Community Development Director

POSTED 2/27/2026

SUMMARY: Under general direction, plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the activities and operations of the City’s Community Development Department, including planning, zoning, building safety, code enforcement, and development services to ensure orderly, responsible growth consistent with the City of Nogales General Plan, Zoning & Development Standards Code, and related ordinances.

 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Receives supervision and direction from the City Manager or designee

 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Exercises direct and indirect supervision over professional, technical, and administrative staff within the Community Development Department.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential duties may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. The listed duties and responsibilities are not intended to be exhaustive; they are listed only as general illustrations of the various types of work to be performed and of expected responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities not included are not excluded if they are similar, related, necessary, or in relation to the position.

 

• Serve as Planning & Zoning Director and Building Official for the City.​
• Serve as Executive Secretary to the Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and applicable appeals or heritage/cultural boards and commissions; prepare agendas, staff reports, and recommendations.​​
• Provide leadership, direction, and management of all Community Development services and activities, including current and long-range planning, building plan review and inspection, development review, and code enforcement.​​
• Develop and implement departmental goals, objectives, policies, and procedures that support the City Council’s policy direction and the City’s General Plan and zoning regulations.​
• Plan, assign, supervise, and evaluate the work of staff; provide coaching and performance feedback; recommend selection, discipline, and termination in accordance with City policies.​​
• Lead and coordinate the Development Review Committee and related interdepartmental review processes to ensure timely, coordinated review of development applications.​​
• Review and approve or recommend approval of development applications, subdivision plats, site plans, rezones, variances, conditional use permits, special use permits, text amendments, and related entitlements.​​
• Oversee building safety functions, including review of building permit applications, plan checks, inspections, and issuance of certificates of occupancy in accordance with adopted building codes and standards.​​
• Coordinate with other City departments, outside agencies, and the development community on planning, zoning, infrastructure, and permitting matters to support efficient, customer-focused service delivery.​​
• Meet with architects, engineers, developers, business owners, neighborhood representatives, and residents regarding proposed and ongoing projects; facilitate problem solving and negotiate solutions consistent with City goals and regulations.​​
• Administer and optimize the City’s permit tracking system, including user training, configuration of workflows and fee schedules, and implementation of online citizen access for planning and building services.​​
• Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze land use, zoning, and development trends; direct the preparation of maps, graphics, and data for staff, officials, and the public.​​
• Direct and participate in long-range planning efforts, including updates to the General Plan, zoning and development standards, specific plans, and related policy documents.​​
• Develop and help implement City-wide and downtown redevelopment strategies, corridor plans, and neighborhood enhancement initiatives that support revitalization and economic development.​​
• Oversee and support code enforcement activities related to zoning, land use, signage, property maintenance, and substandard or dangerous buildings, including abatement actions as necessary.​​
• Prepare and manage the Community Development Department budget; monitor revenues and expenditures; identify and pursue grants and other funding sources related to planning, housing, and redevelopment programs.​
• Present complex planning, development, and code issues to the City Council, boards, commissions, community groups, and the public in a clear and understandable manner.​​
• Maintain effective working relationships with City Administration, department heads, elected officials, outside agencies, and the public; represent the City on regional and interagency committees related to planning and development.​​
• Ensure accurate records and files are maintained for planning, permitting, inspections, and enforcement activities in compliance with legal and City requirements.​​
• Support and promote the City of Nogales Community Development mission to direct positive growth while preserving the City’s history, culture, and traditions.​​
• Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and City information, and perform other duties as assigned.

 

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• City policies, procedures, and organizational structure.​
• Concepts, theories, and principles of urban and regional planning, zoning, and land use regulation.​​
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations related to planning, zoning, subdivision, environmental review, building, and housing.​​
• Current planning and development trends, best practices in smart growth, downtown and corridor revitalization, and community engagement.​
• Building codes, construction methods, building systems, occupancy classifications, and basic structural, mechanical, electrical, and life-safety principles.​​
• Principles and practices of public administration, budget preparation and administration, and performance management.​
• Principles and practices of effective employee supervision, leadership, and team building.​​
• Principles and practices of project and program management, including scheduling, workload management, and process improvement.​​
• Methods and techniques of data collection, research, and report preparation, including the use of GIS and permit management systems.​​
• Techniques for effective public presentations, meeting facilitation, conflict resolution, and customer service.

 

SKILL IN:

• Use sound independent judgment and discretion within established policies and legal requirements.​
• Analyze complex planning, zoning, and building issues; define problems, evaluate alternatives, and develop recommendations consistent with City objectives.​​
• Interpret, apply, and explain City ordinances, development codes, policies, and state and federal regulations.​​
• Read and interpret plans, blueprints, maps, specifications, technical reports, and legal descriptions.​
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of professional and technical staff; delegate authority effectively and evaluate performance.​​
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, staff, developers, community organizations, and the general public.​​
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, including preparation and presentation of technical and policy reports.​​
• Manage multiple projects and priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing organizational and community needs.​​
• Operate a personal computer and use standard office software, permit tracking systems, and GIS applications.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Urban or Regional Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Public or Business Administration, or a closely related field.​​
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in municipal planning, community development, economic development, code administration, engineering, construction management, or a closely related field, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Proficiency in English is required to understand and complete job-related reporting, supervision, safety, and communication tasks.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S):

• Master’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, or a closely related field.​​
• Experience in a municipal or county government setting.​​
• Spanish proficiency.

 

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Arizona driver’s license, or ability to obtain within a timeframe specified by the City.​
• Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire, is required or highly preferred as determined by the City.​​
• Holds an Architectural Certificate of Registration issued by the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment with frequent attendance at evening meetings and occasional field inspections.​​
May be required to lift and carry materials and equipment up to 25 pounds, drive to inspection and meeting sites, and work under exposure to typical outdoor conditions during site visits; reasonable accommodations will be made as required.

 

POSITION FEATURES

 

Salary Range: 86 (per current City of Nogales classification and compensation plan).​ $102,000 to $143,000 based on experience and years.

FLSA Status: Exempt.​

Employment Status: At-Will.