Assistant Director, Austin Development Services

Job Description:

Assistant Director, Austin Development Services

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Austin Development Services helps homeowners, business owners, and contractors ensure compliance with applicable City and building codes when they build, demolish, repair, or perform any construction in the City of Austin. The Department educates, collaborates and engages with the community to build a better and safer Austin.

Job Description:

Assistant Director, Austin Development Services

Purpose:

Under general direction of the director, this position oversees the effective leadership and management of multiple activities and operations of the Austin Development Services. This position executes policies included in City ordinances, resolutions and administrative regulations, and State law.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Oversees the development, implementation, operations, and evaluation of programs and services that support the department’s purpose.
  
• Represents the department’s interest and position before State and Local governmental officials, boards, commissions, associations, and community organizations.
  
• Develops a staffing and management structure that supports the efficient delivery of programs and services.
  
• Develops and implements short- and long-range strategies, objectives, and priorities.
  
• Fosters and develops a culture of positive customer service in working relationships with key staff; division and departmental employees; other governmental organizations; and external services such as consultants, citizens, legal counsel, boards and commissions, and City Council.
  
• Responds to and resolves complex and sensitive issues and complaints both internally and externally, and provides technical expertise on matters of public concern.
  
• Assists the director in managing program and department activities.
  
• Ensures all activities are complete and in compliance with City/departmental policies and procedures; and Local, State, and Federal regulations and laws governing activities.
  
• Prepares annual reports, trend analyses, and budget estimates for City management and City Council.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
  
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
  
• Skill in directing the activities of a complex and diverse organization.
  
• Skill in oral and written communications.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and priorities.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Ability to interpret, recommend, and propose revisions to State statutes and City ordinances.
  
• Ability to consistently, effectively, and tactfully communicate with people at many levels.
  
• Ability to communicate complex, technical issues in non-technical terms to the general public.
  
• Ability to plan strategically.
  
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, the public, elected officials, and boards and commissions.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Engineering, Environmental Management, Construction, Building Sciences, or in a field related to the job, plus six (6) years of related experience in a related field, including three (3) years of experience which were in a managerial capacity.
  
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.
  
• One (1) additional year of relevant work experience may be substituted for the required degree with a maximum of four (4) years.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

Valid Texas Class C Driver License.

Preferred Qualifications

The following are the preferred qualifications for the Assistant Director of Austin Development Services:

• Executive-level leadership experience with large, complex organizations with responsibility for development, permitting functions in a municipal or public-sector environment.
  
• Demonstrated success in community engagement and stakeholder management, including experience collaborating with neighborhood associations, boards and commissions, elected officials, and diverse community groups.
  
• Experience interpreting and applying local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to land use, development, or building code compliance, and advising senior leadership and policymakers on complex regulatory issues.
  
• Proven ability to lead organizational changes and innovation, including developing and implementing long- and short-range strategies that improve service delivery, efficiency, and equity in community outcomes.
  
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience presenting to governing bodies, the media, and the public, and the ability to explain complex technical issues in accessible, non technical language.
  

Notes to Candidate:

The ideal candidate for the Assistant Director of Austin Development Services will be a leader who can balance efficiency with quality, navigate complex regulatory environments, and drive meaningful organizational changes while fostering strong interdepartmental relationships. The ideal candidate possesses strong technical acumen and the capacity to drive transformative results.

The next Assistant Director of Austin Development Services will make high-stake decisions while evaluating risk through a nuanced, forward-thinking lens as a skilled negotiator with a boundaryless approach by prioritizing the city’s best interests.

The following core competencies are important for this role:

• Customer Focused - Strives to deliver high-quality results and superior service that exceeds expectations while remaining mindful of the needs and perspectives of both our internal and external customers.
  
• Exercises Leadership - Ability to break down work silos, motivate and bring teams together. Proven ability to use appropriate judgment to handle critical, problematic, or a striking set of conditions with focus, ownership, and accountability.
  
• Business Ethics - Demonstrated a high level of successful and ethical performance in establishing and maintaining a business portfolio.
  
• Organizational Development: Supports leadership team growth and continuous improvement by building clear structures, communication pathways, and accountability systems across the department.
  
• Community Collaborator - Experience in presenting complex information and strategies to public stakeholders, City Manager’s Office, Boards and Commissions, and City Council.
  
• Strategic Thinking: Enables others to better understand and implement the vision and strategy, while being the aligned forward thinker, can formulate and communicate sound business strategy, and implement in a clear and concise manner.
  
• Politically Savvy: Ability to exhibit confidence and professional diplomacy, while effectively relating to people at all levels internally and externally.
  

To view the detailed recruitment profile for this position, please click here.

To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.

Working with Austin Development Services offers a range of health and welfare benefits, including low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more.

Please click HERE for more information.

Regarding Your Application:

• A detailed and complete Employment Application is required. A Resume and Cover Letter are required and will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online Employment Application.
  
• The verification of employment history dates on the resume should match those listed in the online Employment Application.
  
• Employment history dates must include the month and year.
  
• This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).
  
• If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. If you meet the City of Austin's Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite , you may be eligible to drive a City vehicle to and from multiple work locations.
  
• To ensure consideration, candidates are encouraged to apply by March 23, 2026. To apply, candidates must complete this online application. Interested candidates should apply early in the process to ensure optimal consideration.
  
• Please note that the job posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the closing date.
  
• This position is subject to the Texas Open Records Act.
  

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.