Position Summary

The City of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota's sixth largest municipality, seeks a Director to lead the Community Development Department. This position plays a key role in helping the community achieve its vision: Brooklyn Park, a thriving community inspiring pride where opportunities exist for all.
The Community Development Director also serves as the Executive Director of the Brooklyn Park Economic Development Authority (EDA). The position serves on the City's senior leadership team with the City Manager and other department directors.
The position is responsible for the direction, management, and leadership of a team of six program directors, covering comprehensive planning, current planning, zoning administration, neighborhood and economic development, workforce development, general nuisance, zoning, health code enforcement, building permits and inspections, building safety, building maintenance inspections, rental housing inspections and business licensing functions.
Application Deadline: This job posting will be open until filled. If you have interest in this position, it is highly recommended that you apply as soon as possible upon seeing the announcement as the vacancy may close without notice. First review of applications will be on June 14, 2024.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Lead, manage and direct department operations to ensure department goals and objectives are achieved.

• Identify department vision, mission, goals, and objectives
• Develop department/division policies and procedures
• Monitor inter-governmental decisions and legislative initiatives affecting department operations and take appropriate action

• Foster collaborative teamwork
• Identify opportunities for job skills training
• Assist division directors with staff succession planning and cross training efforts

• Develop and execute strategic initiatives that further the Department’s mission, goals and objectives of the City Council and Economic Development Authority (EDA)
• Gather, interpret and prepare data for studies, reports and recommendations
• Coordinate department activities and provides technical support and assistance to other departments and agencies as needed
• Participate in EDA, council, commission, committee, other public agencies, neighborhood/business groups, civic organizations and other meetings as required

• Provide information and support to other departments on a broad range of issues
• Actively engage in organizational development initiatives
• Develop strategies with City Manager, other directors and key staff
• Actively develop cultural competence and a personal commitment to racial equity, diversity and inclusion principles
• Embrace and engage in a cultural shift toward continuous improvement

• Identify, create and direct resources and budgets to support and achieve results and objectives
• Assure assigned areas of responsibility are performed within budget
• Perform cost control activities
• Monitor revenue and expenditures within assigned areas to assure sound fiscal control

• Act as the key staff person to the EDA Board
• Oversee compliance with the EDA bylaws, state statute, and the use of special economic development authority resources

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Education
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Economic Development, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related field
Experience
Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, planning, or related fields or a combination of the same that includes:

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience, including applicable supervisory experience managing the work performance of a variety of work groups and a variety of individuals; and, applicable and relevant fiscal responsibilities

• Knowledge of structure, function, operations, programs and services of a Community Development department
• Knowledge and experience with development projects and development finance
• Knowledge of leading best practices and effective management principles and practices
• Knowledge of principles, practices and methods of consensus building, conflict resolution, negotiation and team-oriented management
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, statutes and regulations
• Ability to build cohesive work teams and foster teamwork to achieve solutions to complex community-wide issues
• Ability to develop strategic positions and programs to implement and achieve objectives
• Ability to use project management tools to effectively deliver public services
• Ability to use performance measurement techniques/tactics to measure quality of public services
• Ability to exercise sound judgment to define and analyze problems, utilize resources, identify solutions, develop and implement recommendation/proposals
• Ability to accurately and effectively interpret, analyze and explain complex information
• Ability to clearly, concisely and effectively communicate, both in verbal and written formats with specific emphasis on effective public speaking and presentation skills and technique
• Ability to professionally and effectively work in a public sector environment, including with commissions, boards, and elected officials.
• Ability to interact, develop and maintain positive and professional working relationships at all organizational levels, internally and externally
• Ability to professionally exhibit cultural sensitivity, patience and understanding in the course of work duties
• Actively develop cultural competence and a personal commitment to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion principles
• Ability to provide a level of customer service that meets or exceeds customer expectation and satisfaction
• Embrace and engage in cultural shift toward continuous improvement

• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban /Regional Planning, Public Policy or related field
• Previous experience leading/directing a state or local government entity
• Successful completion of administration, management, executive, and leadership training courses or certification programs not included in or outside of a master’s degree program
• Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Laotian or Vietnamese language(s)

Additional Information

Resume and Cover Letter Requested
To help us evaluate candidates' education, experience and skills, we are asking all candidates to attach a resume and cover letter to their application to be considered for this position.
Department/Division: Community Development/Development Services
Anticipated Work Schedule: Full-time, exempt, non-union position subject to schedule that will include flexible hours that includes evenings, weekends and holidays
Anticipated Salary: Dependent on qualifications
We welcome applications from all individuals, including (but not limited to): people of all abilities, persons of color, Veterans, LGBTQ and women. If you need these materials in an alternate format or if you have a disability-related need and need assistance with the application process, please contact Human Resources at either 763-493-8016 or via e-mail at HumanResources@brooklynpark.org.