City of Littleton The City of Littleton, Colorado is seeking an experienced community development professional to serve as the City's next Community DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Current Salary $104,138 (see “COMPENSATION” for further information) Apply by January 28, 2011 © first review Jan. 28" + open until fled * targeted fill date April 4, 2011Wuy SHouLp | AppLy?. Located in the southwest sector of metropolitan Denver, Colorado, the City of Littleton is a vibrant municipality with a strong sense of history and community. The position of Community Development Director offers the right candidate a unique opportunity to help shape the future of the city while being supported by experienced and professional city management, dedicated city council members, thoughtful citizens, and_ talented department staff. f you are an experienced professional with outstanding leadership and interpersonal skills and are looking for your next challenge, this is the position for youl THE COMMUNITY es The roots of Littleton are nearly as deep as the settling of the west itself. Littleton's formation began in 1862 with the filing of 2 by Richard Sullivan Little, an ‘engineer hired to lay out a system of ditches to carry water to farms and businesses in the fledgling metropolis of Denver City. With the arrival of the Denver and Rio Grande railroad in 1871, settlement began at a rapid pace. In 1890, the town of Littleton was incorporated and in 1904 it became the permanent county seat of Arapahoe County, assuring its continued growth. Today, Littleton has a population of more than 41,000 and an annual median family income of more than $56,000. The population is anticipated to grow to approximately 48,000 in the next ten years. Littleton can be described as a mature in-fil city that is not anticipating significant population growth and whose citizens want to maintain a sustainable, high quality of life. The location of Littleton and the tremendous growth in the areas surrounding the city have made commuter traffic an important factor in expanding the potential for increased commercial and retail services. In addition to automobile traffic, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) has two light rail stations in Littleton which draw commuters to the area. Technology and healthcare are the major growth industries of the city. Qwest Communications, Lockheed Martin, and Littleton Adventist Hospital are just a few of the successful companies providing Littleton with many job opportunities. A revitalized and thriving Main Street Historic District and a major lifestyle shopping center, aS Aspen Grove, complement the other retail businesses that contribute to Littleton’s vitality ‘The regional South Suburban Parks and Recreation District manages more than 1,477 acres of parks and open space in Littleton, as well as approximately 35 miles of bikeways and trails. Included in the city’s park. system is the 878-acre South Platte Park, which is one of the largest suburban natural-area parks in the United States. Additionally, Littleton boasts a Smithsonian-affiliated museum, an exceptionally popular library, and an active theater and arts community. Littleton Public School District, a separate governmental entity, serves all of the City of Littleton and several surrounding cities, and is recognized as one of the best school districts in Colorado. Littleton is, also home to Arapahoe Community College, one of the most comprehensive community colleges in the nation, Serving approximately 18,000 students and with eioririotsy ban 70 coreertcleiedl pomanah in business, health, and technology. THE Cry ee Littleton utiizes_ the councilfmanager form of government. Seven city council members are elected by the citizens of Littleton, three at-large and four from legislative districts, The council elects the mayor and mayor pro-tem. Jim Woods has served as City Manager since 1999 and has been an employee of the city for more than 23 years. The city has 379 full-time and 36 parttime employees working in the following departments: Business and Industy Affairs, Community Development, Public Services, Emergency Planning, Finance, Information Services, Fire, Library, Museum, Police, and Administrative Services. Littleton created a pioneering and sophisticated program that assists entrepreneurs and growing companies. The “Economic Gardening” program has. become a national model for an entrepreneurial approach to economic development. This program is managed by the city’s Business/Industry Affairs Department and, in addition to other services, providesthe use of computer databases to identify markets and assemble profiles on targeted clients. Littleton is also well known for its commitment to the interests of children, seniors, and families. Vibrant recreation facilities, unique senior services and programs, and innovative youth initiatives and partnerships are important components of Littleton’s mission. THE DEPARTMENT The mission of the community development department is to provide and maintain a high quality built environment, while offering excellent customer service, The department works with and provides customer service to citizens, property owners, developers, contractors, and businesses. The department is known for having a well-respected and experienced team of professionals. The community development department has three divisions, the Administration Division, Codes and - Division, and Pl Di nd including the Director, fifteen permanent fulltime employees, four permanent part-time employees, and a shifting, small, set of contract employees. The Administration Division has two primary responsibilities: administration and provision of services for both the Planning and the Codes and Inspections Divisions, including administration of the Planning Commission, and administration of the City’s historic preservation functions, including administration of the Historical Preservation Board. The Division has three permanent full-time positions and one permanent part- time position, The Codes and Inspections Division, with a staff of ten, including two permanent part-time positions, oversees building construction, compliance with City codes, and rental housing inspections. The Division staffs the Building Board of Appeals. The Planning Division, which has a staff of six, including one permanent part-time position, provides guidance for the physical growth and development of the City. The Division has three areas of service: long-range planning, current planning (including development review and zoning) and neighborhood services (linking neighbors to resources). The Division staffs the Board of Adjustment. Te DEVEL aan T DIREC THE PosiTION Reporting to the City Manager, the Community Development Director is responsible for the administration and management of the daily operations of the three divisions in the department. The director prepares, controls, and monitors the department's budget. The Director also plans, implements, and manages programs and procedures to deliver high quality customer service, both intemally and extemally, and to help implement the comprehensive plan. Supervisory responsibilities include directing, training, and evaluating department staff members. As a key member of the leadership team, the Community Development Director is responsible for advising the City Manager, City Council, and staff regarding planning, zoning, and code issues. The director also represents the department in meetings and interactions with other departments, the City Manager, City Council, the Planning Commission, the Historical Preservation Board, and other individuals representing outside agencies. IssUES FACING THE DEPARTMENT aa Littleton has been described as a stable community in transition. A city with many typical firsttier suburban neighborhoods, many of Littieton’s residents, houses, apartments, and retail centers are aging. The older retail centers and some of the new developments are not performing to their potential. There is a need for redevelopment, but that redevelopment that must be undertaken sensitively The new Community Development Director must be proactive when presenting new ideas and explaining, short-term and long-term benefits and consequences of different options. This position will play a crucial role in refining the City’s vision and turing ideas into action. A major project for the City will be the update and eventual adoption of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, which, in tum, will lead to a revision of the zoning and. other planning-related codes and processes. This set, of activities will require working closely with the City Council, Planning Commission, key stakeholders, and, the community. Another area of emphasis for the new director will be an ongoing and expanded program of community outreach and communication.Ca eee THE IDEAL CANDIDATE professional with experience in a public sector organization of comparable complexity and si Experience in the private sector and with historic preservation, code enforcement, development review, and long-range planning is desirable. This position requires expert knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of: urban’ and regional planning and community development management and administration as well as budget and personnel planning and administration. The ideal candidate possesses vision, compassion, unquestionable integrity, and a positive attitude. Candidates must have expert written and verbal ‘communication skills and be able to interact effectively fand openly with Indviduale of verse backgrounds presentations before. the Clty Councl,” Planning Commission, other advisory boards, and the general public. The ability to articulate complex issues to a Variety of audiences and to “think on your feet” will be a plus. The new Community Development Director must be able to handle sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy and be able to maintain confidentiality Experience with citizen participation and community outreach is desirable. Candidates must have the ability to facilitate small groups and build consensus. The successful candidate will have strong management skills and the ability to motivate, empower, and lead employees. He/she will be a team player who keeps ‘everyone informed of decisions. The department's ideal manager is respectful, approachable, and patient. The new Community Development Director will be someone who sets clear expectations and holds employees accountable. He/she must be objective and consistent with all staff members when addressing performance issues as well as acknowledging accomplishments. The ideal candidate will encourage _professional development and ongoing training for employees. PT a The City is looking for a talented senior management a VELOPMENT DIRECTOR EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION Five years of progressively responsible planning or ‘community development experience in _ local government, including management and supervisory experience at a division or department director level is required. Experience in the private sector is desirable. This position requires knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of: urban and regional planning; community development management and administration; public management and administration; budget and personnel planning and administration; and the skill and ability to apply that knowledge to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position. A master's degree in planning, community development, public or business management, put administration, or a closely related field is required, Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Colorado driver's license is required. $104,138 Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Term Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Long-Term Disability plan Vacation - 128+ hours per year DOE, increasing every five yeats Sick leave ~ accrued eight hours per month Employee training and development Tuition reimbursement 401A Money Purchase plan Optional 457 Deferred Compensation plan Eight paid official holidays and 40 hours “floating holiday’ time per year vvy vyvvvv vv City of Littleton For more information, please visit: www.litletongov.org The City of Littleton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by January 28, 2011 (first review, open until filled). To apply, please send a letter of interest, resume, completed application and answers to the supplemental questions online at www.governmentiobs.com or mail to the address below. The link to the application and supplemental questions may also be found at www.littletongov.org. Applications must be included with any mailed submittals or completed online prior to mailing a submittal. For questions call Human Resources, Joo Gryniowicz: 303-795-3859. Human Resources: 2255 West Berry Ave.; Littleton, CO 80165