TO Community Development Director

Open to the Public

Full-Time

5/28/26-OUF

Days and Shifts: 1st Shift, Monday-Friday 8a-5p, Extended Hours and Irregular Shifts May be Required

Starting Salary: $102,460.80

Eligible Employer for Public Student Loan Forgiveness as a non-profit 

SCIT recognizes that work-life balance is essential in day to day operations. Our Flexible Schedule and Telework options for employees make it possible to balance the needs of your family while still being on track at work. Flexible Schedule and Telework options are based on the departments need. The Tribe is a community based organization and we understand your family life is important, it’s important to us too.  

Here are some of the benefits our team members get working for the Tribe:  16 Paid Holidays off include: New Year’s Day, M.L. King Jr. Day, President's Day, Easter Monday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, SCIT National Holiday, Labor Day, Michigan Indian Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. We never miss those special moments with our children, family & friends due to working. 

Our paid time off accruals for annual and sick leave are as followed: 0-3 years of service = 2 hours of annual & sick per 40 hours worked; 3-9 years of service = 3 hours of annual & sick per 40 hours worked; 10 years or more of service = 4 hours of annual & sick per 40 hours worked. Plus you get 16 hours of personal time per calendar year (prorated based on your start date, resets every Jan.1). We also have Bereavement, Longevity, Fitness, and maternity/paternity leave.  

Full Time employees get Medical, Dental, & Vision insurance. Flex Spending accounts, Teladoc, life insurance, accidental death, Long Term Disability, Aflac, and 401K which SCIT matches up to 4%. 

Prescription plan with free fills on most generic brands when using our Cardinal Pharmacy.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of Tribal Administration, responsible for leading all community development planning, designing, and implementation of appropriate infrastructure, zoning, and usage guidance necessary to develop, protect and preserve Tribal lands.  Responsible for the equitable and effective enforcement of relevant tribal ordinances, building, housing, and other inspections in conformance with Tribal Zoning and Master Plan guidelines. Additionally, this position will provide recommendations regarding land-use, community, infrastructure, road, and other planning initiatives. Provide supervision and direction of all Planning Department personnel. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Oversee the Planning Department and create goals for the revitalization and implementation of infrastructure and physical facilities to accommodate the Tribal population.
• Establish operating policies and procedures, goals and objectives; analyze and recommend changes through reports and communication with department head personnel.
• Coordinate tribal community needs assessments necessary for the development of short and long-term strategic planning goals for tribal leadership.
• Collaborate with departments to devise and recommend coordination of construction and maintenance projects for residential, commercial, industrial and tribal community benefit.
• Direct and supervise proper preparation of design drawings, specifications, inspection, cost estimates, and contractors, architects and engineers to integrate and coordinate proposed construction planning, organize work programs, and resolve disputes; may participate in survey work.
• Gather and analyze data from market research, community demographics, and economic and environmental studies to inform land use and community development projects
• Assist in the development of Tribal government infrastructure improvement plans as they relate to asset, renewal, and replacement efforts.
• Submit progress reports to Tribal Administration on construction projects, development of long and short range work programs, and special assessment programs as well as coordinated finalized division reports.
• Examine proposed land use and new construction/remodeling plans for conformity to Tribal ordinances prior to issuing permits.
• Provide monthly updates and reports on community development plans and land use matters to Tribal Council and Tribal Administration.
• Develop and implement uniform procedures for issuing building permits, periodic inspection of work progress, and review process; prepare reports as necessary.
• Oversight of the issuance of building permits and enforce related codes and ordinances such as the zoning ordinance and building code.
• Coordinate general and specific inspections; arrange for building inspections, and perform inspections as necessary.
• Stay current on zoning and building codes, environmental regulations, and other legal issues affecting Tribal land use planning and community development.
• Oversee the accurate maintenance and updating of data, files, records, and address files.
• Manage the IHS Sanitation Facilities Construction Program for water well systems, septic systems and municipal system hook-ups as needed.
• Prepare and monitor annual Department Budgets.
• Prepare and participate in quarterly reporting of all department financials and program activities.
• Coordinate and develop plans for maintenance and construction of roads located within the boundaries of the Isabella and Saganing Reservations.
• Assist with the oversight and management of the BIA Roads Program.
• Review request for proposals, bid advertisements, contracts and other legal documents relating to community development projects.
• Collaborate with the Tribal Legal Department on property acquisitions for proper surveys and Phase I Environmental Site Assessments.
• Collaborate with the Tribal Legal Department and the USDOI BIA on fee to trust cases on an as needed basis.
• Coordinate with Accounting and Grant leadership on grant budgets and reports.
• Provide excellent customer service for all internal and external customers of the operations always. Provide solutions for customer concerns and continually focus on customer service as our top priority.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality and present a positive, professional demeanor and image always.
• The above duties and responsibilities are not an all-inclusive list but rather a general representation of the duties and responsibilities associated with this position. The duties and responsibilities will be subject to change based on organizational needs and/or deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Contacts/Purpose of Contacts: 

• Contact with Tribal Administration and Tribal Council.
• Contact with other engineers, architects and consultants.
• Contact with the general public, federal, state, regional and local officials.
• Priorities/Areas of focus would align with those initiatives approved by the SCIT/SCIT Tribal Council. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in public works administration or community development and planning.
• Three years in a managerial/supervisory capacity.
• Experience in operational and technical problems involved in the administration of a specialized program and methods of planning, developing, and administering programs.
• Experience in the analysis of data to provide the basis for long-range planning of land and resource uses and their management.
• Experience with methods of compiling, organizing, writing and presenting the results of environmental impact studies.
• Experience with the procedures and methods of statistical analysis; ability to prepare charts, maps, and other graphs to show the analysis of data; ability to analyze and evaluate data.
• Experience in effectively planning, organizing, and directing employees toward desired results.
• Experience in the building trades, knowledge of code enforcement and inspection work.
• Must be able to pass background check to meet the employment eligibility requirements as they pertain to the position.

Desired Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Professional license as a planner, engineer, land surveyor, construction manager, etc.
• Experience with design software such as AutoCAD, Revit or Land Development Desktop.
• Working knowledge of tribal sovereignty and jurisdictional issues.
• Knowledge of federal and state funding programs and their requirements to 
  include but not be limited to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Economic Development Administration, Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services.

License, Certification, or Special Requirements: 

• Must have a valid Michigan Driver’s License and must be able to obtain and maintain a Tribal Driver’s License and qualify for coverage by SCIT auto liability insurance carrier.
• Native American preference shall apply to all positions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge and practice of surveys, rights-of-ways, environmental assessments, design, materials, and construction.
• Knowledge of Tribal Codes and Ordinances, federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
• knowledge of the social, economic, educational and health concerns of Native Americans.
• Knowledge of utility construction with water, and wastewater lines.
• Knowledge of work hazards and safety procedures.
• Skill in making effective decisions in emergency situations.
• Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Skill in understanding and interpreting complex statutes, ordinances, regulations, and standards.
• Skill in preparing, reviewing, and analyzing operational and financial reports.
• Skill in operating business computers and office machines, including in a Windows Office environment.
• Skill in supervising, training, and evaluating assigned staff.
• Skill in budget preparation and administration.
• Ability to prepare projections in such areas as land use, water use, and population for planning reports and studies required
• Ability to utilize various types of tools and equipment (i.e.; manual and power tools, compass, global positioning system (GPS).
• Ability to explore and utilize environmental websites to obtain relevant data.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to prioritize and accomplish tasks within strict deadlines. 

Physical Demands: 

• Frequent use of hands, wrists, fingers associated with computer equipment.
• Required to sit for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally walk and stand.
• Normal visual acuity, ability to talk and hear.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. 

Work Environment: 

• Normal office environment.
• Must possess sufficient stamina to work under all types of weather conditions including extreme hot/cold and to lift, carry, push, or pull a variety of tools, equipment and materials
• Frequent walking on rough uneven terrain.
• Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.
• Travel may be required.