Director of Community Development

Salary: $112,312.96 - $151,622.49 Annually
Location : New Berlin City Hall, WI
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number:
Department: Department of Community Development
Division: Community Development
Opening Date: 11/04/2026
Closing Date: 11/20/2026 4:30 PM Central

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Community Development is responsible for providing leadership in formulating, implementing, and directing operations for City community development programs, overseeing all aspects of the City's Planning, GIS/LIS, Engineering Services, Building Inspection Services, Code Enforcement, Water Resources Utility, Park Planning & Design, Facility Planning, Emergency Management, Tourism/Destination Marketing, Housing and Economic Development functions through subordinate supervisors and staff.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Interprets and presents City development policies and professional planning, community development & land use advice to various committees, boards & commissions, individuals, public, and civic groups.
• Directs the review process of development applications. Serves as technical advisor to the Mayor.
• Directs and ensures that the Department serves as a true "one-stop-shop" for all plan review, permitting, inspection and occupancy activities through the Permit Application Center (PAC).
• Directs and coordinates the development and implementation of the City's Comprehensive Plan, Zoning & Subdivision Codes, neighborhood plans, etc., including coordination of the research and analysis.
• Directs and coordinates the Department's efforts regarding projects relating to Public Works and the City's CIP Planning & Budgeting.
• Directs and coordinates implementation of the Geographic/Land Information Systems (GIS/LIS).
• Directs and coordinates implementation of all Building Inspection services and activities.
• Directs and coordinates implementation of all Code Enforcement/Zoning Administration inspection and compliance activities.
• Coordinate all siting, planning, design, engineering, construction management and implementation for projects related to: roadway maintenance, rehabilitation and reconstruction; public facilities; parks and open spaces; storm water and water resource management; public streetscapes; and CIP budgets.
• Coordinate bi-annual PASER evaluations for all City-owned streets and parking lots and prepare coordinated PASER report.
• Responsible for developing, coordinating and implementing all city public infrastructure standards via the Developer's Handbook, including, but not limited to, road, sanitary, water, storm sewer, public buildings/facilities, building systems and grounds.
• Directs and coordinates implementation of all Emergency Management activities and serves as liaison between EM staff, the Mayor and Common Council.
• Directs and coordinates the preparation of a general plan for emergency management of the city and integrate plan into the City's overall Comprehensive Plan.
• Will assist city departments in the coordination of EM related non-emergency citywide special projects.
• Directs and coordinates implementation of the City's Stormwater Management Plan and Water Resources Utility research, planning, and operational activities in concert with the Streets Department.
• Directs and coordinates the inventory and analyzing the needs of the community by updating the City's Park and Open Space Plan, at a minimum every five years, and incorporate into the City's overall Comprehensive Plan;
• Guide in the acquisition, dedication, preservation, and development of lands for public parks, facilities, and grounds in conjunction with the Plan Commission; coordinate the planning, engineering, design, development and coordination of contracts:
• Consults with the Plan Commission, CDA and/or other appropriate boards and commissions, for all existing and proposed public parks, public facilities and public grounds in accordance with Common Council approvals as part of a CIP budget and/or plan; provide linkages between parks, open spaces, and public destinations
• Directs and coordinates all Park Planning activities with regards to identifying and / or acquiring new active and/or passive parklands / open space and preparing their associated layouts and designs. Works in cooperation with the Facilities Department on park space programming and relating new functional spaces to the approved park plan/design.
• Directs the economic development program and coordinates with the Mayor, Chamber of Commerce, Waukesha County, the New Berlin Industrial Park Association and/or any other appropriate agencies.
• Supervises department employees either directly or through subordinate supervisors.
• Directs the maintenance of department records and reports.
• Prepares and administers the department budgets.
• Serves as Secretary to the Plan Commission.
• Serves as Secretary of the Housing Authority.
• Serves as Executive Director of Community Development Authority.
• Serves as City's Fair Housing Compliance Officer and provides support to the Housing Trust Fund Board.

OTHER DUTIES

• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Ability to manage department employees either directly or through subordinate supervisors.
• Ability to direct and manage the administration and technical functions of the department.
• Knowledge of municipal community development, planning and engineering policies and programs in order to develop and implement strategies for department programs and goals.
• Knowledge of land uses and laws and ordinances governing zoning, in order to revise, interpret and apply the codes in accordance with all appropriate guidance.
• Knowledge of technical functions, including reading plans and maps and statistical and research methods and sources of data relating to municipal growth.
• Ability to prepare and maintain a budget.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing, including presenting technical issues before the Council and preparing technical reports.
• Knowledge of computer software packages such as GIS, Cartegraph, MUNIS, and/or database and word processing packages for daily use.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Master's Degree in Urban Planning, Engineering, or a Bachelor's Degree in Planning or Engineering with a Master's Degree in Public Administration/Management or related field.

Experience

• 10 years of experience in Municipal Community Development and Managing staff providing all services associated with Community Development.

Certifications/Licenses

• Certification by American Institute of Certified Planner (AICP) desirable.
• Ability to obtain the Basic WEM Certification (ability to obtain, not required).

SUPPLMENTAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Manual Dexterity

• Work requires definite skilled and accurate physical operations requiring some closely coordinated performance.

Physical Effort

• Work requires handling average weight materials or equipment, but not for sustained periods.

Environmental Requirements

• Some exposure to disagreeable features

Sensory Requirements

• The task requires close visual acuity to perform various activities.
• The task requires oral communications ability.
• The task requires sound perception.

FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE
BENEFITS 2026
**Please note that these descriptions are general statements, and all benefits will be determined by the applicable plan documents in effect. Benefits are subject to change and may not be enrolled in without meeting qualifying event deadlines and necessary eligibility.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Employees have the option of enrolling in a High Deductible Health plan offered by the City with a $2,000 single deductible and a $4,000 family deductible. The effective date of coverage is the employee's start date.

Employee Monthly CostSingle$141.08Family$366.78
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT
The city's health insurance is an HSA plan. The city contributes to the employee's Health Savings Account with a total of $300/year for those on an individual plan and $600/year for those on a family plan.

HERO Program
The City offers a voluntary spousal health reimbursement program for employees who are currently enrolled in another group health plan.

DENTAL INSURANCE
Employees have the option of enrolling in Delta Dental with employee premiums paid entirely by the City. Employees can choose to purchase coverage for Spouse or Dependents at the listed rates. Dental coverage would be effective the 1st of the month following the date of hire.
Employee Monthly CostEmployee$0Employee + 1$37.84Family$100.32
VISION INSURANCE
Employees have the option of enrolling in Delta Vision/Eyemed Network with employee premiums paid entirely by the City. Employees can choose to purchase coverage for Spouse or Dependents at the listed rates. Vision coverage would be effective the 1st of the month following the date of hire.
Employee Monthly CostEmployee$0Employee + 1$4.80Family$10.54
LIMITED PURPOSE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS
This plan allows you to make pre-tax payroll contributions to use for the reimbursement of qualified out-of-pocket dental and vision expenses. The 2026 contribution limit is $3,400. Coverage begins on the first of the month following the date of hire.

DEPENDENT CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS
This plan allows you to make pre-taxed payroll contributions to use for reimbursement of your dependent care expenses. The IRS allows you to contribute up to $7,500 per year from your paycheck for child and/or elder care. Coverage begins on the first of the month following the date of hire.

LIFE INSURANCE
Life Insurance is provided to each City employee at no cost. Coverage is one times the annual salary rounded up to the next thousand with double indemnity for accidental death. Life insurance policies go into effect on the first of the month following the date of hire.

SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE INSURANCE
You may choose to elect dependent life insurance for your spouse and/or eligible dependents. Employees pay the full premium cost for dependent life insurance. Coverage will begin the first of the month following the date of hire.

VOLUNTARY WORKSITE BENEFITS
City of New Berlin offers supportive voluntary benefit options for Accident Insurance and Critical Illness Insurance. These benefits help pay for unexpected medical costs and other expenses. Each offering is ala carte so you can select the plan that is right for you and your family. Payroll deductions for the Voluntary Supportive benefits are only offered as after-tax deductions, so any benefits received under these plans are tax-free.

WISCONSIN RETIREMENT SYSTEM (WRS)
As a full-time employee, you will automatically be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System. This pension is administered by the State of Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds.
You will be required to pay the employee's share of contributions to the fund, while City of New Berlin contributes the employer's share. Employees are vested in their portion of contributions immediately and after five years of creditable service for the employer contribution.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION (Section 457 Plan)
The City of New Berlin offers access to a 457 Deferred Compensation program that allows you to save and invest for retirement through payroll deduction. This completely employee funded. Participation is voluntary and employees can enroll at any time. Employees may contribute on a pre-tax or Roth basis.

FREE RECPASS
City of New Berlin employees are able to receive a complimentary Gym and Track RecPASS! RecPASS is a membership that allows for unlimited visits to any drop-in programs at the New Berlin Activity and Recreation Center. Drop-in programs currently include the walking track, open gym, open pickleball, open volleyball and cardio & strength equipment.

ELECTRONIC DIRECT DEPOSIT
Employees will be required to have their paychecks electronically deposited into the financial institution and account of their choice. Participants will receive a statement of earnings each payday as opposed to a payroll check.

WORKER'S COMPENSATION
As an employee of City of New Berlin, you are protected under the Worker's Compensation Act, which provides for hospital, medical, surgical care, and income loss payments for work-related injuries and illnesses.

JURY DUTY
In the event you are subpoenaed for jury duty you will be eligible for paid leave.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
City of New Berlin offers access to a free confidential Employee Assistance Program for all employees and members of their household. The program provides a helping hand with such problems as stress, family & relationship concerns, alcohol or drug dependency, workplace conflicts, work life balance, depression and anxiety, parenting concerns, grief or loss, crisis situations, child or elder care resources, and convenience resources. Participants can receive up to six (6) visits in person or telephonically with an EAP Provider per clinical issue per 12 months at no cost.
HOLIDAYS
If a holiday falls on a Sunday, following Monday is observed as a day off. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed as a day off.
New Year's DayThanksgiving DayGood FridayDay after ThanksgivingMemorial DayChristmas EveIndependence DayChristmas DayLabor DayNew Year's Eve

VACATION
Regu