The City of Kalamazoo is seeking a strategic, innovative, and community-focused leader to serve as Director of Community Planning & Economic Development. The CPED department is the lead department for advancing the Imagine Kalamazoo Master Plan - the land use and transportation plan for a more connected, equitable, and thriving city. As Director, you will provide leadership across 5 divisions: planning, code administration, building trades, economic development, and community development. The position is part of the City Manager's senior leadership team ensuring alignment with city priorities, fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, and managing critical initiatives in budgeting, communications, and strategic planning. The ideal candidate is a collaborative problem-solver, a clear and persuasive communicator, and a visionary leader capable of balancing big-picture strategy with operational excellence. If you are passionate about public service and eager to make a lasting impact, we invite you to join us in shaping Kalamazoo's future. 

Essential Qualifications

Desirable Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, 
Architecture, or a related field, Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in planning, development, 
and municipal administration or related experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience.
• Strong, clear communicator and excellent interpersonal skills; proven ability to effectively 
and positively communicate with the public and all levels within the organization.
• Demonstrates a sense of urgency, prioritizes well, shows energy, responds to opportunities, 
instills urgency in others. and meets deadlines.
• Previous experience with preparing reports, researching information, gathering, analyzing 
and interpreting data.
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking and skills.
• Ability to translate vision into implementation
• Knowledge of Federal and State financing, redevelopment tools, and partnerships.
• Ability to develop budgets with multiple funding sources spread over multiple fiscal years
• Skilled at leading multi-disciplinary teams
• Experience as a department director or deputy director