Community Services Director

Salary: $104,240.23 - $135,512.29 AnnuallyLocation : Battle Creek, MIJob Type: Full-TimeDepartment: Community ServicesOpening Date: 04/30/2026FLSA: ExemptBargaining Unit: N/A - PermanentThe City of Battle Creek ("The City") provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The City complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.The City expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Improper interference with the ability of the City employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.Need Help With Your Online Account?Use the online Help Guide or contact the NEOGOV Applicants Support Line at 855-524-5627 or Email: support@governmnentjobs.com if your need assistance with your online applicant account. Applicant Support is available between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.Have Questions About Your Application or a Job Opportunity with The City of Battle Creek?Please reach out to our Human Resources staff at HumanResources@battlecreekmi.gov and we will get back to you as soon as possible.This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.DescriptionPerforms complex professional work planning, directing, and participating in community development activities, services, and programs, developing and administering the department budget, attending meetings, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work involves setting policies and goals under the direction of the Assistant City Manager. Departmental supervision is exercised over all personnel within the department.Essential FunctionsOversees monitors, and evaluates the development, strategic planning, and services of the Community Services Department to include the Code Compliance, Community Development, Inspections, and Planning and Zoning Divisions, including the interpretation, administration and enforcement of all related ordinances.Supervises the preparation and administration of departmental budgets; oversees the HOME Investment Partnership Program and all Community Development Block Grant activities and programs, including the consolidated and annual action plans.Develops and supervises work assignments, schedules, training, and evaluation of City and contract employee performance; recruits and selects department personnel. Oversees staff and activities in assigned programs and projects, including dangerous building actions and hearings processes, housing board of appeals, and code compliance. Oversees municipal building inspection and housing inspection programs and enforces Federal, State, and local laws and codes governing construction, mechanical plumbing, and electrical work; oversees private City contracts for City inspection services.Evaluates and analyzes social and physical aspects of neighborhoods and the community as a whole to best identify and facilitate partnership opportunities for organizations and institutions to build their capacity to partner effectively with residents for strategy development and systems change. Designs and implements resident-driven planning and decision-making processes using best practices.Prepares and presents comprehensive reports and presentations to diverse audiencesInterprets, administers, enforces, and develops local, State, and Federal charters, ordinances, resolutions, laws, and statutes affecting areas of responsibilities within Community Services.Participates and attends City Commission meetings and prepares resolutions as necessary; serves as City representative on job-related Boards/Commissions as necessary.Other duties as assigned. Minimum QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree with coursework in public administration, organizational leadership, or related field. Master's degree preferred.10 years' experience as departmental leader with supervision of employees.Minimum of 5 years' experience in the development and implementation of community-driven policy, practices, and procedures.Minimum of 5 years' experience understanding the application of federal, state and local regulatory guidelines.Special Requirements:Valid driver's license in the State of Michigan. Physical Requirements/Working ConditionsThis work is sedentary and requires little to no exertion of force; work regularly requires sitting, bending, reaching, hand dexterity (grasping, holding, keyboarding, repetitive movements), reading, writing, eye-hand coordination, seeing (near and/or far, color, depth, field of vision), hearing, using the telephone, contact with government officials and the general public, working overtime, and working inside and alone. At the City of Battle Creek, we understand that benefits are an important part of the total compensation package. As such, we strive to offer employees a generous benefit package that provides flexibility, choice, and value, allowing employees to not only meet their needs today but to plan for a secure future.Full-time employee benefits Benefits vary slightly by union contract, employment agreement, or policy. For benefits specific to this role, please reach out to humanresources@battlecreekmi.gov. MedicalChoose from a PPO plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI - Simply Blue or an HMO plan with Blue Care Network and pair your election with a Health Savings Account.Virtual CareIncluded with your BCBSM and BCN health care plan.Dental100% employer-paid through Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI - Simply BlueLife Insurance100% employer-paid basic life insurance with AD&D benefit equal to 2X the employee's base annual earnings up to $400,000. Limited coverage is also provided for spouses and children.Sickness and Accident100% employer-sponsored partial wage replacement for short-term disabilities after meeting eligibility criteria.RetirementSavings457 through Mission Square with employer matchMERS Pension * note that Police and Fire have a separate pension fund not through MERSEmployer Assistance Plan(EAP): 100% Employer paid through Pine RestPaid Time OffGenerous PTO package - Paid Time Off will vary by position and is outlined within City Policy or union contract.Paid Holidays13 paid holidays per yearVoluntary BenefitsSupplemental Term and Whole lifeCritical IllnessHospitalizationAccidentVision - NVALifecare Ambulance ServiceFlexible Spending AccountGlobal Emergency Assistance ServicesPublic Service Loan Forgiveness Program Eligible EmployerClick the link below for 2026 BENEFIT INFORMATION In addition to the above, some positions may qualify for:Flexible Schedule/Remote WorkTuition ReimbursementEducational StipendsLongevity payTool and safety allowancesEmployer-paid uniformsCell phone allowanceMilitary pay differentialProfessional development opportunitiesAbility to earn compensatory timeRetiree health savings plan