The City of Crandall is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Director of Development Services to lead planning, zoning, permitting, inspections, code enforcement, and development finance initiatives in one of the fastest-growing communities in Texas.
Reporting directly to the City Manager, this executive-level position provides strategic leadership for all development-related functions and serves as a key advisor to City Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and other development-related boards and commissions.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future growth of a rapidly expanding city while building processes, teams, and policies that will guide development for years to come.
About Crandall
Located approximately 30 minutes southeast of downtown Dallas in Kaufman County, Crandall is experiencing significant residential and commercial growth. The community's population has nearly doubled since 2020 and continues to expand at a rapid pace. Major residential development, infrastructure investment, and public facility expansion are creating exciting opportunities for professional leadership and community impact.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Planning and Zoning
- Direct all current and long-range planning activities, including zoning, land use, subdivision review, and comprehensive planning.
- Serve as staff liaison to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and other development-related boards.
- Review zoning requests, plats, site plans, and development proposals for ordinance compliance.
- Recommend updates to zoning, subdivision, and development regulations.
- Lead updates to the City's Comprehensive Plan and related planning initiatives.
Permitting, Inspections, and Code Enforcement
- Oversee permitting operations, building inspections, and construction compliance activities.
- Direct code enforcement programs to ensure fair, consistent, and proactive enforcement.
- Evaluate and recommend development fee structures to support cost recovery and competitiveness.
- Improve customer service, efficiency, and consistency throughout the development review process.
Developer Relations and Development Review
- Lead pre-development meetings with developers, engineers, architects, and builders.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for development applicants.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with the development community.
- Provide clear guidance regarding City policies, procedures, and expectations.
Development Finance and Special Districts
- Manage the creation and administration of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZs), Public Improvement Districts (PIDs), and similar financing tools.
- Coordinate with consultants, developers, legal counsel, and financial advisors.
- Monitor district performance and compliance requirements.
- Prepare presentations and provide updates to City Council.
Department Leadership
- Advise the City Manager and City Council on planning, development, and growth management matters.
- Monitor state and federal legislation affecting planning, zoning, development, and building codes.
- Develop and manage departmental budgets.
- Recruit, supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate departmental personnel.
- Establish departmental policies, procedures, and customer service standards.
- Manage consultant contracts and third-party service providers.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible municipal planning or development experience.
- Minimum three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.
- Experience managing development review processes, planning and zoning functions, and development finance tools such as TIRZs, PIDs, or similar programs.
- Strong knowledge of Texas development statutes, building codes, and applicable regulations.
- Valid Texas Class C Driver License or ability to obtain upon hire.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field.
- American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
- Certified Public Manager (CPM) credential.
- Experience in a high-growth municipality.
Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be a collaborative and decisive leader who can balance community interests with development opportunities. They will possess strong communication skills, technical planning expertise, and the ability to effectively present information to elected officials, staff, developers, and the public.
The ideal candidate demonstrates sound judgment, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to customer service while maintaining regulatory compliance and advancing the City's long-term vision.
Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.
Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be a collaborative and decisive leader who can balance community interests with development opportunities. They will possess strong communication skills, technical planning expertise, and the ability to effectively present information to elected officials, staff, developers, and the public.
The ideal candidate demonstrates sound judgment, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to customer service while maintaining regulatory compliance and advancing the City's long-term vision.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary
$85,000 - $100,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.
Benefits Include
Retirement
- Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
- Employee contribution: 8%
- City match: 2-to-1 at retirement
- Five-year vesting
Health & Wellness
- Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Short- and long-term disability coverage
- Wellness benefits
- Supplemental insurance options available
Paid Time Off
- Vacation leave
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Sixteen (16) paid holidays annually
Professional Development
- Tuition reimbursement
- Longevity pay
- Support for AICP, CPM, and related professional certifications
Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily in an office environment with occasional field inspections. Attendance at evening and weekend meetings, including Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council meetings, is required. Duties involve prolonged sitting, standing, computer use, and occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds.
Application Process
To be considered, applicants must complete both of the following steps:
- Submit a completed City of Crandall Employment Application to:
Tamara Chappell
Email: tchappell@crandalltexas.com
- Apply through the Texas Municipal League Career Center.
Recruitment Information
Position Open Until Filled
For questions regarding this opportunity, contact Tamara Chappell at tchappell@crandalltexas.com.
The City of Crandall is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
