Director of Community Development
Reports To: City Manager
Department: Community Development
Salary Range: DOQ (MINIMUM ANNUAL SALARY $106,049)
Revised: 12/5/2025 Position Summary
The Director of Community Development provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for Martinsville’s planning, zoning, neighborhood development, code enforcement, inspections, and community revitalization initiatives. This position plays a central role in shaping Martinsville’s long-term growth, economic vitality, and overall quality of life. The Director oversees a multidisciplinary team, manages departmental budgets, collaborates with regional partners, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The position requires a forward-thinking leader who is committed to transparency, customer service, and community engagement. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide administrative and strategic leadership for all Community Development functions, including Planning & Zoning, Building Inspections, GIS, Community Improvement, and related programs.
- Develop and implement plans, policies, and programs that support sustainable growth, neighborhood revitalization, and community well-being.
- Oversee the development of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and other long-range planning documents.
- Manage building and property maintenance code enforcement; ensure the proper issuance of permits, inspections, and compliance activities.
- Coordinate community redevelopment initiatives, including blight abatement, housing rehabilitation, redevelopment area plans, and grant-funded projects.
- Administer state and federal programs such as CDBG, HOME, and other housing or revitalization grants; manage all project reporting and compliance.
- Serve as staff liaison to the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Architectural Review Board, EDA Board, and other appointed bodies.
- Work closely with economic development, public works, utilities, public safety, and other departments to ensure coordinated development review and project implementation.
- Prepare and manage the department’s annual budget; monitor expenditures and ensure effective use of resources.
- Maintain strong working relationships with community stakeholders, business leaders, developers, nonprofit partners, regional planning agencies, and citizens.
- Provide training, supervision, and performance evaluation for departmental staff.
- Prepare clear, accurate reports and presentations for the City Manager, City Council, and advisory boards.
- Ensure timely, customer-service-oriented permitting, zoning, and development review processes.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
- Comprehensive knowledge of municipal planning, zoning administration, community development principles, and building code enforcement.
- Strong understanding of land-use law, zoning best practices, and federal/state regulatory frameworks.
- Skills in strategic planning, project management, and overseeing complex development projects.
- Ability to interpret and apply zoning ordinances, building codes, and development regulations.
- Proficiency in GIS applications, development review software, and data-driven decision making.
- Excellent communication skills, including public speaking, report writing, and presentation to elected officials and community groups.
- Ability to build positive relationships, balance competing interests, and facilitate community consensus.
- Leadership skills that promote teamwork, accountability, and professional development.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Architecture, Engineering, or related field required.
- Master’s degree in Planning, Public Administration, or related discipline preferred.
- Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in planning, community development, or local government administration, including supervisory experience.
- AICP certification preferred or the ability to obtain within two years of employment.
- Valid Virginia driver’s license or ability to obtain one within six months.
- Work is primarily performed in an office environment with periodic field visits to active construction sites, neighborhoods, and redevelopment areas.
- Occasional attendance at evening meetings is required.
- Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally and navigate uneven terrain during field inspections.
Recommended Jobs
Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Cardiac PET/CT)
Location: Fairfax, VA Status: Part-Time / Non-Exempt Pay Range: $44.00 - $49.00 Hourly Are you looking for new career opportunities, great wages, excellent benefits, and work-life balance? Fol…
Front Country Recreation Teams for the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
Title: Front Country Recreation Teams for the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Location: Multiple positions available in the following locations - Blacksburg, VA or Natural Bri…
Restaurant Manager
Great American Restaurants is seeking a dedicated and dynamic Restaurant Manager to lead one of our bustling locations in Northern Virginia. This pivotal role is perfect for someone passionate about c…
Incident Response Security Consultant, Mandiant, Google Cloud
Note: By applying to this position you will have an opportunity to share your preferred working location from the following: Reston, VA, USA; Atlanta, GA, USA. Minimum qualifications: ~ Bachelor's…
Licensed Clinician - LCSW, LPC (Clinical License) - up to $8,300/month
Location: Richmond, VA 23225 Date Posted: 12/30/2025 Category: Behavioral Education: Master’s Degree Our client is seeking Licensed Clinicians in the Richmond, VA area. CLIENT'S AVAILABL…
Principal Associate, Project Manager (eData Customer Support for Product Operations)
Overview Principal Associate, Project Manager (eData Customer Support for Product Operations) Job Description As a Project Manager at Capital One, you will help initiate strategy and lead ex…
Inventory Control Employee
Job Summary Our Truck Service team is comprised of nearly 3,000 highly skilled technicians and spans coast to coast. With over 280 locations across the country, TA Truck Service has a solid founda…
Electric Service Technician Apprentice
Start Your Electrical Career in Rocky Mount, VA with Expert Training & a Clear Path to Success At Wisler Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electric, we believe in building top-tier electricians from the …
Inside Sales Representative
ABC Supply is the nation’s largest wholesale distributor of exterior and interior building products. At ABC Supply, Inside Sales Associates provide unparalleled service as they help customers purchas…