Director of Development Services

Nestled on the beautiful Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida, Cape Coral boasts a population of approximately 230,000 residents. Established in the 1950s as a pioneering master-planned community, Cape Coral has since grown into one of the nation's fastest-growing cities. Yet, what truly sets Cape Coral apart is its sense of community, where residents care about neighbors and pitch in when they need help.

The city, known as a “Waterfront Wonderland,” is a picturesque waterfront paradise with 400 miles of canals, more than any other city in the world. These canals, some of which are 200 feet wide, are open to boating and fishing with direct access to the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico. Sirenia Vista Park, a manatee haven, offers scenic kayak routes leading to the Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve, while the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve beckons nature enthusiasts. Cape Coral is a dynamic city with a tropical lifestyle and progressive strategies to care for the environment and provide the necessary infrastructure for the future.

Cape Coral is seeking a visionary leader with a strong planning background to serve as the Director of Development Services. Reporting to the Assistant City Manager, the Director will act as the City’s representative, ensuring adherence to city ordinances and serving as the department administrator for the Development Services Department. The role involves collaborating closely with Public Works to enforce engineering and construction-related ordinances, and it demands exercising independent judgment and discretion in matters concerning personnel, policy, and budget administration. This multifaceted position is pivotal in enhancing the community's well-being and aligning with the city's objectives.

The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Construction Management, or a related field, and 10 years of progressively responsible experience in fields commonly/routinely involved in the functions of a community development department including, but not limited to: building, planning, code enforcement, plans review, construction, zoning, development of neighborhood services, redevelopment, and environmental planning; including five years in a supervisory role. Preference will be given to candidates with a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Construction Management, or a closely related field, and membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

The City of Cape Coral offers a comprehensive total compensation package that includes a base salary of up to $180,000 (based on qualifications and experience), relocation expenses and car allowance. Additionally, the City offers the following perks and benefits: free City-paid employee health coverage (dependents may be added at group rates), Employee Health & Wellness Center for free healthcare services, five (5) weeks paid leave time (sick and vacation), eleven (11) paid holidays, pension plan, City-paid basic life and long-term disability insurance, optional vision and dental plans, tuition reimbursement, gym membership reimbursement, and much more!

This position is open until filled; applicants will be reviewed as they are received.

For more information, contact Art Davis at art.davis@bakertilly.com or (816) 868-7042.