Community Development Director

The City of Woodstock, Georgia is seeking a Community Development Director to join the Leadership Team.   The City of Woodstock, Georgia is the 27th most populated city in the state. Located in southern Cherokee county, it’s the largest city in the County and only 30 miles north of downtown Atlanta. The city is 13.1 square miles and divided into three main sections: Historic Downtown, Towne Lake and Ridgewalk. Downtown Woodstock offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that can be found nowhere else. In the historic setting of the downtown area, you will find over 100 unique locally owned shops. A unique dining experience also awaits you in Downtown Woodstock. The city economy generates in excess of $5 billion annually. This dynamic city is a Georgia Plan First Community and a recipient of Georgia Municipal Association’s Live, Work, Play City Award. In 2021, for the third time, Money Magazine named Woodstock as one of the top 50 cities in the country to live.  This year Woodstock was ranked 31 out of the thousands of communities analyzed across the U.S.  Only two other Georgia communities made the list. The Community Development Department is responsible for the planning, design, and sustainability of the community. Community Development is responsible for assisting the Mayor and Council with managing the current and long-term growth of the city through the administration of the land development code and the comprehensive plan. The Director of Community Development reports to the City Manager and serves as a member of the Manager’s Leadership Team. The position is responsible for the daily operations of the Department. The Director also works closely with the seven-member Planning Zoning Commission appointed by the Mayor and Council. The Community Development Department has 17 full-time employees with an annual operating budget of approximately $1,785,000.

Find out details about the position by reviewing the recruitment brochure at www.mercergroupassociates.com

The ideal candidate will be an innovative problem solver who can articulate a clear vision and develop a Planning Department culture that embraces emerging trends and planning best practices. The new Community Development Director must be able to demonstrate effective performance through clear, concise communication; collaboration; proper allocation and utilization of resources; sound impartial decision-making and personal accountability. The Director must have a thorough understanding and knowledge of planning, zoning, and land use principles, including the interpretation and implementation of laws, codes, rules, and regulations.   In addition, the Director should be skilled in providing positive, solution-oriented, and effective recommendations for development and redevelopment to meet the needs of the community.  This position requires promoting a culture of teamwork by treating coworkers, stakeholders, and developers with respect and dignity; must have outstanding interpersonal skills & ability to engage diverse groups.

Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in urban/regional planning, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field. Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of related work experience in urban/regional planning, community development, or economic development including three years of supervisory responsibility; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Requires a valid State of Georgia driver's license or have the ability to obtain one prior to employment.
• AICP certification is highly desired

Compensation & Benefits:

The expected starting salary range for this position is $110,000 – $125,000 (depending on qualifications of the selected candidate), with a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental and vision insurance options, retirement plan and a generous leave package.  Relocation expenses are negotiable. 

How to Apply:

Interested candidates must submit by email a cover letter, resume, a list of at least five job related references (including name, email address and phone number), as well as salary history no later than June 30, 2025 to lisaward912@gmail.com.  Any questions please call Lisa Ward, Senior Associate, Mercer Group Associates, at 706-983-9326 or Alan Reddish, Senior Associate at 706-614-4961.

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• Mercer Group Associates

• 706-983-9326