Exciting things are happening at the City of Sparks! If you are looking for a meaningful career that has a positive impact on the community, join our team!
The City of Sparks is seeking to hire one Community Development Director. This posting will be open until filled, with a first review of applications occurring by September 14, 2026. Application review dates may occur sooner, and the posting may be extended or close without notice as needed. Therefore, individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. Only complete applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications. Candidates that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment.
About the job: Aside from working for a City team that is dedicated to their community, the person selected will oversee the newly established Community Development department as the Department Director. The selected candidate can expect a generous and competitive salary and benefit package which includes a comprehensive Group Health Insurance package and 100% City paid premium payment, retirement contributions made 100% by the City into a qualified Nevada PERS account, deferred compensation matching at 100% up to IRS allowable amounts, and more. See full description of benefits under Executive Management Resolution NO. 3499 here.
Application Tips:
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COMPLETELY fill out and update your general online application before attaching it to any job posting. HR reviews information listed on the application submitted to the specific job posting. HR does NOT use personnel files in the screening process.
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Contact information: use an email address you can easily access at any time.
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The Qualifications section below is your guide to understand what the City is looking for on your application, use this to your advantage. It is up to the candidate seeking employment/promotion to include all relevant information for qualification purposes, on the application the candidate submits to be considered for the job.
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ATTACHMENTS REQUIRED: remember to attach all licenses/transcripts/certificates required at time of application to demonstrate you meet the qualifications for the position you believe you meet the qualifications for at time of application, before submitting your application. Attaching your education and certification requirements (see qualifications section to determine what documents are required for attachment at time of application) will allow you to continue in the recruitment process. Failure to attach these requirements will constitute disqualification.
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Candidates who have an Bachelor's degree or higher must attach proof of degree conferred in engineering, regional or urban planning, environmental planning, public administration or a related field. If the required documentation is not received with the application, the candidate's application will be disqualified.
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DO NOT attach resumes or cover letters. The City of Sparks does not review these items with the application.
If you have any questions, please email
[email protected]. The City of Sparks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
DESCRIPTION
Plan, organize and direct the activities and programs of the Community Development Department. Provide expert professional assistance to City leadership staff on policy development, program planning, fiscal management, administration and operation of assigned functional areas including development services, building and safety, land use planning, code enforcement, housing programs Community Development Block Grant, public infrastructure coordination associated with private development projects, including review and administration of development agreements, subdivision improvements, utility and roadway coordination, drainage and grading considerations, traffic and circulation impacts, economic development and redevelopment.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This single class is the department head of the City of Sparks Community Development Department. Functions as the Community Development Director as provided in municipal code.
Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below, on their completed application, to continue in the recruitment process. If there are certifications or degrees that require proof of completion, be sure to attach them to your application before submission:
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, regional or urban planning, environmental planning, public administration or a related field and five (5) years of management experience in planning, public administration, or a related field.
Licenses and Certificates:
Must possess within thirty (30) days of hire and maintain throughout employment, the equivalent to a valid Nevada Class C driver's license.
Must possess within ninety (90) days of hire and maintain throughout employment, Incident Command System (ICS) 100/200, ICS 700/800, and must possess as soon as available and maintain throughout employment, ICS 300/400.
Plan, organize, coordinate and direct the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the Community Development Department. Prepare and administer the department’s budget.
Work closely with the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City staff, public and private organizations, and citizen groups in developing programs and implementing projects to solve problems related to the Community Development function. Provide technical assistance, directly or through subordinate staff.
Participate in the City’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, including implementation of equitable hiring, evaluation, and retention practices, compliance with applicable laws, staff training, and ensuring all employees and customers are treated with respect and have equitable access to City services.
Liaise for the Community Development Department with other City departments and outside agencies.
Prepare and recommend plans for City services and programs. Develop proposals for action on current and future City planning and infrastructure needs. Advise the City Manager, the Assistant City Manager, the Mayor and City Council on related issues and programs.
Assist in the preparation and administration of the City’s budget and strategic planning process. Interpret City regulations and various ordinances, codes and applicable laws to ensure compliance. Direct zoning and other code enforcement activities. Ensure applicable ordinances and regulations are followed. Direct the maintenance and updating of the City’s comprehensive plan, zoning code, and other applicable documents.
Represent the City and Community Development Department in meetings with public officials, public agencies and civic groups to coordinate, develop and implement projects and programs.
Direct the preparation of and personally prepare a variety of complex administrative and technical reports. Direct the maintenance of departmental records. Coordinate the preparation of a variety of reports or presentations for City Council, boards and commissions, management, and outside agencies.
Lead and supervise the department’s subordinate managers and supervisors. Direct the selection, supervision and the work evaluation of department personnel. Monitor and direct employee relations and grievance procedures. Provide for staff development and training programs.
Direct the development of management systems, procedures and standards for program evaluation. Monitor developments related to assigned areas. Evaluate their impact on City operations and implement policy and procedure improvements. Direct and participate in Community Development and planning aspects of the redevelopment process.
Perform other duties which may be assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
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Knowledge of principles, practices and analysis of budget, strategic planning and financial reporting
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Knowledge of principles, practices and programs related to municipal infrastructure administration, development services, land use planning, code enforcement, building regulations, community development block grant, economic development and redevelopment
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Knowledge of principles and practices of labor negotiations and employee contract administration
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Knowledge of principles and practices of emergency management and ability to manage emergency events using the Incident Command System
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Knowledge of funding sources impacting program and service development
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Knowledge of and ability to work with social, political and environmental issues influencing program administration
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Ability to analyze complex technical and administrative problems, evaluate alternative solutions and adopt effective courses of action
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Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials using a variety of media
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Ability to make persuasive public presentations
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Ability to use computer applications and software related to the work including Microsoft Office
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Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with those contacted during work
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Ability to have direct and difficult conversations with others as needed
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Ability to reason logically and make sound decisions, including consideration of alternative and diverse perspectives
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Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
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Ability to remain poised under all circumstances and to interact effectively with people in a positive manner that engenders confidence and trust within general policy guidelines
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Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of citizens, public and private organizations, boards and commissions and City staff
Physical Demands:
Aside from working in a general office environment while using standard office equipment, the majority of the work is sedentary in nature and consists of daily exposure to equipment that may potentially cause visual sensitivity such as computer monitors. May need to lift, carry, push and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight. Will occasionally work outdoors and will need to drive between City and regional locations.
SUPPLEMENTAL JOB INFORMATION
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This position is Exempt under FLSA guidelines
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This position is at-will and exempt from the Regulations of the Civil Service Commission
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This position is subject to an Employee Resolution
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This position reports to the City Manager or Assistant City Manager
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Supervision exercised: Direct staff through subordinate management personnel
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May be required to work during emergency circumstances or inclement weather conditions
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May be required to pass a pre-placement drug screen and background investigation
Complete application information including all certifications, degrees, transcripts and work experience are required to be submitted by the applicant at time of application in order for the application to be fully reviewed. Failure to submit the required and/or requested information may result in rejection of your application.
Recruitment Communication
Human Resources will contact you at various stages of the recruitment process via email, even if you have chosen U.S. mail for prior application processes or for applications with other agencies. Please ensure your email address is up to date, accurate, and accessible by you.
Reasonable Accommodation
Human Resources will make efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled applicants in the selection process. If you have special needs, please notify the Human Resources office when you turn in your application or at least three (3) business days prior to the examination/interview by calling (775) 353-2345.
Disclaimer
The City of Sparks hires and promotes applicants based on a competitive selection process, which may include any or all of the following: screening for minimum qualifications, examinations in relation to the job, interviews, or any combination which the City of Sparks may require.
The City of Sparks reserves the right to select applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications for the position.
Applicants moving forward in the selection process are subject to submitting for a background check that may include review of criminal records. Applicants with criminal records should note that a conviction will not necessarily bar the applicant from employment. When considering the applicant’s background and criminal record, the length of time that has passed since the offense, the age of the applicant at the time of the offense, the severity and nature of the offense in relation to the position for which the applicant has applied, and evidence of the rehabilitation of the applicant will be considered prior to an employment decision can be made.
