Community Development Director - Jefferson County, Washington

Community Development Director

Jefferson County, Washington

Salary: $113,928 - $136,036 DOQ

Located on the Olympic Peninsula in western Washington, Jefferson County covers 2,183 square miles, stretching from Hood Canal to the Pacific Coast. The region offers incredible outdoor recreational opportunities, stunningly beautiful landscapes, and a uniquely vibrant cultural scene. Accessible by ferry or car from around Puget Sound, Jefferson County has maintained a historic character while embracing a progressive and creative way of life. With a population of over 33,000 residents, the county offers everything from a remarkable natural environment to the arts and cultural center of Port Townsend, the county seat. The City of Port Townsend is a picturesque seaport designated as a National Historic Landmark. The city has a population of approximately 10,500, though the city's spectacular festivals and other unique attractions bring over a million visitors each year.

Jefferson County’s Department of Community Development comprises four main teams: Permit Center (Front Staff), Building (with the Office of the Fire Marshal), Development Review (with Code Compliance), and Long-Range Planning. The mission of the department is to preserve and enhance the quality of life in Jefferson County by promoting a vibrant economy, sound communities, and a healthy environment. The department engages in long-range planning for rural and urban lands, drafts land use policy and regulations, shepherds proposals through the public process, and implements policies and regulations adopted by the Board of County Commissioners. The department helps individuals, businesses, and communities realize their dreams by administering building and land use permit applications, while ensuring a high quality of life and natural environment. The department also coordinates with other county departments, state and federal agencies, and tribal nations during permit review. The Department of Community Development, together with the Planning Commission, forms the county’s Planning Agency.

Reporting to the County Administrator, the Community Development Director will lead a highly energized staff of over 20 FTEs with an annual budget of nearly $4 million. The Director organizes and directs the functions of the department, mentors staff, and sets the culture and tone for the workplace. The Director is responsible for initiating and sustaining technology and management solutions for effective planning, permitting, and enforcement to maintain and enhance the quality of life in the county. In doing so, the Director will continue Lean-inspired improvement processes to assure efficiency and excellent customer service.

Education & Experience: This position requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban, regional or environment planning, community development, public administration, or a closely related field. Candidates must have a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a senior-level planning or public administration position, with at least one (1) year as a director or manager. A master's degree in a related field and AICP certification and/or a Chief Building Official certificate are preferred. Any combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the level of required knowledge and abilities may be considered.

Benefits include: Full medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage. 11 paid holidays. 3 floating holidays. 21 to 33 days of personal time off (PTO), depending on length of service. Washington State PERS retirement. Optional Flexible Spending Account. Employee Assistance Program.

For a complete position profile, full job description, and to apply online, visit Prothman at https://www.prothman.com and click on "Open Recruitments". For questions, call 206-368-0050. Jefferson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by July 6, 2025. (First review, open until filled.)