Description
Spring Lake Township
Community Development Director
The alluring shoreline of Lake Michigan, the Grand River and Spring Lake join together in Spring Lake Township for picturesque views and spectacular sunsets. With over 1000 acres of parks, and 26 miles of multi-use pathways, Spring Lake Township offers our residents and visitors an unparalleled quality of life.
Located in West Michigan, Spring Lake Township (population 15,214), is seeking a visionary, thoughtful leader to serve as our next Community Development Director. With the assistance of the Assistant to the Community Development Director, the Community Development Director will oversee planning, zoning, building inspection, code enforcement, grant management and long-range planning. The Director will report to the Township Manager. For nearly 20 years, the Spring Lake Township Manager has served the community with distinction.
Spring Lake Township is a vibrant community with strong fiscal management. The current general fund balance is approximately 60% of the total general fund expenditures. The Township’s credit rating is a “AA” and the community’s recent audit provided accolades for the township’s financial oversight.
If you enjoy planning and zoning, beachfront, sunsets, recreational trails and the experiences found in a newly remodeled Community Center, consider joining the Spring Lake Township team as our Community Development Director.
Salary:
$95,000 - $98,000
To Apply:
To join the Spring Lake Township team, please submit a cover letter, resume and five professional references by Friday, October 9, 2026 to Frank L. Walsh, Walsh Municipal Services, LLC. Applications will be received at walshmuni@gmail.com.
Spring Lake Township is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer.
Requirements
Supervised By: Township Manager
Supervises: Assistant to the Community Development Director and contract employees
Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Township Supervisor, supervises and participates in the provision of community development services including planning, zoning, building inspection, code enforcement, grant management and long-range planning. Assists the Supervisor with special projects and acts as staff liaison to various boards and commissions.
Essential Job Functions:
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.
Plans, organizes, and directs all aspects of departmental operations including personnel, budgeting and general administration. Develops, recommends and implements departmental policies and procedures, internal controls, and departmental goals and objectives in accordance with departmental needs, Township directives and legal requirements.
Participates in the recruitment and hire of department and contract personnel in consultation with the Township Supervisor. Assigns work, supervises personnel, evaluates performance, and oversees training and professional development. Takes disciplinary action according to established procedures.
Develops the annual Building Department operating and capital budgets for review by the Township Supervisor. Ensures budgeting procedures are followed and expenditures are maintained within the approved budgets.
Functions as zoning administrator. Leads and participates in efforts to establish and enforce zoning, and building codes, and code enforcement activities. Reviews land development, subdivision and residential site plans for conformance to all applicable regulations.
Oversees and directs contracted building and trade inspectors. Authorizes payments for services rendered, assures service quality and coordinates building inspection activities with site plan and zoning requirements.
Assists the Board and Planning Commission in planning and supervising the development and revision of the Master Plan. Prepares and compiles zoning and other related ordinances.
Oversees and participates in grant writing and administration. Researches potential grant opportunities, compiles supporting documentation, and ensures application deadlines and other grant requirements are met.
Provides technical reviews and advice to the Supervisor and Board, Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. Researches planning, zoning, code enforcement, and building and community development issues. Prepares written summaries and presents findings.
Works cooperatively with residents and businesses to develop solutions to neighborhood and community development issues. Facilitates discussions, resolves complaints, provides information and assists with permit applications.
Functions as the senior code enforcement officer, directing the workload of the Assistant to the Community Development Director and acting as the ultimate decision maker regarding code issues and enforcement. Issues citations to non-compliant property owners as required.
Utilizes GIS and mapping software for data collection or analysis, map development and other purposes.
Serves as staff liaison to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission. Provides input and guidance on issues related to development and planning. Attends other community meetings to represent the Township’s interests and improve communications.
Keeps abreast of legislative and regulatory developments, new administrative techniques and current issues in the community development and planning/zoning fields through continued education and professional growth. Attends conferences, workshops, and seminars as appropriate.
Performs related work as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.
Requirements include the following:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a related field.
Experience:
Five years of experience in a planning or community development department, including supervisory and administrative experience.
Certification:
Valid Michigan Driver’s License.
American Institute of Certified Planners certification is desirable.
General:
Substantial knowledge and understanding of applicable state and local land-use ordinances and regulations.
Substantial knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal planning, land-use management, grant writing, code enforcement and comprehensive community development.
Knowledge of the practices of plan review and site inspection.
Knowledge of municipal operations as they relate to the development and growth of the Township, and general understanding of municipal operations as a whole.
Skill in compiling and evaluating complex planning, land-use, and zoning code guidelines and formulating policies, standards, and service recommendations.
Skill in managing diverse services associated with planning, zoning, code enforcement and community promotion.
Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including computers and building and drafting software, and the ability to master new technologies.
Ability to effectively communicate and present ideas and concepts, and make presentations in public forums, and develop innovative solutions to land use issues.
Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with developers, residents, elected officials, employees, other governmental and regulatory agencies, and professional contacts.
Ability to critically assess situations and solve problems, and work effectively under stress, within deadlines, and changes in work priorities.
Ability to train, supervise and evaluate the work of others.
Ability to travel to various locations within the Township.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, view and create written documents. The employee frequently is required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, or kneel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items of light weight.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee typically works in a business office setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
When working in the field, the employee may be exposed to adverse weather condition, uneven terrain, fumes or airborne particles and loud noises.
