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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNeighborhood & Development Services DirectorUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review) CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION Position Title: Neighborhood & Development Services Director Department: Neighborhood & Development Services Division: Neighborhood & Development Services Supervisor: City Manager FLSA: Exempt Civil Service: No Pay Grade: 34 Job Number: 3405 Job Summary The position is responsible for the management of daily operations of the department, including all financial, personnel and operational activities. The position directly supervises the management staff of the department and other positions as necessary. The Neighborhood & Development Services Director ensures responsiveness to neighborhood and general community issues related to planning, community development, nuisance abatement and development services including housing and building inspections services and Housing Authority operations. The position reports directly to the City Manager, or designee, and advises the City Council on a variety of neighborhood and development related issues. The position also performs the duties of the City Building Official. Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. • Plans, organizes and coordinates department activities and ensures effective communication between the department and other City staff. • Develops recommendations to the City Manager and City Council on policies related to planning, neighborhoods and development. • Creates an annual budget recommendation and oversees revenues and expenditures at all times. • Performs the duties of the City Building Official or designates to the most appropriate department staff member. • Develops expectations for high levels of customer service and ensures that all employees of the department understand and meet such expectations. • Oversees the review of development proposals and makes recommendations to the City Manager and City Council as appropriate; coordinates such review with other City departments. • Monitors housing and building inspection programs to ensure the public safety objectives of the City are being achieved. • Reviews urban planning and development review plans, policies and practices of the City and recommends modifications as deemed appropriate. • Drafts modifications to the City Code and presents such material to the City Council. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) • Ensures close collaboration of the department and its divisions with other City departments, state and federal agencies, neighborhood associations and various business interests in the community. • Tracks compliance matters associated with state and federal grants, including activities of the Housing Authority, CDBG and HOME programs. • Receives and coordinates responses to the media and public in a timely manner. • Conducts self in a professional manner which demonstrates courtesy and respect for all community members and coworkers. • Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and six years of related experience; or ten years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in Business, Community Development, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or related. Experience in related field. Supervisory experience. • Valid State of Iowa driver’s license with satisfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of age. Must pass criminal background check. Must reside in the municipal limits of the City of Iowa City. Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Master’s degree from an accredited educational institution and seven years of related experience; and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in Planning or Construction Science. • American Institute of Certified Planners. Chief Building Official ICC. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Ability to analyze a variety of alternatives and make long range planning and policy recommendations based on benefits to the community. • Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. • Ability to develop and present municipal budget information. • Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. • Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors, commissions, or elected officials. • Ability to read and understand technical materials, codes, regulations and development plans. • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. • Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties. • Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) • Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. • Ability to write reports and presentations using original or innovative techniques or style. • Knowledge of municipal planning, zoning, building and housing codes and the general workings of local, state and federal governments. • Knowledge of relevant provisions of federal, state and local law and current administrative techniques and practices as related to planning and building trades. • Skill in customer service, planning, reasoning, conflict resolution, and verbal and written communications. • Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Outlook). Supervision Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of a department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include supervising subordinate supervisors and direct reports including interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; writing and delivering performance reviews; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; and terminating employees. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Duties are generally performed in an office setting with a controlled environment. The job requires sitting for extended periods of time and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations and significant work pace pressure. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Reviewed/Approved by: Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood & Development Services Director (4/2024) I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. Employee Date ________________________________ __________________