HomeMy WebLinkAboutNeighborhood & Development Services DirectorUpdated: March 2024
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Posi�on 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 posi�on is responsible for the management of daily opera�ons of the department,
including all financial, personnel and opera�onal ac�vi�es. The posi�on directly supervises the
management staff of the department and other posi�ons 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 inspec�ons services and Housing
Authority opera�ons. The posi�on reports directly to the City Manager, or designee, and
advises the City Council on a variety of neighborhood and development related issues. The
posi�on also performs the du�es of the City Building Official.
Essen�al Job Du�es and Responsibili�es
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 ac�vi�es and ensures effec�ve
communica�on between the department and other City staff.
• Develops recommenda�ons to the City Manager and City Council on policies related to
planning, neighborhoods and development.
• Creates an annual budget recommenda�on and oversees revenues and expenditures at
all �mes.
• Performs the du�es of the City Building Official or designates to the most appropriate
department staff member.
• Develops expecta�ons for high levels of customer service and ensures that all employees
of the department understand and meet such expecta�ons.
• Oversees the review of development proposals and makes recommenda�ons to the City
Manager and City Council as appropriate; coordinates such review with other City
departments.
• Monitors housing and building inspec�on programs to ensure the public safety
objec�ves of the City are being achieved.
• Reviews urban planning and development review plans, policies and prac�ces of the City
and recommends modifica�ons as deemed appropriate.
• Dra�s modifica�ons to the City Code and presents such material to the City Council.
Updated: March 2024
• Ensures close collabora�on of the department and its divisions with other City
departments, state and federal agencies, neighborhood associa�ons and various
business interests in the community.
• Tracks compliance maters associated with state and federal grants, including ac�vi�es
of the Housing Authority, CDBG and HOME programs.
• Receives and coordinates responses to the media and public in a �mely manner.
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Performs other du�es as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educa�onal ins�tu�on and six years of related
experience; or ten years of related experience and/or equivalent combina�on of
educa�on and experience. Degree in Business, Community Development, Urban
Planning, Public Administra�on, Engineering, Architecture, Construc�on Management or
related. Experience in related field. Supervisory experience.
• Valid State of Iowa driver’s license with sa�sfactory 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 educa�onal ins�tu�on and seven years of related
experience; and/or equivalent combina�on of educa�on and experience. Degree in
Planning or Construc�on Science.
• American Institute of Certified Planners. Chief Building Official ICC.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abili�es
• Ability to analyze a variety of alterna�ves and make long range planning and policy
recommenda�ons based on benefits to the community.
• Ability to apply concepts such as frac�ons, percentages, ra�os, and propor�ons to
prac�cal situa�ons.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to develop and present municipal budget informa�on.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instruc�ons in mathema�cal or
diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to make effec�ve and persuasive speeches and presenta�ons 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, regula�ons and development
plans.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out du�es.
• Ability to respond effec�vely to the most sensi�ve inquiries or complaints.
Updated: March 2024
• Ability to work with mathema�cal concepts such as probability and sta�s�cal inference.
• Ability to write reports and presenta�ons using original or innova�ve 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
administra�ve techniques and prac�ces as related to planning and building trades.
• Skill in customer service, planning, reasoning, conflict resolu�on, and verbal and writen
communica�ons.
• Skill in using computers and applicable so�ware applica�ons (Microso� 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: March 2024
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
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