Career Opportunity! 

Development Director 

The Development Director manages all operations and staff in the Planning and Zoning and Business Development departments and performs highly responsible work of a complex nature which involves independent judgment and initiative. Under the direction of the City Administrator, administers, oversees and coordinates all land use planning and zoning, zoning enforcement, property maintenance activities, economic development, community development efforts in support of policies, objectives and goals established by the City Administrator and City Council.  This position entails considerable initiative and independent judgement and the ability to work with others to accomplish departmental and City goals and objectives

What you get to do!

Administration and Operations

• • Prepare and publish necessary legal notices and city action as required
  • Prepare ordinances and resolutions as required
  • Research, prepare and document informational studies, responses to inquiries, and compile reports as needed
  • Consult with City Attorney and coordinate with Realtors, Engineers and Contractors
  • Obtain bids where appropriate
  • Conduct entries in LocateOne Property Management System & Statewide Property System
  • Maintain Economic Development on social media and website on behalf of the city
  • Prepare applications and related materials for grants, and other potential sources of outside funding, administer handling of grant funds when received
  • Develop and maintain marketing plan for the marketing and expansions of existing commercial/industrial and retail areas, and for the creation of new areas in a manner consistent with the comprehensive plan
  • Work with Industrial Park Sales within the City’s Industrial Parks
  • Oversee the preparation and monitoring of Department Budget, prepare reports related to the department and advises the City Administrator of issues affecting the department and/or division
  • Oversee the provision of Community Development Department service and activities including managing permit processing and development review procedures, staff representation for advisory Boards and Commissions and City Council, preparing and presenting high-level reports and other necessary correspondence; review and recommend changes to procedures to reflect local policies and changes in State regulations
  • Direct, coordinate and review the work plan for assigned professional planning services and activities; assign work activities and projects; monitor work flow; review and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend appropriate services and staffing levels; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems
  • Supervise staff including conflict resolution, conducting performance reviews, coaching, rewarding and disciplining employees, enforcing City and department policies and resolving employee issues
  • Member of the City’s management team which involves discussion, problem solving, decision making and actions regarding personnel, policies, customer service and a variety of city issues that range across all department 

Planning and Zoning

• • Review, analyze plats as submitted and suggest changes prior to approval and submission
  • Oversee development of systems for long-range planning and prioritization of projects and programs
  • Provide technical support as required, including but not limited to project reviews and analysis of proposed zoning or policy amendments
  • Oversee inspections and code enforcement duties of the Building Division
  • Prepare and Oversee development and implementation plans, programs and policies for the general growth and development of the City (e.g., comprehensive plan, zoning and development codes)
  • Administer local zoning, subdivision, code enforcement and land uses and development regulations for the City, including interpretation and application of local ordinances and development of implementation policies and procedures
  • Coordinate development review & permit processing procedures with other City departments/governmental agencies in accordance with local, State and Federal requirements May participate and/or manage negotiations and agreements for property development
  • May participate in contract administration, oversight, direct & accountability for the use of professional services needed to support staff and projects including project scoping, selection, contract development, etc. 
  • Read & understand complex federal, state, and county laws, rules, regulations and guidelines; analyze complex policy related to economic development and analyses, redevelopment, financial analyses, and/or housing issues; prepare & implement studies and plans
  • Prepare and administer revisions to planning and zoning regulations; analyze and recommend action on all types of development entitlement and other applications, including but not limited to subdivisions, zone changes, zoning and general plan amendments, specific plans, planned developments, variances, and conditional use permits; administer and enforce zoning and planning regulations
  • Oversee the operations and strategies of Economic Development, Planning, Building Inspections and Code Enforcement including establish and review standards, practices and procedures

Community Development

• • Oversee development and dissemination of public information
  • Liaison to the Brandon Development Foundation, attend Council and EDA meetings, responsible for the preparation of agenda items, meeting and workshop presentation, conduct public hearings, and resolution of issues forwarded by Council
  • Work cooperatively with other City department and divisions, Chambers of Commerce, other government agencies outside the City of Brandon, contractors, developers, engineering firms and other interested parties to provide uniform and superior customer service
  • Conduct negotiations on behalf of the City with developers, property owners, local, state and federal agencies and others necessary to promote the growth and development of the City consistent with established plans, policies and programs
  • Communicate effectively and serve as the liaison with other staff, departments, the public, outside agencies, the business and development communities, Boards, Commissions, and City Council
  • Investigate and respond to public inquiries, complaints and concerns
  • Represent the City at meetings with federal, state, and other local government officials
  • Explain and interpret policies, procedures, and/or functions of departments at these meetings; make presentations
  • May serve as Secretary and treasurer for the Brandon Development Foundation
  • Organize and coordinate Brandon Development Foundation monthly meetings
  • May represent the Brandon Development Foundation on the SMGA Board of Directors
  • Responsible for the Brandon Revolving Loan Fund, (applications, meetings, agendas and minutes)
  • Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints

What you need to have!    

• Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license
• Bachelor’s degree in economic and community development, public administration or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory and community development experience
• Thorough knowledge of community development, economic development and municipal planning principles, methodologies and functional elements
• Knowledge of municipal zoning and land use policy
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with organization, departments and officials
• Ability to plan, organize and direct the preparation of development review studies and to evaluate documents and supporting information provided by applicants and reviewed by staff
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Must be proficient with office technology and able to effectively use a variety of applications including Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, e-mail and internet

What we offer you! 

Excellent compensation and benefits which include health & dental insurance, paid vacation and sick leave plus participation in the South Dakota Retirement System!  If interested, please apply to join our team as our Development Director.  

EOE