Cincinnati, OH – Deputy Director (Deputy Chief Building Official) Building & Inspections

About This Position

Are you a strategic leader with technical expertise in building inspections, permitting, and regulatory compliance? Cincinnati is looking for its next Deputy Director (Deputy Chief Building Official) a dynamic innovator ready to streamline processes and drive progress!

We need a collaborative leader who is:

• Experienced in urban development and adaptive reuse projects
• Skilled in managing high-volume permit reviews and compliance
• Proficient in Accela (Edge) and IT system transitions

Cincinnati is a vibrant, mid-sized city where history meets innovation. A thriving hub for finance, healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing, it boasts a strong job market and a dynamic urban landscape. Cincinnati operates under a strong mayor-council government, ensuring responsive leadership and efficient city management. The Mayor leads alongside a nine-member City Council, elected at large.

The Buildings & Inspections Department ensures safe, efficient development in Cincinnati through permitting, plan review, and building code enforcement. The ideal candidate is an experienced professional in building code enforcement, plan review, permitting, and urban development, with strong leadership and collaboration skills. They excel in managing high-performing teams and engaging effectively with city officials, developers, and the public. Key strengths include communication, public engagement, and technical expertise in Ohio Building Standards, permitting software (e.g., Accela Edge), and regulatory compliance. A strategic thinker with solid project management abilities, they will drive permitting system upgrades, streamline plan review processes, and support adaptive reuse projects in a dynamic urban environment.

Required qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, building construction, or a related field
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in building code enforcement, plan review, or construction, including supervisory experience
• Licensing Requirements (or ability to obtain within one year):
• Master Plans Examiner Certification (Ohio Board of Building Standards)
• Building Official Certification (Ohio Board of Building Standards)
• Building Inspector Certification (Ohio Board of Building Standards)
• To carry Certified Building Official (CBO) status, the candidate must achieve Level 5, which requires one of the following qualifications:
• – Registered Architect or Professional Engineer and at least 3 years of experience as an inspector or plan examiner
• – 10 years of experience as a general contractor supervising all trades
• – 6 years of building department experience

Preferred qualifications include:

• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) or Architect in Ohio
• Experience with Accela (Edge) permitting software and IT workflow modernization
• Specialized experience in adaptive reuse, historic preservation, and large-scale urban development projects
• Advanced degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field

The City of Cincinnati is offering a salary of $107,855 – $157,102 DOE/DOQ.

This position is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position may close at any time once a qualified candidate is selected. Prompt submission is strongly encouraged.

For more information on this position contact:

Clay Pearson, Senior Vice President

Strategic Government Resources

[email protected]

713-816-8639