JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Closes Monday, October 27, 2025.

Apply here: Employment Opportunities | Cottonwood, AZ

DESCRIPTION: Under executive direction of the City Manager, administers, plans, supervises, organizes and manages the activities of the Community Development Department, including the major functions of planning, zoning, building safety and permit administration, revitalization and redevelopment, historic preservation, code review, design review, transportation planning, annexation, and code compliance. Provides highly responsible, complex administrative support to City management staff and the City Council.

CLASSIFICATION: This is an exempt, full-time, classified at will position with full benefits that serves at the pleasure and will of the City Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: This list is illustrative only, and not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this classification:

TASKS:

• Establishes general policies and procedures for the Community Development Department; supervises, prepares and oversees annual budget for the Department, including directing the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; directs, oversees and participates in the development of the Department's work plan; assigns work activities, projects and programs; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures; selects, trains, coaches, guides, and motivates personnel; works with employees to correct deficiencies; makes decisions on promotions, demotions, and disciplinary actions; conducts employee performance evaluations.
• Serves as staff liaison and coordinates the activities of the City's Planning and Zoning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, and Board of Adjustment.
• Ensures that development and re-development are in accordance with applicable statutes, ordinances, codes, regulations, administrative directives, and the desires of the community as embodied in the General Plan; and seeks to resolve conflicts and disputes that occur in the development and construction process.
• Presents complex materials to the City Council and other boards and commissions for their review and consideration;
• Advises the City Manager in all matters relating to his or her department; and provides significant support to and actively participates in the City's leadership team meetings; works across all City departments to ensure that the work of the City is completed timely; and, prepares, submits, and presents staff reports (e.g. budgetary, fiscal, weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.) and other necessary correspondence.
• Gives advice to and cooperates with developers to optimize land use decisions; develops new plans and ordinances to meet state requirements and the needs of the community; monitors the development process and attempts to mediate potential problems; leads initiatives and assumes leadership in public planning projects; coordinates with City departments and outside agencies;; coordinates regional planning efforts with nearby communities and Yavapai County; supervises the preparation, revision, and administration of the zoning and subdivision ordinances and zoning map; assists with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) mapping systems projects; completes special projects as assigned (i.e., Community Development Block Grant [CDBG] projects).
• Formulates, develops, maintains and promotes a vision for future city-wide community development, as articulated by the City Manager and City Council.
• Actively supports and upholds the City's stated mission and values, including being open for business and providing excellent customer service that is externally focused.
• Actively works to inspire a vibrant community through departmental work and ensures departmental work is consistent with the City Council's approved Strategic Plan.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws, ordinances, statutes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of community planning, economic development and various grant programs.
• Knowledge of the nuances of economic development in the rural areas of Arizona.
• Knowledge of the principles and operations of electronic data processing.
• Knowledge of the methods and practices of locating and obtaining funding sources.
• Knowledge of zoning code administration and enforcement of zoning regulations.
• Knowledge of the City of Cottonwood's culture and priorities.
• Knowledge of the annexation process and procedures in the state of Arizona.
• Skill in the preparation and presentation of complex material in both formal and informal settings to a variety of boards, commissions, and community groups.
• Skill in developing and maintaining effective interpersonal relations.
• Skill in written and verbal communications.
• Skill in analyzing data and drawing valid conclusions.
• Skill in developing and maintaining effective resources throughout the Verde Valley.
• Skill in conducting research and providing meaningful results.
• Skill in managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to effectively problem solve and commit to actionable decisions.
• Ability to create a highly engaged employee workforce.
• Ability to create a culture of accountability.
• Ability to create a customer focused work culture.
• Ability to maintain open lines of communication.
• Ability to maintain a professional work environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This classification is predominantly in an office environment, but does require frequent visits to field projects. Ability to traverse steep and uneven terrain while performing tasks is required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in planning, or a closely related field. Master's degree preferred. Minimum five (5) years' experience in management of multi-functional regulatory agency servicing the development and construction community, community development, planning, zoning, or a related field.