Shire Jobs

Community Development Director 

Kitsap County is hiring its next Community Development Director to lead the Department of Community Development (DCD).  This is an excellent, long-term career opportunity in the unique geography of the Kitsap Peninsula. Located on the western shore of Puget Sound across from the main Seattle metroplex, and east of the mighty Olympic Peninsula, the county is home to Bainbridge Island, as well as some of the last affordable property in the area. A classic mix of environmentalists and progressive developers guarantees the Director and the DCD all the professional challenges they will ever need.  This is a great opportunity for a growth-oriented leader, focused on staff-development, to help a department build its culture, and to help a growing community navigate dynamic change.  

Reporting to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) through the County Administrator, the Director, provides superior customer service to the department's myriad customers, partners, and stakeholders. Accessible and visible, the Director also provides strategic direction and a path for meaningful professional development to the DCD's 78 employees. 

About the Position 

The Community Development Director reports to the County Administrator, who manages BOCC departments on behalf of the Board. The role has both outward- and inward-facing aspects. First, the Director serves as the face of the department to the community, engaging with community stakeholders over key planning and land use initiatives.  Second, the Director must ensure staff are well-resourced, focused, cared for, heard, and considered, so that all of them work together to execute the department's strategic plan. 

The Director facilitates problem-solving for high-level issues having far-reaching impacts on Kitsap County. 

This opportunity is ideal for anyone who relishes challenges and values public service, and who wants to make visible, lasting impacts on local communities in alignment with the Board's values of Integrity, Welcoming, Professionalism, Accountability, Responsiveness, and Efficiency. Job Summary The Community Development Director leads, plans, organizes, and directs the activities of the Department including Permit Services, Planning & Environmental Services, Development Engineering, and Building and Fire Safety.   The Director is responsible for the departments Management/Leadership, ensuring that the department fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to meet customer need and achieve the Board of County Commissioners stated goals and policy direction. Typical duties involve staff supervision, departmental policy management, workload/ resource leveling, executive advisory, contract administration, budget, regulation compliance, departmental records and reporting, stake holder collaboration and regional coordination.  QUALIFICATIONS FOR PERFORMANCE OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, Planning (Land Use, Urban, Environmental, Long, Current) or closely related field from a college or university accredited by the US Department of Education, and 
• Ten years of progressively responsible professional level experience in a public planning position, including three years of supervisory and managerial responsibilities is required; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the work.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, OR QUALIFICATIONS:

AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners), 

Master's degree Public Administration, Political Science, Community