Development Director – City of Monroe, Ohio

Monroe, OH (pop. 15,412). The City of Monroe seeks candidates for the position of Development Director.  Located between Dayton and Cincinnati along I-75, Monroe retains its small-town feel, while growing as a full-service retail, residential, and industrial center. With ready access to employment, shopping, and transportation, Monroe’s residents and businesses enjoy the attributes of a close-knit community with convenient highway access to the amenities of big cities within 30 minutes.

Monroe grew by 60% between 2000 and 2010, and that trend continues. As one of the fastest growing communities on the I-75 corridor, Monroe averages approximately 50 new single-family homes being built each year. With a cost of living approximately 7% below the U.S. average, a school district recognized as a regional leader in K-12 education, and ample recreational opportunities, Monroe is poised for sustainable growth and success.

The City’s total 2022 budget is $61.6M, including an operating budget of $48.2M. The City operates by a Council-Manager form of government with a City Council consisting of seven members, elected at large on a non-partisan basis for a term of four years. The City Manager is appointed by the City Council and serves as the chief administrative officer of the City. All Department Heads, including the Development Director, are appointed by and report directly to the City Manager. City Departments provide services in the following areas: police and fire, street repair and maintenance, planning and zoning, parks and recreation, water and sewer and community development. The City currently employs 130 full-time employees and 2 part-time/seasonal employees.

About the Position
The Development Director (the “Director”) is responsible for managing, coordinating, and implementing all activities related to planning and community development, including development plan review and inspection, zoning enforcement, property maintenance, and building inspection.  Work involves the review of proposed subdivisions, planned unit developments, zoning variances, zoning permits, site plan review, and promotion of the municipality as it relates to fostering new growth and development. The Development Department’s responsibilities are completed by a team of five (5) employees, including the Director, working in the areas of planning, zoning, and building/code enforcement.

Key responsibilities for the position include:

• Oversees review and revision of development proposals for their compliance with City ordinances, approved development plans, standards, budget, and policies, as well as sound planning principals.
• Provides recommendations and support to Council, and Advisory Boards in professional and administrative matters such as code interpretations, plans review, permit issuance, inspections, and the development approval process.
• Provides leadership and management of staff and directs the daily activities of the Development Department.
• Directs Development Department in supporting the growth and redevelopment efforts of the community, attracting the desired residential, commercial, and industrial development, and collaboration with other City departments.
• Current priorities include a need to focus on “Placemaking” through branding of gateways, streetscape design/development, and park development; and education on the newly updated Comprehensive Plan for internal and external stakeholders to ensure progress toward the City’s overall vision as identified in the planning process.

Position Requirements
The City is seeking a Director with strong strategic thinking and public process facilitation skills to lead the Development Department.  The successful candidate will have:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Public Administration, or related field.
• Seven (7) years progressive work experience in planning, community development, and/or zoning enforcement, with five (5) years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience in collaborating with elected officials, staff, developers, businesses, and residents.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations governing community development and a desire to pursue community/economic development best practices, innovative strategies and techniques.

Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated starting salary range is $93,440  ̶  $110,000+ DOQ.  The range maximum is $130,825.  A comprehensive benefits package includes, but is not limited to, contributions to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, optional 457 plan participation, and paid leave time.

Selection Process
Apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com with a resume, cover letter and contact information for five professional references by Feb. 14, 2021.  Confidential inquiries may be directed to Maureen Barry, Senior Vice President, GovHR USA at 847-380-3240, x116.

The City of Monroe is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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