Community Development Director

City of Excelsior Springs is seeking a Community Development Director

The City of Excelsior Springs, known for its historic Elms Hotel and Hall of Waters, is seeking a motivated Community Development Director to oversee the Building Trades, Planning and Zoning, Neighborhoods, Historic Preservation and Code Compliance Divisions.

THE COMMUNITY

Nestled in the rolling hills of Clay and Ray counties, Excelsior Springs is a thriving and dynamic community with a rich history and a promising future. Home to approximately 11,000 residents, the city is strategically located just 30 miles northeast of Downtown Kansas City, Missouri, and only a 30 - minute drive from Kansas City International Airport, offering convenient access to metropolitan amenities while preserving i its small-town charm.

Excelsior Springs owes its origins to the discovery of natural spring water in 1880, a serendipitous event that shaped its identity and led to its reputation as a destination for health and wellness. Today, the city's vibrant past is celebrated through landmarks like the iconic Elms Hotel, a historic retreat that has hosted presidents and celebrities, and the stunning Hall of Waters, a testament to the city' s legacy as a spa town.

With its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and proximity to urban centers, Excelsior Springs offers an exceptional quality of life. The city boasts a growing economy, welcoming neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community pride. Whether exploring its rich cultural heritage, enjoying its parks and recreational opportunities, or engaging with its forward- looking initiatives, Excelsior Springs is a community where tradition meets progress.

Join us in shaping the future of this remarkable city as our next Community Development Director!

LEADERSHIP

In December 1921, voters in the City of Excelsior Springs adopted the City Manager form of government, becoming the first city in the State of Missouri to formally adopt this style of government. The City Council is made up of five members, elected at large, for terms of three years. The mayor is elected for a one- year term from the five-body council. Meetings are held the first and third Monday of each month. The Council appoints a City Manager to oversee the day to day operations. City Manager Molly Mc Govern has been at the City since 2016.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Community Development Department drives the growth and livability of Excelsior Springs through planning, neighborhood improvement, and code compliance. Led by the Community Development Director, the team includes a Building Inspector, a part- t time Inspector, City Planner, Neighborhood Specialist, Code Compliance Officer, Permit Technician, and Administrative Assistant.

With an $ 818, 000 budget, the department oversees:

- Building Trades/Planning - Managing building permits, inspections and city planning.

- Economic Development - Supporting business growth and job creation (soon to operate independently.)

- Neighborhoods - Enforcing codes and enhancing neighborhood quality.

This department is essential to fostering a vibrant, well-managed and forward-thinking community.

The Position

The Community Development Director serves as a key member of the City's Leadership Team, reporting directly to the City Manager. This role oversees a department of seven dedicated team members.

The ideal candidate will be a team- oriented leader with a proven ability to build strong community relationships and foster collaboration. A track record of community involvement, effective leadership, and the ability to mentor and develop staff are essential.

Forward- thinking and visionary, the successful candidate will have the experience and strategic insight to guide the department in addressing growth and advancing the city’ s development goals.

Residency is not required for this position.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Candidates must have at least three (3) years of progressively responsible supervisory and managerial experience. A bachelor’ s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field is required, with a master’s degree preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position will also be considered.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range is $102,732 to $115,060 with an expected salary negotiable up to $107,868. Other benefits include employer contributions toward health with a choice between an HSA or PPO provided at no cost to the department head. The City participates in the LAGERS retirement program with a five-year vesting requirement. The City also provides a $2,400 annual benefit allowance to use toward a variety of additional benefits.

This position is open until filled; first review of resumes occurs on Monday, February 3, 2025. Following this date, applications will be screened and final interviews will be offered to those candidates named as finalists by the City, with reference checks conducted prior to the interviews after receiving candidates’ permission.

LEADERSHIP

In December 1921, voters in the City of

Excelsior Springs adopted the City Manager form of government, becoming the first city in the State of Missouri to formally adopt

this style of government. The City Council is made up of five members, elected at large,

for terms of three years. The mayor is

elected for a one- year term from the five-

body council. Meetings are held the f i rst and third Monday of each month. The Council

appoints a City Manager to oversee the day to day operations. City Manager Molly

Mc Govern has been at the City since 2016.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Community Development Department

drives the growth and l ivability of Excelsior Springs through planning, neighborhood

improvement, and code compliance. Led by the Community Development Director, the team includes a Building Inspector, a part- t time Inspector, City Planner, Neighborhood

Specialist, Code Compliance Officer, Permit Technician, and Administrative Assistant.

With an $ 818, 000 budget, the department

THE POSITION

The Community Development Director serves as a key member of the City' s

Leadership Team, reporting directly to the City Manager. This role oversees a

department of seven dedicated team members.

The ideal candidate will be a team- oriented leader with a proven ability to build strong community relationships and foster

collaboration. A track record of community involvement, effective leadership, and the ability to mentor and develop staff are

essential.

Forward- thinking and visionary, the successful candidate will have the

experience and strategic insight to guide the department in addressing growth and advancing the city’ s development goals.

Residency is not required for this position.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Candidates must have at least three (3) years of progressively responsible

supervisory and managerial experience. A

bachelor’ s degree in Urban Planning, Public

Administration, or a related f field is required, with a master’ s degree preferred. An

equivalent combination of education,

the LAGERS retirement program with a five- year vesting requirement. The City also

provides a $ 2,400 annual benefit allowance to use toward a variety of additional benefits.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Qualified candidates please submit your cover letter and resume online by visiting our website at:

https://cityofesmo. com/index.php/ human- resources/

This position is open until fi l led; first review of resumes occurs on Monday,

February 3, 2025. Following this date, applications will be screened and final interviews will be offered to those candidates named as finalists by the City, with reference checks conducted prior to the interviews after receiving

candidates’ permission.

For more information, please contact

Shannon Stroud at sstroud@ excelsiorsprings. gov or 816 - 630 - 0761

Visit cityofesmo. com for more information about the City of Excelsior Springs.

The City of Excelsior Springs is an Equal Opportun

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $102,732.00 - $115,060.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Excelsior Springs, MO 64024 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Excelsior Springs, MO 64024: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $102,732 - $115,060