Job Description

Community Development Director 

Department: Community Development
Reports To: Board of County Commissioners
Full wage range: $101,000 – $135,000 annual salary
Employment agreement will be applicable.

Benefits include: Subsidized medical insurance for the employee. Optional dental, vision, and medical coverage for dependents is employee-paid. Washington State retirement pension is applicable, plan choices vary. County-paid benefits such as life insurance, long-term disability, Employee Assistance Program, and 12 company-paid holidays. Eligible for Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Pend Oreille County offers a wide range of optional benefits, we are sure that there is a plan to suit your needs.

Position Details:
Full-time (40 hrs/week) | Exempt | Non-represented
Location: Pend Oreille County, Washington
Budget Oversight: ~$506,223 annually
Direct Reports: Department staff and consulting professionals

Job Summary:
The Community Development Director leads Pend Oreille County’s Community Development department, overseeing planning, permitting, and code enforcement activities that guide county growth. The role includes developing and implementing departmental work plans, programs, policies and procedures as detailed in the Comprehensive Plan, advising the Board of County Commissioners on emergent planning issues and matters relating to the compliance with state and federal laws, and participating in regional and statewide planning activities and forums on behalf of the County.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage department personnel and operations
• Manage consulting contracts and coordinate the activities of County staff and consultants involved in land use planning activities.
• Develop short and long-term program goals and objectives on time and within budget.
• Evaluate policies and procedures and implement changes to increase work flow or project efficiencies.
• Research, prepare, and submit grant applications and manage grant awards and contracts
• Administer inter-local planning agreements for the coordinated delivery of planning services in the incorporated areas and designated Urban Growth Areas of the County

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Expertise in public administration, planning principles and practices, administration of development regulations, grant writing, GIS mapping, economic development, and project management experience.
• Acute knowledge of the Growth Management Act of Washington State, the Planning Enabling Act, SEPA, Shoreline Management Act, and the Water Resources Management Program.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, fellow employees, state and federal staff, and county officials while navigating sensitive political matters.

Education & Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in urban/regional planning, architecture, engineering, economics, public administration or a closely related field..
• 7+ years of progressively responsible professional experience in long range planning, current planning, economic development, housing
• Growth Management Act implementation, grant writing, GIS mapping, project management, or real-estate development.
• Proven experience in grant writing, public engagement, and intergovernmental collaboration

Licenses & Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license
• Must pass background and driving checks
• U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency

Work Environment:
The role involves frequent physical activity such as walking, talking, hearing, and using hands for various tasks, with vision requirements including close focus. The noise level is typically moderately quiet. The position requires strong listening skills, the ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally, and consistent, punctual attendance. It also involves attending meetings at various times, including early mornings, lunch hours, evenings, and occasional weekends.