Community Development Director

Community Development Director

Under the general direction of the City Manager, directs the City's planning, building inspection and code enforcement activities. Performs a wide variety of complex professional and administrative tasks in directing the development and regulatory enforcement of planning, zoning, property maintenance, building, and housing. Provides sound technical advice to the Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council and the City Manager.

The City of Urbandale offers a comprehensive salary and benefit package. Full-time non-union benefits include : relocation package available up to $5,000 for candidates relocating from over 60 miles to move within the city limits of Urbandale, car and cell phone allowance, individual health insurance for only $77.86 per month; or family health insurance for only $238.94 per month, dental, vision, and flexible spending account options, 15 paid vacation days per year, 12 paid sick days per year, 10 paid holidays + 3 additional personal holidays, 4 weeks of paid paternal leave, city-paid Long Term Disability coverage, IPERS retirement plan, 457(b) retirement plan with 4% city match, city-paid Life Insurance policy plus additional voluntary life insurance options, Employee Assistance Program, and Onsite Wellness Center.

Routine job duties / responsibilities include : developing, coordinating and supervising the operations of planning, zoning, property maintenance, code enforcement, building, and housing inspection activities of the City; supervising and directing the preparation of written and graphic material for presentations to City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, and other community meetings; determining the priority of work and making work assignments necessary to carry out such priorities, supervising the work of departmental activities and personnel; supervising and directing coordination of the review and approval process with other City departments; directing the preparation, updating and implementation of the City's Comprehensive Plan, urban renewal plans, ordinances relating to the department, and voluntary and involuntary annexations; attending and participating in Planning and Zoning Commission meetings, City Council meetings, and other meetings as necessary to represent the department or the City; responding to inquiries; preparing and overseeing the department's operating budget; hiring, evaluating, and effectively managing personnel in accordance with the policies of the City; performing work in alignment with the City's mission, vision, values, policies and strategic priorities; and performing related work as assigned.

Typical qualifications include : ability to pass a pre-employment offer : professional reference checks, drug screen, motor vehicle report and background check which may include a credit history check; bachelor's degree in Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Urban Geography, Public Administration, or similarly related field required; a Master's Degree is preferred; seven (7) years of related work experience with at least three (3) years of supervisory experience required; previous experience as a Director is strongly preferred; certification from American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred; and valid driver's license required.

Applicants selected to advance in the process will be invited to participate in two rounds of interviews. Candidates will be notified via email and / or text message to self-schedule their interview time slots. Be sure to apply with a valid email you check regularly and sign up for text message option. Anticipated timeline : initial virtual interviews : November 12, 2025 - November 13, 2025; finalist interview : December 8, 2025 - December 9, 2025; start date approximately : February, 2026. The salary range listed includes pay steps based on length of service with the City of Urbandale. New employees usually start at the lower end of the pay range, but starting salary can vary depending on qualifications. The City of Urbandale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Persons with disabilities must submit requests for ADA accommodations to the Human Resources Department, in writing at HR@urbandale.org, prior to the application deadline.