Community Development Director

Community Development Director

Clark County, Washington is seeking a Community Development Director to serve the fifth most populous county in the state. Located on the north bank of the Columbia River, directly across from Portland, Oregon, Clark County is home to more than 520,000 residents and is part of the rapidly growing PortlandVancouver metropolitan area. The county offers a unique blend of urban convenience, small-town charm, and the scenic natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Established in 1845, Clark County operates under the home rule charter form of government with a five-member County Council. The County Manager acts as the county's chief executive officer, overseeing all administrative departments not managed by an elected official. The County serves a population of 527,000 across 656 square miles with a total 2025 budget of $872.8 million (Operating $622M; Capital $250M) and a team of 1,918 FTEs.

Reporting to the County Manager, the Community Development Director leads and oversees the Community Development Department. With a team of 127 FTEs and a budget of approximately $24 million, the Department oversees a wide range of services and responsibilities. These include Land Use Review, Development Engineering, Wetland / Habitat Review, Fire Marshal's Office, Permit Services, Building Safety, Weatherization, Code Enforcement, Animal Protection and Control, and Finance and Administration. In addition to 7 direct reports, the Director manages the large departmental workforce through a dedicated 14-member management team.

Clark County, Washington presents an excellent career opportunity for a community development professional to work within a distinctive urban and rural environment. The Community Development Director will collaborate with a dedicated County Administrator and a highly skilled team of staff committed to the well-being of the county. The County is seeking an individual who values community service and recognizes this position as a unique professional opportunity. Clark County offers a rare combination of development prospects, workplace challenges, and the ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance within the field of public service.