Director of Community Development

Prepared By: Talent Acquisition Coordinator

Prepared Date: January 2026

Union: Non-Union

Pay Grade: 34 ($ - $)

Under the general direction of the Mayor, directs and administers the activities of the Community Development Department’s four divisions:
Planning, Housing & Economic Development, Permits & Inspections, and Animal Control. Functions as the primary advisor to the Mayor with regard to community development affairs.

• Directs and coordinates the administration of the Community Development Department to assure that the desired level of service is being provided:
• Hires, disciplines, and directs employees under his/her control in accordance with the policies of the City
• Plans and directs training opportunities for departmental employees to develop their potential and ability to function in their jobs
• Reviews and evaluates the performance of those departmental employees directly responsible to him/her on a regular basis
• Defines and delegates authority and responsibility to appropriate subordinates
• Administers applicable union contracts and personnel policies within the department
• Administers the budget of the department
• Administers grants within the department and obtains consensus on program emphasis to obtain departmental goals
• Develops and makes application for various federal and state grant programs
• Administers grant programs related to community development
• Designs and may direct or perform studies related to community development, and coordinates those efforts with appropriate agencies, boards, or commissions
• Provides advice and recommendations to the Mayor, to other management staff members, and to the City Council:
• Prepares factual, clear, and concise written reports with specific recommendations
• Serves as a member of management committees as assigned
• Reviews proposals submitted by other management staff members and makes appropriate comments and recommendations
• Keeps the Mayor and appropriate management staff members informed of important developments which may affect the administration of City government
• Maintains current knowledge of innovative ideas and developments and recommends changes in current operations and practices where applicable
• Attends meetings of boards and commissions, or arranges for staff attendance, and acts as staff liaison
• Advises and consults with Planning Commission;
  Zoning Board of Adjustment;
  Historic Preservation Commission;
  Community Development Advisory Committee; and federal, state, or local agencies concerning departmental issues
• Prepares an annual departmental budget request, with appropriate justifications and aids in the development of the proposed annual City budget
• Makes public presentations and assists the public on an individual basis:
• Gives presentations to civic and governmental organizations
• Attends and makes presentations at City Council meetings as required
• Responds to citizen calls, questions, and complaints
• Represents the City in metropolitan, state, and national organizations where delegated and where the interests of the Council Bluffs community are involved
• Regular and predictable attendance is required
• Other duties as assigned

Directly supervises employees within the Community Development Department’s four divisions. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Planning, Architecture, Engineering, or related area
• Minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in planning, community development programs, economic development,…