Community Development Director

Definition & Distinguishing Characteristics

Photo Credit: Sue Graue

Join Colusa County as our new Community Development Director as we prepare for the retirement of our existing Director! This is an exciting opportunity to lead and innovate in a dynamic and supportive work environment. We are looking for a passionate leader to guide our integrated development services department, driving transformation and excellence in community and economic development.

As the County's new Community Development Director, you will be responsible for continuing the transformation of the County's separate building and planning functions into a full-service, one-stop development services department including the major functions of building, planning, and environmental health. In order to be successful in this effort, you must have the ability to apply common sense solutions to complex issues that, at times, don't make very much sense. Step into the role of Community Development Director, where your vision will shape the future of our County, turning complex challenges into smart, sustainable solutions, and where every day is an opportunity to build a brighter, more vibrant community together. To learn more about this position, please check out the job description pages HERE .

This recruitment is open until filled. It is to your advantage to submit an application as soon as possible, as the recruitment may close at any time following application review on October 28, 2024.

Selection Procedure - The following is a tentative schedule of events that will occur as part of the selection process:

• Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
• Screening for minimum qualifications: October 28, 2024
• Successful applicants will be notified of the dates for first interviews and executive-level interviews once they have been scheduled.
• The tentative start date will allow for overlap with the current Community Development Director for cross-training. The current Community Director's anticipated retirement date is January 31, 2025.

The selection process steps may change with or without notice.

What's this Job All About?
As the County's Community Development Director, you will have the opportunity to lead and set performance expectations with a hands-on approach to all aspects of departmental responsibilities. At the same time, you will find a staff that is eager to accept challenges and push themselves out of their comfort zones to accomplish great things. You will also find a Board of Supervisors that supports innovation, common sense over bureaucracy, and will provide great latitude in allowing you to impart your personality on the Department to continue its unmatched level of customer service in the delivery of development services. The department is composed of 10 full-time employees, six (6) that report directly to the Director, who is also accountable for managing the department’s substantial budget of $2.9 million.

Culture is at Our Core
The Community Development Department is a team-first, customer-service oriented office whose primary role is helping our customers realize their hopes and dreams for their property. While we are busy and work hard, we also have a lighthearted, fun approach to our workday. Our values reflect the Department's commitment to our community to:

• Deliver "WOW" Customer Service to All
  
• Be Passionate and Determined
  
• Build Open and Honest Relationships with Communication
  
• Be Adventurous, Creative, & Open-Minded
  
• Be Humble and Kind
  
• Foster a Positive Team Spirit
  
• Pursue Growth and Learning
  

The Colusa County government is a small, relaxed, close-knit organization. The leadership team values work-life balance and recognizes the hard work of all County team members. As a member of the Colusa County "family," you are valued and appreciated. If you need time off to coach baseball, attend a ballet recital, take a pet to the vet, or engage in similar activities, you will be encouraged to do so.

Although your workload may sometimes seem overwhelming, rest assured that the Colusa family is always ready to assist in getting the job done. We support one another’s growth, both professionally and personally. While we work hard and “play” even harder, the Community Development Director will be joining a family that understands the importance of work-life balance.

How do we make a difference?
The Department's team works tirelessly to ensure that the public's perception of the Department is that of a partner in the development process and not that of the stereotypical government bureaucratic obstacle. Of course, there are times when despite our best efforts to help a customer move forward with their project, we must nevertheless have to say “No”. However, what is important is that the customer knows that they were listened to, that we do care about them and their project, and that we utilized all of the Department’s considerable expertise to suggest viable options to help their project to move forward.

What are the benefits?

• A beautiful, safe community in which to work and serve
• A caring, empathetic, & fun work family that you will be welcomed into
• A job with WORK-LIFE BALANCE
• A LIFETIME PAYCHECK (3% @ 60 for Classic Members and 2% @ 62 for New Members)
• Amazing health care BENEFITS at NO COST to you - Unless you choose a premium health care plan.
• Authentically kind and engaged leadership who truly enjoy developing staff
• 457 Deferred Compensation
• Management Leave: 10 days
• PAID vacation, PAID holidays (13), and PAID sick leave
• Vacation Parity! - Previous service with a public agency counts towards vacation accrual at Colusa County (Includes cities, counties, districts, military and similar entities.) To learn more about vacation parity please see our benefit summary.)

Join us and be a part of making a real difference in Colusa County, where we always prioritize the well-being of our community and team members.
This recruitment process is being initiated in anticipation of the current director's retirement.

Supervision & Examples of Duties

SUPERVISION RECEIVED :
Receives general administrative direction from the Board of Supervisors and County Administrative Officer.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED :
Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, technical, and clerical staff.

Qualifications

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience

Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in governmental or similar land use planning work, including two (2) years of administrative/supervisory experience.

Training

Bachelor's degree with major course work in Urban, Rural or Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Economics, Public Administration or a related field. Master's degree is preferred.

License or Certificate

A valid State of California driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Supplemental Information

The salary range above consists of 15 steps. The final salary offered will depend on the applicant's experience and qualifications, ranging from steps 1 to 15.

Please find the summary of benefits for all Department Heads here Department Heads Benefits Summary

Closing Date/Time: 10/28/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

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• County of Colusa

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