Community Development Director
City of Lebanon
Lebanon, OR United States
How to Apply
URL: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=caf6b2e0-d183-4999-9b27-498d14240864&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_USJOB DESCRIPTION
Position open until filled. First look at applications for interview scheduling on 10/17/2025.
PURPOSE OF POSITION: Directs the Community Development Department, which encompasses the Development Services Division (Planning, Building, and Development Engineering), Economic Development, and associated staff. Oversees and administers Planning Commission processes while implementing land use and municipal plans and policies. Provides direct public service by guiding and processing land use applications and ensuring policy compliance. Responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining both current and long-range development plans. Serves as a member of the City's management team.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The duties listed below include, but are not limited to, the various types of work that may be performed by individuals in this classification. Any of the following duties may be performed. All employees are expected to maintain professional proficiency by attending conferences and meetings, reviewing reports, reading professional journals, and networking with others in area served; maintain work area in a clean and orderly
manner; maintain regular job attendance and adherence to working hours; follow all City policies; follow all established safety rules and procedures.
- Lead, plan, and assign work tasks; review and evaluate work assignments and performance for the Development Services Division; maintenance of accurate and complete records of department activities.
- Serve as Planning Official responsible for the administration of the Lebanon Development Code, the Lebanon Comprehensive Plan, and other planning-related documents.
- Facilitate and promote economic development to support local entrepreneurial startups, enhance local business development and increase opportunities for local employment through business creation, retention, expansion and recruitment.
- Communicate with the public on zoning, development, and similar land use matters.
- Responsible for evaluating land use proposals to ensure compliance with applicable City, State, or Federal laws. Accountable for reviewing and evaluating land use applications including the preparation of reports for staff level and public hearing decision making.
- Responsible for the Building Inspection Program to ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and professional service agreements.
- Lead the planning and implementation aspects of the Five Year Lebanon Strategic Action Plan and Lebanon 2040 Strategic Action Plan associated with community development.
- Participate on the city's Legislative Affairs Team to monitor proposed and existing legislation, assess potential impacts, and advocate for the City's interests. This includes meeting regularly with the City's consultant to advance the city's strategic agenda.
- Ensure the maintenance of accurate and complete records of department activities and records.
- Identify, pursue, and manage grant opportunities; research and develop projects budgets, and apply for funding sources for Community Development-related projects.
- Responsible for negotiating, coordinating, and managing consultant contracts within the Community Development Department when necessary. Review the work of consultants for compliance with contracts.
- Demonstrate leadership, support, and guidance for departmental staff.
- Responsible for developing short and long-range departmental goals. Gather, interpret, and prepare data for studies, reports, and recommendations. Work with City Manager and Economic Development staff to advance projects, goal, and opportunities.
- Responsible for preparation and administration of the departmental budget; maintain and monitor appropriate budgeting and expenditure controls.
- Responsible for providing professional guidance to members of City departments, City Council, City Manager, and others on matters related to the functions of the department as appropriate. Attend applicable City meetings as required.
- Operate a motor vehicle safely and legally.
MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience:
- A Bachelor' s Degree from an accredited university in land use planning, geography, economics, public administration, or a closely related field AND
- At least five (5) years of experience in municipal planning and community development, with at least three (3) years of supervisor experience, OR
- An equivalent combination of education and experience that ensure the ability to perform the duties of the position.
Licenses & Certificates:
- Possess or obtain a valid Oregon driver license within the first 30 days of employment
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), American Planning Association (APA), and Oregon Chapter of the APA, or ability to obtain within one year of hire.
- Experience working with citizens and advisory committees.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
The qualities below reflect the working dynamic of the position.
Knowledge of:
- Principles, practices, and techniques of public administration and City government.
- Principles, practices, and techniques of economic development, project management, contract management, and record keeping systems.
- Principles and practices of management and supervision.
- Federal and State funding sources available for economic development, grant and proposal writing techniques, and economic and social factors affecting the State of Oregon and Mid-Willamette Valley.
- Proficiency in the use of electronic apps and platforms associated with or supportive of economic development endeavors.
- Principles of budget preparation and fiscal accounting.
- Reporting and disclosure requirements of government entities.
- Broad knowledge of the principles and practices of land use planning, zoning, and its administration; Oregon State-wide Land Use Planning Goals, and applicable Oregon laws.
Skill in:
- Personnel supervision.
- Planning, coordinating, and directing the operations of a Community Development Department to achieve established goals and maximize efficiency.
- Interpreting, understanding, and applying technical reports, statutes, rules, and regulations.
- Evaluating work priorities, procedures, and processes to determine their effectiveness and efficiency.
- Interpreting fiscal and accounting procedures, ensuring conformity to appropriate standards.
- Conducting research, writing technical reports, and developing plans and procedures for the community development department.
- Business development and support of entrepreneurial startups.
- Ability to research and plan, mobilize resources, project monitoring and community relations.
- Well-developed writing and public speaking skills, judgment and tact in maintaining effective relationships with the public and various agencies.
- Providing outstanding customer satisfaction (internally and externally).
- Proficient use of Microsoft Office and applicable specialized software.
Ability to:
- Communicate orally and in writing in a clear and concise manner.
- Represent the City positively and effectively in meetings with others.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationship with those contacted in the course of work.
- Negotiate effective solutions to complex problems.
- Handle critical emergency situations in a professional, effective, and efficient manner.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Usual office working conditions. The noise level in the work area is typical of most office environments. Evening meetings and some travel are required.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsible for 4 to 6 FTE, seldom more than 7.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the direction of the City Manager.
BENEFITS
Compensation & Benefits
- 95% Paid Medical, Vision and Dental
- HRA/VEBA Contribution
- Generous Vacation & Sick Leave
- 40 Hours/Year Administrative Leave
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Oregon PERS