Development Director– City of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin (47,289). is located immediately west of the City of Milwaukee. Early Europeans settled in the area in the mid-1840s, and the Village of Wauwatosa, later changing to a City, was incorporated in 1892. Known as the “City of Homes,” Wauwatosa was the second city in the state to adopt a zoning ordinance in 1921.

Today, Wauwatosa is a bustling, family-friendly city with a vital commercial and retail district anchored by the upscale Mayfair Mall and home to Milwaukee County’s Regional Medical Center and the Milwaukee County Research Park. The City’s recently revitalized historic “Village” area serves as one of several neighborhoods that add to the charm, vibrancy, and neighborliness of the community. For more details on the position and the City of Wauwatosa: https://www.wauwatosa.net/home/showdocument?id=5495

Position Overview

The Development Director plays a key role in advancing the City of Wauwatosa’s mission and vision by overseeing the strategic and day-to-day operations of the Development Department. The Development Director is responsible for leading community and economic development initiatives and negotiating complex public and private real estate and economic development deals. The Development Director is a highly visible management position providing leadership, direction and general oversight of the Development Department, comprehensive planning, zoning, development and redevelopment, economic development, building and safety, code enforcement and housing activities. The work involves significant community engagement and public involvement with elected officials, residents, businesses, neighborhood groups, developers, and other city departments.

• Strategic Planning: Works with elected officials, Plan Commission, Community Development Authority, advisory boards, City department heads, and other agencies and jurisdictions to develop and implement long-range strategic approaches, goals, and plans for growth management, environmental protection, neighborhood preservation and revitalization, and resident involvement in planning processes. Facilitates and promotes ongoing research into new approaches and trends and recommends implementation of programs to assist elected officials and the community plan for the future.
• Land Use Planning, Zoning, and Development Regulations: Oversees the comprehensive planning process work of the City. Directly or through staff sees to the update and regular maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan, neighborhood plans, zoning and development codes and regulations to implement the Plan, and the review and enforcement of permitting and compliance processes under these regulations.
• Integrated Development and Building Plan Review: Coordinates the work of the “one-stop” City permitting service for planning and zoning, building, public works, and fire permit applications. Collaborates with City departments to streamline the permitting operation, to implement new technology, and to staff appropriately for effective processes and systems. Evaluates workloads, resource allocations and efficiency of systems, and establishes priorities for completion of permit review processes, including providing information and education to promote user compliance and satisfaction.
• Community and Neighborhood Development Services: Oversees the City’s programs and planning for low-income and affordable housing, use of various grants and non-property tax dollar funding sources, and targeted development projects for neighborhoods. Works with neighborhood groups and representatives, community service providers, business owners and developers to address neighborhood issues and concerns related to preservation and quality of life issues, revitalization, housing, and human needs.
• Resident Involvement and Communications: Directs planning and presentation of public involvement programs for neighborhood and community-wide issues and planning and development processes and projects. Oversees work plans and staff assignments to facilitate efficient and meaningful public involvement and policy direction. Collaborates internally with other departments for City-wide resident communication to disseminate information on Planning and Community Development projects and processes. Provides staff support from within the department for the Plan Commission, Community Development Authority, Community Affairs Committee, Community Development Block Grant Committee, TIF Joint Review Board, Board of Zoning Appeals, and other boards and commissions related to the work of the department.
• Leadership and Management: Develops and maintains a workforce committed to exceptional customer service, results orientation, and teamwork. Oversees four divisions: Planning, Building & Safety, Housing Services, and Economic Development.
• Fiscal and Business Management: Ensures the financial well-being of the Department by establishing cost control measures and monitoring all fiscal operations of the Department. Prepares annual budget and justifies budget requests and amendments. Projects and procures revenues and funding for the work of the Department, including management of permitting fees and funds and accessing federal and State funding sources. Ensures the efficient and economical use of Departmental funds, workforce, materials, facilities, and time.

Minimum Requirements Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• Master’s degree in business or public administration, urban affairs, urban planning, or related field.
• Ten years of progressively responsible professional work experience involving extensive experience in community development, redevelopment and revitalization, economic development, tax increment financing, planning, and zoning, and housing including at least five years at the management level.
• Demonstrated experience in providing service and information to commissions, boards, and city councils.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Experience in a variety of infrastructure projects, including flood plain and other environmental issues preferred.
• Planning and/or economic development certifications/designations preferred.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Qualifications:

• Thorough knowledge of theories, laws, principles, practices, methods, and techniques of urban development, redevelopment, revitalization, economic development, housing rehabilitation and development, and real estate.
• Knowledge of building design, construction, and inspection principles.
• Superior oral, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective and positive working relationships.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Zoom.

Additional Information

The starting pay for this position ranges from ($126,734 to $161,928 annually), depending on experience and qualifications. This is complemented by an excellent benefits package, a robust wellness program, an on-site fitness center, a free workplace clinic, paid parental leave, generous paid holidays and vacation, a pension plan, volunteer time off, a flexible workplace environment and the opportunity to work with dedicated professionals who have a passion for public service.

First review of candidates is May 17th, 2024, and open until filled. The review of resumes is on-ongoing. Candidates should apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com  with a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Any questions regarding this recruitment please put to the attention of David De Angelis, Senior Vice President, GovHR USA, Tel: 847-380-3240 ext. 187 and Lee Szymborski, Senior Vice President, GovHR USA, Tel: 847-380-3240 ext. 103. 

The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.