Director, Austin Development Services

Purpose:

Under general direction of the Assistant City Manager, this position is responsible for the planning, directing, and leading of development, permitting, and code compliance for the City of Austin.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services that support the department’s purpose.
• Manages and leads programs and activities among various City Departments, neighborhood associations, public agencies, and private sector representatives, judicial agencies, and law enforcement agencies.
• Develops a staffing structure that supports the efficient delivery of programs and services.
• Develops and implements short and long-range strategies, objectives, and priorities.
• Briefs and advises City management and Council regarding department programs and services in person and through written reports.
• Builds and manages an effective executive team.
• Responds to and resolves complex and sensitive issues and complaints both internal and external.
• Ensures all activities are carried out in compliance with City and departmental policies and procedures, local, state, and federal regulations and laws governing activities.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing development and code compliance.
• Skill in directing the activities of a complex and diverse organization.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and priorities.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to interpret, recommend and propose revisions to state statutes and city ordinances.
• Ability to consistently, effectively, and tactfully communicate with people at many levels.
• Ability to communicate complex, technical issues in non-technical terms to the general public.
• Ability to use an equity lens and framework to create inclusive, diverse, and safe workplaces and community programs.
• Ability to manage diversity, understand inclusion, and work with diverse communities/populations to build constructive and effective relationships.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, the public, elected officials, and boards and commissions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or in a field related to the job, plus seven (7) years of related experience, five (5) years of which were in a managerial capacity.
• Master’s degree may substitute for experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications:

• Executive-level leadership experience managing large, complex organizations with responsibility for development, permitting, or code compliance functions in a municipal or public-sector environment.
• Demonstrated success in community engagement and stakeholder management, including experience collaborating with neighborhood associations, boards and commissions, elected officials, and diverse community groups.
• Experience interpreting and applying local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to land use, development, or building code compliance, and advising senior leadership and policymakers on complex regulatory issues.
• Proven ability to lead organizational change and innovation, including developing and implementing long- and short-range strategies that improve service delivery, efficiency, and equity in community outcomes.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience presenting to governing bodies, the media, and the public, and the ability to explain complex technical issues in accessible, non-technical language.

Notes To Candidate

To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Austin Development Services

Austin Development Services supports a vibrant community through responsible development. This department ensures the safety of Austin’s built environment through review, permitting, inspection, and code compliance processes so that all structures and land uses comply with local, state, and national codes and regulations. Our commitment is to steward the community through the development process with consistency, connection, and credibility. By focusing on customer-centric practices, our goal is for every resident and stakeholder to feel supported and satisfied when working with Austin Development Services.

Salary Range: Commensurate based on experience and the approved salary range.

Location: 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752

Days and Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Monday – Friday.

*Hours may vary depending upon business needs. This position is on-site.

Regarding Your Application:

• A detailed and complete Employment Application is required. A Resume and Cover Letter are required and will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online Employment Application.
• Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application.
• This position requires a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).
• A first review of candidates will occur on October 13, 2025. To apply, candidates must complete this online application. Interested candidates should apply early in the process for optimum consideration.

Note: Information submitted for consideration may be made available to the public in compliance with the Texas Open Records Act.