Director of Planning and Economic Development

Community Description

Wyoming is a vibrant, diverse community covering 25 square miles on the southwest side of Grand Rapids. Offering a high quality of life to its residents, Wyoming has 21 city parks, a newly built community marketplace, an active senior center, several school districts, and an expanding non-motorized trail network. The City hosts a popular Concerts in the Park series in the summer and the new Godwin Mercado hosts regular markets which attract a wide range of visitors. As Michigan’s 17th largest community, Wyoming has a good mix of industrial, commercial, and residential property and continues to attract and retain residents and businesses.

The Opportunity

The City of Wyoming is seeking an experienced candidate to join our team as the Director of Community and Economic Development. This position will partner with the city leadership team to develop and progress toward strategic goals and guide the day-to-day operation of the community and economic development department. The scope of responsibilities includes technical, administrative, and professional work related to the areas of community development, economic development, inspections, and planning. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of the related laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, grants, and other contract requirements affecting land use, planning, and economic development in the City.

In addition to competitive wages of $101,000 – $145,000 for the position (dependent on qualifications), the City of Wyoming provides a generous benefits package, including:

• Four-day workweek

• 12% employer-paid retirement package

• Comprehensive health insurance through Priority Health

• Dental, vision, and life insurance

• Language incentive pay for multi-lingual employees

• Employer commitment to education, training, and development

• Paid leave time including holidays, sick, vacation, and personal days

• Free access to an employee assistance program

What you will bring along:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. city and regional planning, urban planning, public administration, and/or a related field). A master’s degree is preferred.

• Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners preferred but not required.

• Experience in areas of responsibility, including work related to planning and community development, building inspections, economic development or real estate development and supervising and training employees.

• Creative and strategic thinking and excellent skill in communication.

• Possession of a valid Michigan motor vehicle operator’s permit.

This job may be a great fit for you if:

• You enjoy solving problems and taking initiative.

• You build relationships and collaborate with internal and external partners.

• You work well as part of a team.

• You let respect, competency, and integrity guide you.

• You are driven by casting a vision and leading your team.

• You have experience supervising, mentoring, and developing others.

• You are results-oriented and exercise sound judgment.

• You are a collaborator who looks for creative solutions.

For accommodation requests during the application process, contact the human resources department at hr_fax@wyomingmi.gov.