Community Development Director

• Are you often praised for your leadership, confidence, and self-management skills?
• Do you have a customer-service mindset with knowledge and experience in planning and design?
• Are you a seasoned collaborator with a dynamic personality who can work effectively with everyone – elected officials, community members, internal departments, developers, and contractors?
• Are you an assertive and respectful communicator who effectively advocates and conveys needs, vision, and priorities to city leadership and the Council?
• Are you a teambuilder who effectively leads and inspires talented staff in a hands-on work environment?
• Are you a community development professional with municipal experience who is energized by joining a unique municipality that:
  • Believes that public service is a calling;
  • Celebrates diversity and the unique attributes that make up a team;
  • Supports and encourages staff development at every level;
  • Makes decisions for the long-term, and,
  • Understands that we exist to serve our community and each other.

If yes, then the highly sought-after City of Milton, GA, in metro Atlanta, invites you to apply to serve as its Community Development Director (Director) and oversee the city’s Code Enforcement, Planning, Zoning, Building Inspections, Permitting, Economic Development,  and Land Development divisions.

Milton’s Community Development Director plans, organizes, directs, and manages the day-to-day operations of the Community Development department. A highly respected professional known for their integrity, this Director will passionately ensure the fulfillment of the Community Development department’s mission - 

to provide citizens with high-quality developments and the preservation of natural resources while protecting Milton’s special rural character in accordance with the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

This position is for the professional who understands that success is not building a more significant tax base. The City of Milton has very little debt and is in a solid financial position to fund projects. Most land in the area is zoned AG-1, and approximately 13% of its tax base is commercial. The Director will work closely with developers and builders to capture the essence of Milton, utilizing its recently adopted Unified Development Code, focusing on preservation of the community’s trees and its love of horses, maintaining the quiet, peaceful culture of the rural areas, and protecting the unique Milton aesthetic of estate homes, large lots and equestrian farms.

About the Community and Organization:

Formed in 2006 from parts of unincorporated Fulton County, the City of Milton is named after Revolutionary War Hero John Milton and is one of metro Atlanta’s most sought-after communities for its high quality of life, charming character, safe and welcoming environment, remarkable schools, thriving restaurants, unique shops and more. With a population of nearly 42,000 people, Milton is a distinct, vibrant city with a rural landscape and beautiful natural spaces. Yet, it is less than 30 miles from the big city amenities of Atlanta.

Milton’s 39 square miles, of which 85% are agriculturally zoned with lot sizes at least one acre, are home to an affluent community. The average house in Milton is 5,000 – 7,000 square feet, and the median household income of its residents is $160,000. The city has among Georgia’s highest educational attainment rates and lowest unemployment rates. 

Milton has long boasted a strong and proud equestrian community – a reflection of its deep rural heritage and an ongoing desire to engage with those who love the equestrian lifestyle and everything it involves. Milton’s Equestrian Committee, a formal city committee of Mayor and council-appointed community members, is committed to advocating and ensuring that the city continues to embrace Milton’s rich equestrian heritage.

The City of Milton, GA, operates under the Council-Manager form of government and is governed by a mayor and a six-person Council. The Council’s unified vision, as outlined in the city’s 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, supports the community’s sustainability and resiliency, its continued focus on smart land planning, and its efforts to acquire, manage, and develop public land and resources to support Milton’s high quality of life.

About the Department and Position:

The City of Milton’s Community Development department evaluates issues related to development within Milton to enhance the quality of life for Milton residents, preserve and enhance Milton's character, provide superior customer service by streamlining the development review process, and create a safe and healthy environment by enforcing development regulations.

Reporting to the City Manager, the Director will manage the department’s operating budget of $2.6M and oversee its 19 staff. This position is for the professional with experience working with highly engaged council members who are heavily involved in decision-making, especially regarding codes and ordinances.

Milton’s next Community Development Director will intentionally build and establish trusting relationships with community members, city leaders and staff, and other stakeholders. The Director will enhance the department’s transparent communication and education efforts within the community regarding regulatory standards, codes, ordinances, projects, etc., to create commonalities amidst differences and ensure that community members are heard, valued, and respected.

Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in urban planning, architecture, public administration, or a related field is required, along with seven years of experience in planning, zoning, and development and at least seven years in a managerial capacity. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

A master’s degree in urban planning, public administration, or a similar field and experience as a planning/zoning director in a similar city are preferred. AICP certification is also preferred.

Salary and Benefits: The hiring range for the position is $140,000 - $160,000, depending on qualifications and experience. The City of Milton provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision plans including a free option for employee-only coverage (spousal and dependent coverage are available at an additional cost). Visit https://www.miltonga.gov/government/human-resources/city-benefits for detailed information on the City’s benefits.   

To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the Community Development Director – City of Milton, GA title.

• All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) – NOT the city’s employment application portal or any other external website.
• Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
• Applicants should apply by July 10, 2024.
• Successful semi-finalists will be invited to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluation interviews on August 13-14, 2024. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate.
• Interviews with the leadership team will follow quickly at a subsequent time in person.
• Direct inquiries to hiring@developmentalassociates.com

The City of Milton, GA, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Developmental Associates, LLC manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. To learn more about our selection process, visit https://developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/, select "Client Openings," and scroll down to "Important Information for Applicants."

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.