Community Development Director

The City of Perry, GA, is more than just a place on the map—it’s a community on the rise, blending small-town charm with big ideas for the future. They are looking for a visionary leader to take the helm as their next Community Development Director, shaping Perry’s growth, fostering vibrant neighborhoods, and driving innovative initiatives. Perry is a full-service municipality with 220 employees and an FY25 “all funds” budget of approximately $54.8 million. Through the operations of ten (10) departments, the City provides a wide range of services to nearly 25,000 residents and 754 businesses. Founded in 1824, the City of Perry is located in Houston County in the heart of Middle Georgia. The historic community currently encompasses approximately 27 square miles along I-75, 90 miles south of Atlanta. The city has been able to capitalize on proximity to Robins Air Force Base, excellent schools, unique downtown, high quality of life, and location in transforming from a small town to a vibrant and growing community. As a hub of state and federal highways, home of the award-winning Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter and with events like the Dogwood Festival, Perry International festival, Food Truck Friday, and the annual Perry Buzzard Drop New Year’s Eve bash, Perry is “Where Georgia Comes Together”.

Find out details about the position by reviewing the recruitment brochure at www.mercergroupassociates.com

The Community Development Director is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Community Development department. Oversee the technical work associated with zoning, enforcement of codes and ordinances, issuing of permits and licenses, engineering, and planning of community facility projects. The department has 15 positions and a budget of $1.7M. The City of Perry seeks a professional Community Development Director who is a team player and has a proven record successfully leading planning and zoning functions within a public/governmental agency/organization. The ideal candidate will be an innovative thinker who can articulate a clear vision and develop a culture within the Community Development Department, that embraces emerging trends and planning best practices. The ideal candidate must be able to demonstrate effective performance through clear, concise communication; collaboration; proper allocation and utilization of resources; sound impartial decision-making and personal accountability. The Director must have a thorough understanding and knowledge of planning, zoning, and land use principles, including the interpretation and implementation of laws, codes, rules, and regulations. In addition, the Director should be skilled in providing positive, solution-oriented, and effective recommendations for development and redevelopment to meet the needs of the community. This position requires promoting a culture of teamwork by treating coworkers, stakeholders, and developers with respect and dignity and must have outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with diverse groups.

Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in urban/regional planning, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field. Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of related work experience in urban/regional planning, community development, or economic development including three years of supervisory responsibility; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Requires a valid State of Georgia driver’s license or have the ability to obtain one prior to employment.
• AICP certification is highly desired and demonstrates a commitment to the profession.

Compensation & Benefits:

The expected starting salary range for this position is $110,000 - $125,000 (depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate), with a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental and vision insurance. The city offers life insurance and long-term and short-term disability insurance, as well as a 457(b)-retirement savings plan. The Empower retirement 457(b) contribution plan and the 401(a)-employer match plan is available on day one for full-time eligible employees. The 401(a) plan has an immediate match on day one. The city will match up to 5% in the 457(b) deferred compensation plan. The 401(a) plan has a 5-year match vesting schedule that allows you to gradually become fully vested over five years. This means that employees will keep 20% of the employer’s contributions after each year of employment, and the employee will be fully vested after five years. The city of Perry believes that professional development and continued education has a positive impact on the employee and organization. The city supports self-development and educational efforts by providing many of the expenses associated with education courses. Tuition for educational degrees (Associates, Bachelors or Masters) and some Certifications. Continuing education is provided for required and job specific certifications. Any full-time City employee who has successfully completed the initial probationary period may apply for reimbursement of tuition and expenses directly related to continuing education in pursuit of a certification or an undergraduate or graduate degree through an accredited institution or program. In addition, a generous annual and sick leave program is provided. Relocation expenses are negotiable.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates must submit by email a cover letter, resume, a list of at least five job related references (name, email and phone numbers), as well as salary history no later than close of business on April 11, 2025, to Lisa Ward, Senior Associate at lisaward912@gmail.com. Please contact Lisa Ward at Cell: 706-983-9326 or Alan Reddish, Senior Associate, Cell: 706-614-4961 with any questions.

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• Mercer Group Associates

• 706-983-9326