Farmers Branch, TX – Director of Community Services

• Plans, directs, and coordinates the department’s operations by establishing standard operating procedures and performance expectations to ensure efficient and effective delivery of services.
• Evaluates operational conditions and implements process improvements to enhance productivity, customer service, and regulatory compliance.
• Supervises professional, technical, and administrative staff by assigning projects, defining scope, establishing priorities and schedules, maintaining accountability, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Promotes staff development through coaching, training, succession planning, and performance management practices consistent with the City policy

Regulatory Oversight and Planning

• Directs the interpretation, application, and enforcement of zoning ordinances, building codes, health codes, and related municipal regulations.
• Oversees preparation of zoning text amendments, variance analyses, development reviews, and other technical planning evaluations to ensure compliance with applicable codes and long-range planning objectives.
• Ensures accurate maintenance of records, maps, demographic data, and documentation related to planning, permitting, and development activity.

Budgeting and Strategic Planning

• Develops, administers, and monitors the division’s annual operating and capital budgets in alignment with City policies, fiscal constraints, and Council direction.
• Prepares and presents budget recommendations, monitors expenditures, approves purchases, and ensures responsible stewardship of public resources.
• Leads development and implementation of division goals, performance measures, and strategic initiatives supporting the City’s Strategic Plan.

Intergovernmental and Community Relations

• Facilitates, leads, and/or participates in meetings and/or proceedings.  Represents the department and City at meetings and conferences.  Serves as a liaison between departments, external organizations, the general public, and other agencies.

• Serves as liaison to the City’s Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Animal Advisory Committee, local, county, and State agencies, and other boards and commissions as assigned. 
• Responds to citizen inquiries and Council requests by conducting field reviews, researching applicable regulations, facilitating stakeholder meetings, and presenting findings and recommendations.
• Attends City staff, board, and Council meetings; advises the City Management and elected officials on matters related to community services, planning, and development.
• Participates in recruitment and selection processes and contributes to long-range visioning for the City of Farmers Branch.

Additional Duties

• Performs other duties as assigned or required to support the departmental operations and City objectives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Community Development, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in urban planning, community development, or a related field, including five (5) years in a supervisory or managerial capacity

Employment is conditional upon successful completion of a criminal background check, drug and alcohol test, and a motor vehicle review.

• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities, including providing input on hiring/disciplinary actions, work objectives/ effectiveness, performance evaluations, and realigning work.
• Advanced knowledge of zoning, development review, building codes, and planning principles.
• Ability to interpret and draft complex ordinances and planning documents.
• Skill in conducting high-level policy analysis and making sound, data-driven decisions.
• Exceptional communication skills, including public speaking and technical writing.
• Proficiency in budgeting, project management, and performance evaluation.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to attend the City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Animal Services Advisory Committee, and other required evening meetings.
• Occasional field work may be required.

Licenses and Certificates:

• Valid driver’s license with good driving record and ability to maintain while employed, required.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification required.

Work Environment:

Work primarily in a climate-controlled office environment with  field visits.