Director of Community Development

Director of Community Development 

Kitsap County is seeking an experienced leader and director for its Department of Community Development (DCD).  This excellent long-term career opportunity will be a great chance for a growth-oriented, staff-development focused leader to help an accomplished team and dynamic community navigate change.

The DCD Director, reporting to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) through the County Administrator, provides accessible, visible community leadership, and staff development and strategic direction to the 78 employees of the department and the department's myriad customers, partners, and stakeholders.

About the Position 

The DCD Director reports to the County Administrator, who manages BOCC Departments on behalf of the Board. The role has both outward-facing and internally focused elements. First, the Director serves as the face of the department to the community, engaging with community stakeholders over key planning and land use initiatives.  Second, the Director must ensure staff are well-resourced, focused, cared for, heard, and considered, so all work together to execute the department's strategic work plans. 

The Director facilitates problem-solving for high-level issues having far-reaching impacts on Kitsap County.

 This position is perfect for those who relish challenges, value public service, and who want to make a visible and lasting impact on local communities in alignment with the Board’s values of Integrity, Welcoming, Professionalism, Accountability, Responsiveness, and Efficiency.

Job Summary

Each at-will appointed position is very unique to the Department they serve.

The Community Development Director leads, plans, organizes, and directs the activities of the Department including Permit Services, Planning & Environmental Services, Development Engineering, and Building and Fire Safety.  

The Director is responsible for the departments Management/Leadership, ensuring that the department fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to meet customer need and achieve the Board of County Commissioners stated goals and policy direction. Typical duties involve staff supervision, departmental policy management, workload/ resource leveling, executive advisory, contract administration, budget, regulation compliance, departmental records and reporting, stake holder collaboration and regional coordination.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Planning (Land Use, Urban, Environmental, Long, Current) or closely related field from a college or university accredited by the US Department of Education, and
• Ten years of progressively responsible professional level experience in a public planning position, including three years of supervisory and managerial responsibilities is required; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the work.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, OR QUALIFICATIONS:

• AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners), 
• Master’s degree Public Administration, Political Science, Community Planning, Environmental Planning, or closely related field.  
• Certification as a building official, planner, or professional engineer. 
• ICC (International Code Council) certification, or 
• Experience working with the WA State Growth Management Act. 

If you use education to meet the requirements for the position, a copy of your official transcripts must be submitted prior to your first day of employment.

Application Process 

Persons interested in this position should upload a cover letter and current resume when submitting your application.  If you have questions regarding this recruitment, please call Mandy at 360-307-4343. 

Kitsap County is committed to upholding and promoting equal opportunity in employment. We encourage people of all background, cultures, and religions to apply, knowing that a diverse workforce is a strong workforce.  We will provide aid in the recruitment, application, and selection process to applicants with disabilities who require such assistance.

Compensation  

The annual salary range for this position is $138k - $177K.  Benefits include generous leave, highly subsidized health insurance and participation in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System.  The County also provides access to the State's Deferred Compensation Program.   

This position will remain open until filled.  The first review of applications will start on Monday, May 20, 2024.  After the initial review, the first round of interviews will be scheduled, and applications will continue to be reviewed weekly.