Director, Department of Sustainable Development
City of Gainesville, Florida
Salary: $130,980-$167,000 (DOQ/E)
About the Position:
Gainesville, FL (pop. 133,997). The City of Gainesville seeks an experienced professional with urban planning and growth expertise, along with strong management capabilities to lead the Department of Sustainable Development. The Director of Sustainable Development manages the planning and zoning, code enforcement, and building divisions, and oversees the First Step Citizens Assistance Program. In addition, the Director serves as a liaison to the City Plan Board, the Historic Preservation Board, the Board of Adjustment, and the Development Review Board. The successful candidate will possess experience managing subject matter experts, developing and managing budgets, and effectively engaging with the business community, the public, and regional partners.
The county seat for Alachua County and the principal city of the Gainesville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, Santa Fe College, and their approximate 50,000-student population. Located in North Central Florida, Gainesville is two hours from the state capital of Tallahassee, 90 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), and two hours from Orlando International Airport (MCO). The city has a total land area of 61 square miles, nearly 50% of which is covered by an urban tree canopy.
- The Department of Sustainable Development has a 2021 budget of $3.4 million, which represents a 59% increase over 2020, and an employee count of approximately 67 FTEs. This position reports to one of three Assistant City Managers. The next Director will be expected to implement the City Commission’s recently adopted rental housing ordinance, which includes inspection and energy efficiency components. Additionally, the Director will address ongoing efforts related to growth management and housing affordability.
- While prior experience in Florida is not required, the Director will be expected to quickly become familiarized with Florida Building Codes and related laws, ordinances, regulations, and statutes. Experience in a university community is desired as the Director will coordinate planning activity with the University of Florida along with county, state, and nearby local government agencies.
- The City Commission has demonstrated its commitment to equity and inclusion through the establishment of the Office of Equity & Inclusion. The Director will be expected to lead and manage accordingly.
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree and at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in business development, planning and zoning, community development, or a related area, along with three (3) or more years of supervisory or management experience. A master’s degree is preferred and may substitute for the required experience on a year-to-year basis. The City typically hires at the midpoint of the salary range, which is between $130,980 and $167,000. A Florida driver’s license is required within 30 days of appointment.
Apply online by March 30, 2021 at www.govHRJobs.com with a resume, cover letter and contact information for 5 professional references, to the attention of Dele Lowman Smith, Senior Vice President and Carmen Davis, Vice President, GovHR USA, 630 Dundee Road, #130, Northbrook, IL 60062. Tel: 847-902-4110. The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity and inclusion is particularly important to the City of Gainesville. The City strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply. The City of Gainesville follows all applicable Florida Sunshine Laws.
