Chief Development Engineer (Deputy Director)

Full-time position available with the City Planning Department, Administration Division, located at 414 E. 12th St.
Salary Range: $9,117-$19,167/month
Normal Work Days/Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Application Deadline Date: November 6, 2025


Responsibilities

• Executive Leadership:
  • Partner with the Director to set strategic priorities for development services
  • Assume responsibility for directing the department in the Director's absence
  • Advise division leaders on design, construction, inspection, permitting, and operational matters and review division reports to identify emerging issues
  • Lead assigned citywide initiatives
  • Operations & Performance:
  • Oversee plan review, permitting, inspections, and compliance operations
  • Establish performance metrics, implement process improvements, and leverage data to drive efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
• Code & Regulatory Oversight:
  • Serve as or oversee the City's Chief Building Official to ensure compliance with adopted building codes and technical standards
  • Lead periodic updates to codes and regulations
  • Coordinate development review processes with other city departments, governmental agencies, developers, and community partners
• Team Development:
  • Supervise, mentor, and support staff across technical discipline
• Strategic Engagement:
  • Represent the City with elected officials, boards, commissions, developers, and neighborhood groups.
  • Testify before Council, facilitate public meetings, and balance city priorities
• Innovation & Modernization:
  • Advance digital permitting platforms, GIS tools, and data-driven systems to improve service delivery and staff efficiency
  • Fiscal Management:
  • Assist in preparing and administering departmental budgets
  • Provide leadership in resource allocation, fee structures, and long-term financial planning

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Missouri, or eligible to obtain licensure within six months of hire.
• Minimum 8 years of engineering experience, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role AND 5 years of experience enforcing building codes through plan review, permit issuance, and field inspections to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Executive level leadership experience in a municipal or public sector planning, development, and/or engineering role.
• Experience with public/private partnership and large scale infrastructure or development projects.
• Experience working within the council/manager form of government.
• Familiarity with GIS, digital permitting platforms, and data-driven decision-making tools.
• Knowledge of sustainable design, low-impact development practices, and climate adaptation strategies.
• Demonstrated experience implementing process improvements and modernizing permitting and development review systems.

Other Information

Why You'll Love Working with Us - Core Employee Benefits

Comprehensive Health Coverage
Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans with multiple options and low employee contributions.

Generous Paid Time Off
Enjoy vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays-with accruals that grow the longer you're with us.

Secure Retirement Planning
City-funded pension plan plus an optional 457 savings plan to help you build long-term financial security.

Support for Life's Big Moments
Paid parental and bereavement leave to help you navigate major life events with peace of mind.

Tuition Assistance
Get reimbursed for eligible education expenses-invest in your future while you work.

Income Protection
Short- and long-term disability coverage options to safeguard your earnings.

Life Insurance Provided
City-paid life insurance with the option to add more coverage for extra peace of mind.

Community Volunteer Leave
Take up to 8 hours annually to give back to causes you care about.

Want the Full Picture?
Click here for a complete benefits summary.

URGENT!!! CRITICAL RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

Applications and/or resumes are evaluated on the information received by the application deadline. Please ensure that your application or resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying, this includes providing all relevant educational dates and a detailed description of relevant work experience, including months/years of employment. Applications and/or resumes may not be considered if information is incomplete.

In order for a resume to be used in lieu of an application the resume must have been submitted online via the City's Applicant Tracking System.

Positions requiring a high school diploma/GED certificate must be obtained from a school/program accredited by the Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

The minimum education requirement for positions that allow for experience equivalency for an accredited degree is a high school diploma. Unless otherwise specified, an accredited degree must be obtained from a college or university listed with the U.S. Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
For positions with a salary grade of EX6 or higher that require an accredited degree, qualifying professional experience must be obtained AFTER the accredited degree is obtained.
Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal history/background check is required for all positions. Some positions require a post offer drug screen and/or physical.

If appointed, non-residents must obtain residency inside Kansas City, Missouri's city limits within nine months.

The City of KCMO is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The City is committed to providing a workplace environment for its employees and citizens free from discrimination based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. For more information, please see our EEO Policy

The City of KCMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 816-513-1908 or send an e-mail to accommodations@kcmo.org .

If claiming military veterans' preference points, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 or a DD-256 (for reservists). To claim veterans' points you must have served 180 days of regular active duty service and be discharged or released under honorable conditions during peacetimes or 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. (DOD) 38 U.S. Code • 4211).

• 

• City of Kansas City

Show more