Director of Community Development – Highland Park, TX

Deadline for the first review of applications: 6/13/24

The Town of Highland Park is seeking an experienced leader who can successfully manage municipal development services to serve as its next Director of Community Development.

Located approximately four miles from downtown Dallas, the Town of Highland Park was named after its higher elevation and the fact that about 20% of developed land was reserved for park space. Highland Park was incorporated in 1913 and has a population of 8,864 residents in 2.2 square miles of land. There are 2.6 million people living in the greater metro area. Most of the Town is occupied by single family residences; however, the Town contains some multi-family structures as well as retail, restaurant, office, service, and church facilities. With Dallas surrounding Highland Park on its east, west, and south sides, the Town is the perfect combination of small-town feel with big city amenities nearby.

The Town of Highland Park is chartered as a home-rule city and functions under the council-manager form of government. There are six council members, including the mayor, who are elected at-large to two-year terms. The Town has low political dynamics with the Town Council working in a collegial manner with Town staff for the overall betterment of the community. The people, quality of life, and focus on maintenance and improvement of the Town makes Highland Park stand out.

The Community Development Department (formerly Development Services) is composed of six divisions: Planning and Zoning, Building Permits, Code Enforcement, Parks and Recreation, Swimming Pool and Facilities. The department’s goal is to improve the built environment and quality of life in Highland Park through proactive management of the Town’s Parks and Recreation division and the administration of zoning, subdivision, and life safety regulations.

The Director of Community Development serves as a valued member of the Town of Highland Park’s Management team and is responsible for directing all aspects of Parks and Recreation, Planning and Zoning, Building Permits and Inspections, and Code Enforcement for the Town. This includes the administration, operation, planning, financial management, and intergovernmental relations of the department.

The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive knowledge of development-related functions, including planning, building safety, permitting, neighborhood services, and code compliance. They will be an excellent communicator, who is able to work effectively with senior-level management in a variety of public and private organizations. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and problem solver, who can provide executive- level leadership with a high-level of integrity, above-reproach ethics, and a strong commitment to public service.