Director of Community & Economic Development

Employer
White County BOC
Cleveland, Georgia

Description
About White County: Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, White County is known for its natural beauty and abundant rivers, including the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River. The county offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and boasts a thriving tourism sector supported by strong agricultural and manufacturing industries. As one of Georgia’s most visited and admired destinations, White County combines rural charm, a scenic landscape, a high-performing school system, and convenient access to major amenities – making it a truly exceptional place to live, work, and do business.

White County is currently accepting applications for the Director of Community & Economic Development. This leadership role oversees Economic Development, Planning, Building Inspections, Code Enforcement, and GIS – managing a team of seven (7) employees. The position reports directly to the County Manager.

White County offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. The successful candidate must pass a drug screen and background check. Resumes may be submitted in addition to the required application; however, a completed application is necessary for consideration. Position open until filled. White County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This position is responsible for directing the county’s community and economic development functions.

• Directs the county’s planning and zoning, building inspection, GIS, and code enforcement operations.
• Establishes standard operating procedures (SOP’s) for assigned departments, organizes training, assigns and evaluates work, coaching, and delivers continuous process improvement with a focus on customer service.
• Serves as the county’s primary economic development professional; provides staff support for the Development Authority and supports the implementation of its strategic plan; serves as county liaison to local business and tourism boards and committees; represents the county on the Joint Development Authority.
• Meets with staff, residents, contractors, architects, engineers, developers, and property owners concerning interpretation and application of codes and procedural processes.
• Oversees internal Plan Review Committee process.
• Oversees building permitting and inspection processes; provides clarification of local building ordinances for inspectors, developers, contractors, and the general public.
• Oversees planning and zoning operations to include serving as liaison to the Planning Commission; provides clarifications of land use/development ordinances.
• Oversees and manages the public hearing process at Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners meetings.
• Provides staff recommendations for variances, rezoning, conditional use permits, appeals, and preliminary / final plat approvals.
• Oversees the enforcement of county codes.
• Oversees the development and maintenance of geographic information system (GIS) data, including the 911 addressing system, road maps, environmental maps, voting district maps, etc.
• Conducts pre-application meetings with citizens, including those applying for short-term rentals, variances, and rezoning.
• Represents the department before the White County Board of Commissioners; prepares agenda requests and presents items to the Board from the Planning Commission and for the operation of the department; responds to inquiries and requests from the Commission.
• Prepares and administers annual department budgets; approves invoices, purchase orders, routine operating expenses, and major purchases; monitors budget and reviews monthly.
• Approves employee time; coordinates and approves leave; conducts performance evaluations.
• Coordinates the department response to open records requests.
• Represents the county at regional economic development events and at the Georgia Mountain Regional Commission; works with other organizations to coordinate economic development activities.
• Reviews and approves Business Occupational Tax applications for zoning approval.
• Remains informed of current resolutions and/or ordinances related to land use, planning, building inspections, growth and development, and code enforcement; recommends procedures changes and code modifications.
• Administers and writes grants.
• Coordinates the required update to the county’s comprehensive plan.
• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of economic development, planning and zoning, building inspection, code enforcement, and GIS management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of budget management principles.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, county ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
• Skill in management and supervision.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in prioritizing and planning.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

• The County Manager assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. The supervisor reviews work through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities.

GUIDELINES

• Guidelines include the county code of ordinances, state laws, federal and state building codes, and county and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. This position develops departmental guidelines.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied management, administrative, and supervisory duties. The need to interpret ordinances and regulations to apply in a variety of cases and circumstances contributes to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to direct the county’s community and economic development activities. Successful performance contributes to the successful promotion of economic development and consistent interpretation and application of codes and ordinances as well as to the improvement of quality of life for the community.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with coworkers, other county personnel, elected and appointed officials, other professionals in the field, representatives of regional or state agencies, engineers, architects, attorneys, utility employees, members of the news media, business owners, representatives of non-profit organizations, contractors, property owners, real estate agents, and the general public.
• Contacts are typically to exchange information, motivate persons, negotiate matters, justify matters, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, or stooping.
• The work is typically performed in an office.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

• This position has direct supervision over Senior Planner, Planner, Chief Building Official, GIS Coordinator, Building Inspector, Code Enforcement Officer, and Permit Technician.

Job Requirements

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the division/department in order to direct and coordinate work within the division/department, usually interpreted to require three to five years of related experience.
• Possession of or ability to obtain AICP Certification, GSWCC Level IB (Inspector), and Level II (Plan Reviewer)
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Salary Range
$99,000 – $120,000

Benefits
Please visit here to view benefits summary.

How to Apply

APPLY ONLINE

Deadline
12/31/2025