Position Objective

Responsible for developing, directing, and providing ongoing leadership and supervision in the planning, building, economic development, and historic preservation functions of the City. Proactively and cohesively leads the department's many facets in alignment with the City's strategic plan and best practices. This position works collaboratively with staff among all departments, advisory commissions, and the public to develop effective working relationships.

Recruitment Brochure: https://www.wayzata.org/DocumentCenter/View/5878/Employment-Brochure-Final-Copy-123.

This position is open until filled. The first review of applications will take place on Monday, December 23, 2024.

Interview Schedule (subject to change):
First-round interviews: Week of January 13th, 2025
Second-round interviews: Week of January 20th, 2025

2024-2026 Strategic Plan: https://www.wayzata.org/284/Strategic-Planning.

Essential Job Functions

• Leads, supervises, and develops staff in a manner that inspires professionalism, strong inter- and intradepartmental communication, team building, and alignment with Wayzata’s Core Values by:
  • Fostering a respectful workplace culture and championing diversity and inclusion.
  • Demonstrating inspirational leadership by promoting collaboration at all levels and empowering staff to be innovative decision-makers.
  • Using data and continuous improvement methods to drive employees’ work and achieve results.
  • Providing effective management and appropriate supervision, delegation, coaching, and training.
  • Developing short- and long-range plans for staff development.
  • Participating in professional organizations and implementing best practices where appropriate.
  • Providing feedback to employees through both formal and informal performance improvement. 
• Performs complex and sensitive professional planning projects, research, and analysis.
• Oversees planning functions such as large-scale new development proposals and planning studies.
• Serves as staff lead for the City’s lakefront initiative, Panoway, working with consultants, committees, and community members.
• Serves as the liaison and performs all necessary functions in support of the Planning Commission and other ad-hoc task forces. Provides oversight and support to the liaisons of the Panoway District Committee, Energy and Environment Committee, and the Heritage Preservation Board.
• Serves as the liaison and supports the Housing and Redevelopment Authority and its Executive Director on complex redevelopment initiatives such as Tax Increment Financing.
• Manages Parks Planning and the Parks and Trails Board with assistance from the Parks and Environment Planner and Public Works Department.
• Leads community development-related community engagement processes.
• Manages the Community Development Department, including supervision of staff, managing department processes and procedures, preparing department budgets, and establishing goals for the department.
• Effectively communicates in a public forum regarding development items.
• Develops and updates the City’s Comprehensive Plan and other planning studies.
• Oversees the administration of zoning, including managing interpretation and enforcement of City Code.
• Performs research on possible programs, projects, grants, and legislation and reports on their feasibility and potential benefits. 
• Monitors legislation and trends for potential impact on the City. 
• Represent the City at various community events and regional commissions.
• Values relationships with community stakeholders and developers.
• Able to maintain composure in hostile and difficult circumstances.
• Confers regularly with and keeps the City Manager informed of important matters pertaining to Community Development and other related functions.
• Assumes responsibility for special projects as assigned by the City Manager. 
• Performs other duties and assumes responsibilities as apparent or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Urban Studies, Geography, Public Administration, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in community development and/or urban planning. 

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Urban Studies, Geography, Public Administration, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.
• Experience in economic development and redevelopment.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Experience with waterfront/lakefront development.
• AICP Certification