Community Development Director

About the Role

Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Community Development Director serves as the strategic leader for the City of Ottawa's growth and regulatory framework. This role is pivotal in overseeing code enforcement, planning, zoning, and building maintenance divisions. The Director ensures that all development activities align with the City's Master Plan while fostering collaboration with the Franklin County Development Council to seize new opportunities.

The position acts as the primary liaison between the City, the Planning Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Construction Boards of Appeals. Beyond administrative oversight, the Director provides staff support to these bodies, preparing reports and researching complex planning issues. The role is designed for a leader who can balance high-level policy interpretation with the day-to-day resolution of community needs, ensuring that local, state, and federal regulations are not only understood but effectively enforced.

Hiring Process

Candidates are invited to submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references. Upon submission, applicants will receive an email confirmation; please check your spam filter if this is not received within 48 hours. For verification or additional information, contact Human Resources at 785-229-3634 or via email at humanresources@ottawaks.gov.

The City of Ottawa is committed to a fair selection process. Individuals with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the selection process should contact Human Resources at least two days prior to a scheduled test or interview.

Equal Opportunity & Culture

The City of Ottawa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are dedicated to providing a respectful and professional environment for all employees and the public we serve.

Residency Requirement

In accordance with the Municipal Code of the City of Ottawa, Kansas, full-time City officers are required to reside within 35 miles of the corporate limits of the City of Ottawa within six months of their appointment.

Work location

Work model: On-site

Historic Post Office, 122, East 2nd Street, Ottawa, Franklin County, Kansas, 66067, United States

Ottawa, Kansas

Key Responsibilities

check_circleReview building plans and permit applications for compliance with regulations
check_circleEstablish and interpret general planning and zoning policies
check_circleProvide staff support to the Planning Commission and Boards of Appeals
check_circlePrepare reports for the City Commission and government agencies
check_circleRevise and develop City ordinances
check_circleAdvise the City Manager on major developments and urban design issues
check_circleCoordinate development projects with other department directors and the City Commission
check_circleRepresent the department at community meetings and public forums
check_circleEnsure compliance of inspections for developments and properties
check_circleOversee investigations and resolutions to zoning violations

Requirements

verifiedBachelor's degree in Planning, Engineering, Business, Public Administration, or related field
verifiedMaster's degree preferred
verifiedAICP preferred
verifiedMinimum of seven years of experience in professional city or county planning
verifiedMinimum of three years of building and environmental code enforcement experience
verifiedMinimum of ten years of progressively responsible managerial experience in state or local government preferred
verifiedMust reside within 35 miles of the corporate limits of the City of Ottawa within six months of appointment

Nice to Have

Master's degree. AICP certification. Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible managerial experience in state or local government.

Company

City of Ottawa / Ville d’Ottawa

Industry

Government Administration

Headquarters

Ottawa, Ontario

Open Roles

A place to grow your career! / C’est l’endroit idéal pour faire progresser votre carrière!

The City of Ottawa, also known as Ville d'Ottawa, operates as a major municipal government administration entity based in Ottawa, Ontario. As a central hub for public service, the organization manages over 110 distinct business lines dedicated to delivering high-quality services to local residents, commercial enterprises, and visitors. The municipal body employs a diverse workforce spanning critical sectors including information technology, recreation management, accounting, engineering, customer service, project management, skilled trades, emergency response, and healthcare. For professionals seeking employment within the government administration sector, the City provides a wide array of career paths tailored to various skill sets and interests. The organization emphasizes its commitment to serving the community through its extensive operational footprint. Individuals interested in exploring available positions can review the full roster of job openings and application details on the official municipal website at ottawa.ca/jobs.

Skills, education and keywords

Skills: Microsoft Office 365, Gis, Eris, Cartography, Drafting, Aicp.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Planning, Engineering, Business, Public Administration, or related field required; Master's degree preferred.

Frequently asked questions about Community Development Director at City of Ottawa / Ville d’Ottawa

What does a Community Development Director at City of Ottawa / Ville d’Ottawa do?expand_more

Day-to-day, the Community Development Director at City of Ottawa / Ville d’Ottawa will review building plans and permit applications for compliance with regulations; establish and interpret general planning and zoning policies; provide staff support to the planning commission and boards of appeals; and prepare reports for the city commission and government agencies.

What are the requirements for this Community Development Director role?expand_more

To qualify for the Community Development Director at City of Ottawa / Ville d’Ottawa position, applicants should have: Bachelor's degree in Planning, Engineering, Business, Public Administration, or related field; Master's degree preferred; AICP preferred; Minimum of seven years of experience in professional city or county planning; Minimum of three years of building and environmental code enforcement experience; and Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible managerial experience in state or local government preferred.

Where is the Community Development Director role at City of Ottawa / Ville d’Ottawa located?expand_more

Community Development Director at City of Ottawa / Ville d’Ottawa is based in Historic Post Office, 122, East 2nd Street, Ottawa, Franklin County, Kansas, 66067, United States. This is a on-site role.

Is this Community Development Director job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

City of Ottawa / Ville d’Ottawa has listed this Community Development Director role as on-site.

How much experience is required for this Community Development Director role?expand_more

Community Development Director at City of Ottawa / Ville d’Ottawa typically requires 7+ years of relevant experience at the executive level.

What skills do you need for the Community Development Director role at City of Ottawa / Ville d’Ottawa?expand_more

Key skills for Community Development Director at City of Ottawa / Ville d’Ottawa include Microsoft Office 365; Gis; Eris; Cartography; Drafting; and Aicp.

What education is required for Community Development Director at City of Ottawa / Ville d’Ottawa?expand_more

Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree in Planning, Engineering, Business, Public Administration, or related field required; and Master's degree preferred.

What category does the Community Development Director role belong to?expand_more

Community Development Director at City of Ottawa / Ville d’Ottawa is part of the consultancy job category on Recrutus.

About City of Ottawa / Ville d’Ottawa

For professionals seeking employment within the government administration sector, the City provides a wide array of career paths tailored to various skill sets and interests. The organization emphasizes its commitment to serving the community through its extensive operational footprint. Individuals interested in exploring available positions can review the full roster of job openings and application details on the official municipal website at ottawa.ca/jobs.

Browse more roles: All City of Ottawa / Ville d’Ottawa jobs, consultancy jobs on Recrutus.