Director of Community Development

Applications will only be accepted through the following link:

Interested candidates should apply immediately. C andidates will be considered as application materials are received. The City may close the recruitment at any time once a strong group of candidates has been established. Submit a comprehensive résumé and compelling cover letter online at:

AN OUTSTANDING CAREER OPPORTUNITY:

The City of Rowlett, Texas, offers an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished and forward-thinking leader to serve as its next Director of Community Development. Situated along the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard within the dynamic Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Rowlett is experiencing meaningful growth and transformation – making this a pivotal time to join the organization. This role provides a rare chance to shape the future of a thriving lakeside community by guiding strategic development, advancing innovative planning initiatives, and fostering strong partnerships that balance economic vitality with the high quality of life residents value.

ABOUT ROWLETT:

Rowlett is home to nearly 68,000 residents and sits along the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard in far east Dallas County and west Rockwall County. Just 20 minutes from downtown Dallas, the community is uniquely positioned on two peninsulas that extend into the lake, offering more than 30 miles of beautiful shoreline. Residents and visitors alike enjoy kayaking at Scenic Point Park, lakeside picnics, outdoor recreation, and a variety of water activities – making Rowlett one of the region’s few cities able to offer a true lakeside lifestyle. Known for its welcoming, close-knit atmosphere and the high quality of life it offers, Rowlett has become a desirable location for new development, business expansion, and residents seeking a balance of urban amenities and natural beauty.

THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT:

The Community Development Department manages land use development through the administration of the Rowlett Development Code, Rowlett Form-Based Code, the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, as well as other plans, ordinances, policies, and procedures of the City. The department also prepares plans and studies that serve to guide future target development in the community, all while maintaining a high level of integrity and customer service. The Community Development Department consists of the following divisions: Animal Services, Building Safety, Neighborhood Services (Code Enforcement and Environmental Health), and Planning Services – each division is led by a Manager, except the Building Official who is the department’s Assistant Director. The department provides its services with a FY 2026 budget of $3.55 million and 32 staff members.

THE POSITION:

The Director of Community Development serves as a key member of the City’s executive leadership team, providing strategic direction and operational oversight for all community development functions. Reporting to the Assistant City Manager, this role plays a central part in shaping how the City grows – balancing development, regulatory integrity, and long-term planning to support community priorities and economic vitality. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership position responsible for the full scope of community development services, including planning and zoning, building inspections, code enforcement, environmental health, animal services, and development engineering. The Director works closely with the City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, regional partners, and the development community to guide policy, manage growth, and ensure alignment with the City’s vision and regulatory framework.

This role is ideal for a forward-thinking leader who can navigate complexity, manage competing interests, and translate vision into actionable results – while maintaining a strong commitment to public service and community impact. The role also requires strategic leadership and operational execution – overseeing complex development initiatives, advising decision-makers on land use and policy matters, and ensuring that departmental services are efficient, compliant, and responsive. The Director is also responsible for fostering innovation, strengthening cross-departmental collaboration, and building strong relationships with stakeholders across the community. Key areas of responsibility include leading and managing the Community Development Department, including strategic planning, service delivery, and staff development; guiding long-range planning efforts, including comprehensive plans, zoning updates, and development codes; preparing and administering the department’s budget; driving innovation, process improvement, and the use of technology to enhance efficiency and service delivery; overseeing negotiations with developers and stakeholders, resolving complex development issues, and ensuring adherence to City standards and expectations; and building strong partnerships with residents, businesses, and community stakeholders to support thoughtful, balanced growth.

QUALIFICATIONS: The following are the minimum qualifications for the position of Director of Community Development:

• Education: Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Experience: Ten years of progressively responsible experience in a development related field, with at least four years in a supervisory role.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

The salary range for the Director of Public Works is $131,975 to $197,962. Placement in the range will be commensurate with the experience, education, etc. of the selected candidate. The City of Rowlett offers a comprehensive benefits package as described below.

Retirement: The City participates in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) and offers a voluntary, deferred compensation 457 retirement plan option to assist employees in preparing for their future retirement. The employee TMRS contribution is 7% of their gross salary, and the City matches the employee deposits at a rate of 2:1 or 14%.

Work Schedule: The City of Rowlett places a high degree of emphasis on work/life balance and provides its employees with a 4-day work week.

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Several City paid plans are available.

Paid Leave: 10 days of vacation and 10 days of sick leave are accrued during the first year of service. In addition, 11 paid holidays are observed by the City.

Relocation Assistance: Relocation reimbursement may be available to the selected candidate, depending on the specific relocation circumstances.

The full description of benefits provided by the City of Rowlett can be viewed here.

The City of Rowlett places a high degree of emphasis on work/life balance and provides its employees with a 4-day work week.

At the City of Rowlett, our work is grounded in service, accountability, and a deep commitment to our community. We believe in doing what’s right, acting with integrity, and delivering excellence in everything we do. We don’t just serve residents—we partner with them. Through transparency, innovation, and collaboration, we create meaningful impact and build trust every day. What that looks like in action: Putting people first—always Owning outcomes with accountability Leading with integrity and respect Delivering high-quality, reliable service Continuously improving how we serve