Director of Development

Director of Development
(Planning/Zoning and Economic Development)

The Community
West Chester’s Community Development Director will have the exciting opportunity to serve Ohio’s largest township, “One of America’s Best Places to Live,” and one of Ohio’s Best Communities to do Business. West Chester is committed to superb customer service with an emphasis on integrity, fiscal responsibility and open communications. It is a lean and fiscally sound government known for providing exceptional services to a vibrant community.

More than just a sleepy suburb, West Chester is a sophisticated community with a diverse and vibrant local economy and urban energy fueled by first-to-market dining and entertainment venues and great events.

West Chester hosts two outdoor summer concert series, a weekly farmers market, national sporting events, and several summer festivals.

West Chester’s strategic location, customer base and access has also attracted unique commercial investment that adds to the local economy, inspires visitor traffic, and adds to the quality of life.

West Chester maintains more than 400 acres of recreational space catering to active and passive park enthusiasts and benefits from the services of MetroParks of Butler County. MetroParks manages another 430 acres of recreational space in West Chester at the Voice of America Park.

West Chester is served by the Lakota Local Schools with an enrollment of nearly 17,000 students in 22 buildings. Lakota Local Schools ranks among the state’s top school districts for academic excellence.

West Chester provides an exceptional quality of life for residents and has been recognized seven times as one of “America’s Best Places to Live” by Money Magazine. In 2016, for the fourth consecutive time, West Chester ranked among the top 100 cities of populations ranging from 50,000 to 300,000. West Chester has been designated a Best Community to do Business by Ohio Business Magazine for four years running, 2020 through 2023.

The Position
The Community Development Director plays a vital role in supporting and driving economic growth and development within West Chester Township, Ohio. This position involves collaborating with local businesses, community organizations, and government agencies to promote a thriving economic environment. The CD Director is responsible for implementing strategies and initiatives to attract new businesses, support existing businesses, and enhance the overall economic vitality of the Township.

The CD Director prepares and monitors the department budget and provides management oversight for all functional areas within the Department, including:

• Organizational Leadership : Foster a team-oriented environment that solves problems through collaborative leadership. Promote organizational goals through department and community leadership.
• Community Planning : Provide professional planning and land use advice to department staff, Township administration, Board of Trustees, and Township commissions. Supervises the evaluation of land use proposals for conformity with established plans and zoning codes. Provide staff support to the Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.
• Land Use Planning, Zoning, and Development Regulations : Oversee the comprehensive planning process of the Township. Directly or through staff updates and maintains the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Zoning Code. Ensure compliance with and enforcement of regulations. Respond to resident and business inquiries about Township planning and zoning regulations and resolve complex disputes between planners and applicants, as required.
• Nuisance Abatement: Manage enforcement of zoning code and property maintenance regulations.
• Economic Development Strategy : Develop and implement comprehensive economic development strategies and plans in collaboration with key stakeholders to foster business growth and attract new investments. Plan for future redevelopment opportunities to maintain West Chester’s economic strength.
• Marketing and Promotion : Collaborate with internal marketing team to develop marketing materials, presentations, and campaigns that showcase West Chester as an attractive destination for businesses, investors, and visitors. Represent the Township at trade shows, conferences, and other events to promote economic opportunities.
• Community Outreach : Foster partnerships with local community organizations, educational institutions, and workforce development agencies to address workforce needs, enhance job training programs, and create a pipeline of skilled workers to support economic growth.
• Data Analysis and Reporting : Collect, analyze, and maintain economic and demographic data to identify trends, opportunities, and challenges. Prepare regular reports and presentations to inform township officials, stakeholders, and the public about economic development activities and progress.
• Grant and Funding Opportunities : Research and pursue grant opportunities, incentives, and funding sources to support economic development projects and initiatives.
• Policy and Advocacy : Stay updated on local, regional, and state economic development policies, regulations, and initiatives. Advocate for policies and actions that promote economic growth and attract investment to West Chester.

The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for West Chester’s next Community Development Director will be a dynamic, progressive, and experienced professional. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker and an effective communicator, at ease articulating difficult topics and interacting with all levels of the organization and the public. The CD Director will have a community- and business-friendly attitude while always considering the impact of each decision on Township operations and finances.

The ideal candidate will be a visionary, able to analyze the current state, anticipate future needs, and propose creative approaches to developing and implementing strategic programs for community development. The ideal candidate will guide the Township through evolving urban planning and economic development trends by creating a long-term vision for community development that is aligned with the community's values and aspirations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, urban planning, public administration, or a related field. Advance education, management certifications or extensive experience in the field may be substituted for education and/or experience. Preferred qualifications include Master’s degree in Business Administration or Public Administration, three (3) or more years of director level experience, and prior experience in a township, municipal, or government setting.
• Proven success in planning, zoning, economic development, and business development.
• In-depth understanding of urban planning principles and practices, including nuisance abatement, land use planning, zoning regulations, and comprehensive planning.
• Strong understanding of economic development principles, practices, and trends, including business attraction, retention, and expansion, as well as knowledge of incentives and programs to stimulate economic growth.
• Knowledge of community engagement and outreach methods to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, business owners, community organizations, and government officials.
• Knowledge of relevant public policies impacting community development, including housing policies, transportation planning, and infrastructure development.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques to assess community needs, trends, and opportunities for development.
• Strong negotiation skills to navigate complex land use and development agreements with property owners, developers, and community members.

Compensation
The terms of employment and starting salary are negotiable, with an excellent benefit package. The expected hiring range is $112,000 to $120,000, depending on qualifications; the maximum salary for the position is $157,000.

Housing/moving assistance negotiable upon offer.

How to Apply
Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume through the West Chester Jobs Portal. . Please visit the Jobs Page of the West Chester we bsite for the CD Director application information. The position is open until filled with first review of applications Friday, August 29, 2025.

The selection process includes the following: oral review board, background, and drug/medical screening.

Questions
Please direct questions to West Chester Township Human Resources at [email protected] or 513-759-7217.