuring that growth and development align with the County’s Comprehensive Plan and community priorities.

• Direct and manage the operations of the Community Development Department, including planning, zoning, economic development, and code enforcement functions.
• Oversee the preparation, implementation, and maintenance of the County’s Comprehensive Plan and related land use policies.
• Supervise, evaluate, and provide leadership to Planning, Zoning, and Building Official staff.
• Identify, evaluate, and support sites suitable for business and economic development in accordance with County plans and priorities.
• Prepare and administer the departmental budget; monitor expenditures and ensure fiscal accountability.
• Serve as the advisor to the County Administrator, Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Economic Development Authority, and Board of Zoning Appeals on planning, zoning, and development matters.
• Represent the County on regional and intergovernmental agencies, committees, or working groups as appointed.
• Perform Development Planner duties as needed to support departmental operations.
• Coordinate and supervise staff responsible for preparing Planning Commission agendas, including rezonings, conditional use permits, subdivision variances, street closures, and ordinance amendments.
• Review applications scheduled for public hearings to ensure compliance with County ordinances, policies, and adopted plans.
• Conduct research and prepare agenda materials, staff reports, and recommendations for the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.
• Provide architectural and site design review, critique, and professional recommendations for development applications.
• Review residential, commercial, and industrial site plans for compliance with zoning, subdivision, and development regulations.
• Provide guidance and technical assistance to applicants, the public, and County staff regarding the development review process.
• Prepare reports, presentations, graphics, and documentation for public hearings; edit and finalize Planning Commission minutes.
• Present information and speak at public meetings regarding development projects and planning initiatives.
• Perform related duties as required.

• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of urban planning and economic development.
• Comprehensive knowledge of economics, municipal finance, and sociology as they apply to planning and economic development.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering as they relate to planning and subdivision design and control.
• Ability to interpret and analyze technical and statistical information and to prepare and present complex oral and written reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with government officials, other agencies, associates, and the public.

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, economic development, public administration, or a related field, and at least 5-7 years of extensive professional experience in planning and economic development; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Valid Virginia driver’s license required.

Charles City County is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and diversity, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.