Community & Economic Development Director

The City of Shelton is located just 25 minutes northwest of Olympia on the shores of Oakland Bay. As the Mason county seat Shelton is a full service city providing a wide range of municipal services for a growing community of more than 10,000 residents. The community is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Shelton is a gateway to the spectacular Olympic Peninsula where residents and visitors alike enjoy the numerous outdoor sports and recreational opportunities.

Shelton is proud of its unique character and small-town feel. Be a part of a dynamic, collaborative and team-oriented culture of committed professionals with a passion for public service who are deeply aligned with our City's values and mission.

The Community and Economic Development Director position is responsible for the planning and economic development activities in the City. Areas of responsibility include administration of the City’s long range and current planning functions, updating and implementing the City’s comprehensive plan and long-range projects, zoning and development review activities, economic development, and zoning. Shelton has a bright future and great opportunities for the next Community & Economic Development Director to shape our future growth with projects such as a community-wide multi-modal trail system and a full review of the current development code.

This position is open until filled. The first round of reviews will occur on February 17, 2026.

• Manage all Community and Economic Development functions, including long-range planning, current planning, zoning, building services, and economic development programs.
• Oversee Animal Shelter and Animal Control operations, whether provided directly by the City or through contracted services.
• Develop and implement departmental goals, policies, and priorities consistent with the City’s vision.
• Maintain effective communication and working relationships with the City Manager, City Council, other departments, partner agencies, and the public.

• Set service and staffing levels and evaluate the effectiveness of service delivery.
• Lead comprehensive plan updates, ordinance development, and long-range project planning.
• Supervise zoning, subdivision, environmental review, and land-use permitting.
• Oversee preparation of reports, presentations, and planning documents.
• Guide short- and long-range planning decisions, including master plans and capital improvement plans.

• Supervise building code administration and permitting services.
• Oversee code enforcement operations to ensure fair and consistent application of civil codes, including nuisances, derelict properties, graffiti, and abandoned vehicles.

• Develop and administer the department budget, ensuring responsible use of resources.
• Forecast staffing, equipment, and operational needs and approve expenditures.
• Direct work plans through subordinate staff, assign projects, and evaluate performance.
• Stay current on planning and economic development trends at the local, state, and national levels.

• Participate in labor negotiations and grievance processes as needed.
• Negotiate and manage professional service contracts.
• Research and secure grants and loans to support City initiatives.

• Conduct staff meetings to improve operations and customer service.
• Develop and implement short- and long-range shelter plans aligned with organizational standards.
• Establish shelter policies and operational practices that support compliance, fiscal responsibility, and continuous improvement.

• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate staff.
• Provide training and mentoring and administer disciplinary procedures when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with City and departmental rules and maintain quality control over all work products.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning or closely related field is required. Five (5) years of progressive professional level practice in Planning or municipal management with at least two (2) years as a Senior Planner, Manager or Director, as well as is desired. Knowledge of the State planning statutes, including SEPA, subdivisions, and development of comprehensive plan and development regulations is required.

The work environment conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is typically performed in an office environment.