Community Development Director

Community Development Director

Benton County, Oregon, is seeking a strategic problem‑solver with public service expertise, community development experience, and strong relationship building skills to join the County as the Community Development Director.

The Community Development Director oversees operations, strategic direction, and personnel of the Community Development Department, which includes land use planning, building permitting, code compliance, solid waste, and water quality programs. The Director directs policy initiatives, program development, and accountability to the Board of Commissioners priorities. The role collaborates closely with other County Directors to ensure integrated service delivery.

• Lead strategic initiatives such as shifting to a life‑cycle materials management approach for solid waste.
• Transform the code compliance program into a proactive, community‑based problem‑solving model.
• Evaluate and improve critical community development functions to meet community needs efficiently and effectively.
• Oversee duties of the Planning Official and Building Official, ensuring compliance with state standards and regulations.
• Collaborate with County Directors to deliver integrated services.
• Report directly to the Assistant County Administrator and serve at the pleasure of the County Administrator.

• Generous time off: 11 paid holidays, 64 personal leave hours, 2 floating holidays, 8 hours of vacation accrual monthly, and sick leave.
• Health insurance:
  Medical, dental, and vision coverage at no premium for eligible family members;
  County contributes up to $1,400 per year to Health Savings or Health Reimbursement accounts.
• Retirement: 6% employer contribution to Oregon PERS and 3% deferred compensation 457b plan after 6 months of employment.
• Wellness program:
  Interactive seminars, challenges, and incentives.
• Additional coverage: 100% employer‑paid AD&D, life, and long‑term disability; supplemental plans available at reasonable rates.
• Annual salary range: $ – $.

• Bachelor’s degree in land use planning, geography, public administration, or related field;
  Master’s preferred.
• Seven years of management experience in land use planning, building code regulation, including five years of supervising professional staff.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Driving required; personal vehicle may be necessary.

• Adaptable, strategic, service‑oriented team player with open communication.
• Collaborative, inclusive, consistent, fair, thoughtful, and decisive decision maker.
• Experience:
  
  AICP certification, strategic planning, program development, municipal budgeting, economic and small business development, real estate finance, Oregon building codes, federal, state, and local laws, land use planning system knowledge, public speaking skills.

Submit an online application including a cover letter (no more than two pages) that describes your experience related to the minimum qualifications and establishes positive, professional relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders. Only complete applications received by the posted deadline will be considered.

Gary Stockhoff, Public Works Director
Public Works
541‑766‑6010
Gary.

Stockhoff

Benton County is an equal opportunity employer.