Deputy Director of Planning and Development

This Deputy Director of Planning & Development provides a wide range of Planning & Development managerial support, performs zoning administration functions, and executes policy development and implementation.  Areas of policy oversight include zoning, land development, environmental sustainability, urban design, and infrastructure planning. Position coordinates cross-departmental problem solving, performs complex and specialized professional planning duties, and may be asked to serve as acting Department Director in the absence of the Department Director with full authority and responsibility.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Land Development (Planning and Zoning)

• Specialist in zoning, land development, environmental sustainability, urban design, and infrastructure planning.  
• Attends Pre-Application meetings for Planning and Zoning related applications

• Supports Land Development Manager functions including coordinating land disturbance and subdivision process for the City, collecting, and releasing bonds, etc.
• Conducts long range planning activities including maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan and supporting Master Planning work.
• Oversees and monitors projects through all phases and assures compliance with regulations of various local, state, and federal agencies.
• Develops and monitors compliance with divisional policies and procedures
• Performs more complex planning duties and serves as project manager for major planning projects.

Community Relationship Building

• Advises and confers with architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies, standards, and guidelines
• Collaborates with other City Departments and outside agencies regarding applications
• Manages the City’s Design Review Board including chairing monthly meetings to review current development proposals
• Organizes, schedules, and conducts meetings involving the general public, special interest groups, City staff, City boards and commissions and any others as assigned.
• Makes presentations before various groups, including City Council, commissions, boards, committees, task forces, and on and off-site public meetings, as needed.
• Applies for awards and grant funding opportunities

Policy Development and Implementation

• Manages long-range planning projects related to land use, transportation, housing, sustainability, and other related disciplines
• Participates in the implementation of recommendations from the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Multimodal Transportation Plan, and other Master Planning documents
• Manages the City’s Unified Development Ordinance and proposing necessary updates to reflect changes in the community and zoning-related trends
• Attend training sessions, meetings, seminars, workshops, etc. to enhance job knowledge and skills.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Uses a variety of computer software programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and iWorq.   
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Managing the day-to-day operations of the Department including supervision of approximately 15 planners, building inspectors, land development, code enforcement officers and support staff.
• Assigning and reviewing work, making recommendations impacting recruitment and selection, pay, status and disciplinary action, and performance evaluation.
• Mentoring and coaching other team members to ensure professional growth and coordinating staff training.

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or related field is required.
• Master’s degree in urban planning, Public Administration, or related field is preferred.
• Certification with The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred.
• A minimum of five years of planning experiences with at least 2 years’ of experience as a senior-level planner.  Prior supervisory experience is desirable, but not required.
• Local government experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of Code Enforcement processes and best practices.
• Knowledge of Planning and zoning principles.
• Business math, including the calculation of areas (square footage), fees, and penalties.
• Knowledge of Georgia Open Records Act.
• Familiarity with permitting software systems.
• Read and interpret building plans, related construction documents and various maps.
• Interpret, explain, and apply policies, laws, and procedures.
• Perform detailed, technical, and specialized permit support work.
• Organize and prioritize work and follow-up on assignments with a minimum amount of supervision.
• Organize and maintain accurate files and records; draft official memos and/or decision letters.
• Cooperates with others to accomplish common goals; works with employees within and across departments to achieve shared goals; treats others with dignity and respect and maintains a friendly demeanor; values the contributions of others.
• Is alert in a high-risk environment; follows detailed procedures and ensures accuracy in documentation and data; carefully monitors gauges, instruments, or processes; concentrates on routine work details; organizes and maintains a system of records.
• Works cooperatively with others, inside and outside the organization, to accomplish objectives to build and maintain mutually beneficial partnerships, leverage information, and achieve results.
• Writes and speaks effectively, using conventions proper to the situation; states own opinions clearly and concisely; demonstrates openness and honesty; listens well during meetings and feedback sessions; explains reasoning behind own opinions; asks others for their opinions and feedback; asks questions to ensure understanding; exercises a professional approach with others using all appropriate tools of communication; uses consideration and tact when offering opinions.
• Remains open-minded and changes opinions on the basis of new information; performs a wide variety of tasks and changes focus quickly as demands change; manages transitions from task to task effectively; adapts to varying customer needs.
• Able to manage multiple projects; able to determine project urgency in a practical way; uses goals to guide actions; creates detailed action plans; organizes and schedules people and tasks effectively.
• Manages time, priorities, and resources to achieve goals.