What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Community of Development position at City of Altoona, PA?
The city of Altoona is actively seeking applicants for the Director of Community Development. This administrative position serves as the strategic leader and principal officer of the City's Community Development Department, tasked with advancing the City's goals in planning, zoning, community and economic development. The Director oversees departmental operations, ensuring the effective implementation of policies, programs, and initiatives that foster sustainable community growth and enhance the quality of life for residents.
This role emphasizes proactive leadership in community development, economic revitalization, and comprehensive planning, including overseeing federal grant programs such as CDBG and HOME. The Director works collaboratively with City departments and external stakeholders to align development efforts with the City's long-term objectives, including the execution of Altoona's Comprehensive Plan and associated strategies.
The Director is responsible for driving initiatives that address neighborhood revitalization, land use planning, infrastructure support, and economic growth. This position involves building strong relationships with local, regional, and state stakeholders to ensure development efforts meet diverse community needs while adhering to principles of sustainability and equity. The role requires robust communication and collaboration to manage resources effectively, support redevelopment initiatives, and promote the City's strategic vision for a vibrant and resilient community.
Requirements
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field.
Master's degree preferred.
Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning,
community development, or a related field, including five (3) years in a senior
leadership capacity.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Code and its application to community and economic development; working
knowledge of municipal finance, land use planning, zoning, subdivision and land
development, grant administration, housing programs, and economic
development strategies; familiarity with applicable state and federal regulations,
including the administration of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
and HOME programs; knowledge of departmental-level budget development and
fiscal management.
and administering departmental budgets; skill in planning, directing, and
implementing community and economic development programs; skill in engaging
with local businesses, developers, and stakeholders to advance economic
growth; skill in communicating complex information clearly and effectively, both
orally and in writing; and skill in providing professional advice to elected officials
and City staff.
actionable solutions; ability to effectively lead and develop staff, motivate teams,
and foster collaboration within the department and across other City
departments; ability to engage with and respond diplomatically to the public,
stakeholders, and elected officials; ability to ensure compliance with applicable
laws, ordinances, and regulations; ability to oversee the implementation of the
City's Comprehensive Plan and other strategic initiatives; ability to establish and
maintain effective working relationships with employees, City officials, other
government officials, and the general public; ability to facilitate community
outreach, economic development initiatives, and engagement efforts; and ability
to read, write, and understand the English language.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Valid Pennsylvania driver's license or ability to obtain one prior to employment
AICP certification preferred.
Benefits
The City of Altoona offers a comprehensive compensation package including a competitive salary; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid time off; and retirement options.
The City of Altoona is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
This role emphasizes proactive leadership in community development, economic revitalization, and comprehensive planning, including overseeing federal grant programs such as CDBG and HOME. The Director works collaboratively with City departments and external stakeholders to align development efforts with the City's long-term objectives, including the execution of Altoona's Comprehensive Plan and associated strategies.
The Director is responsible for driving initiatives that address neighborhood revitalization, land use planning, infrastructure support, and economic growth. This position involves building strong relationships with local, regional, and state stakeholders to ensure development efforts meet diverse community needs while adhering to principles of sustainability and equity. The role requires robust communication and collaboration to manage resources effectively, support redevelopment initiatives, and promote the City's strategic vision for a vibrant and resilient community.
Requirements
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field.
Master's degree preferred.
Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning,
community development, or a related field, including five (3) years in a senior
leadership capacity.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Considerable knowledge of modern policies and practices of public
Code and its application to community and economic development; working
knowledge of municipal finance, land use planning, zoning, subdivision and land
development, grant administration, housing programs, and economic
development strategies; familiarity with applicable state and federal regulations,
including the administration of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
and HOME programs; knowledge of departmental-level budget development and
fiscal management.
- Considerable skill in leadership, team building, and interdepartmental
and administering departmental budgets; skill in planning, directing, and
implementing community and economic development programs; skill in engaging
with local businesses, developers, and stakeholders to advance economic
growth; skill in communicating complex information clearly and effectively, both
orally and in writing; and skill in providing professional advice to elected officials
and City staff.
- Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive reports and plans; ability to
actionable solutions; ability to effectively lead and develop staff, motivate teams,
and foster collaboration within the department and across other City
departments; ability to engage with and respond diplomatically to the public,
stakeholders, and elected officials; ability to ensure compliance with applicable
laws, ordinances, and regulations; ability to oversee the implementation of the
City's Comprehensive Plan and other strategic initiatives; ability to establish and
maintain effective working relationships with employees, City officials, other
government officials, and the general public; ability to facilitate community
outreach, economic development initiatives, and engagement efforts; and ability
to read, write, and understand the English language.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Valid Pennsylvania driver's license or ability to obtain one prior to employment
AICP certification preferred.
Benefits
The City of Altoona offers a comprehensive compensation package including a competitive salary; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid time off; and retirement options.
The City of Altoona is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
