Deputy Director, Department of Planning & Zoning - City of Alexandria, VA

Deputy Director 

City of Alexandria - Department of Planning & Zoning

Professional Area: 

Urban Design

Experience: 

7-10 years

Location: 

Alexandria, VA

Deputy Director Department of Planning & Zoning Salary: $82,074 - $131,875 The Position  A Deputy Director for the Department of Planning and Zoning assists the Planning Director in leading and coordinating the City’s planning efforts.  Along with a comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of city planning, the selected candidate will possess independent professional judgment and have a clear record of successfully leading complex, high profile planning initiatives from concept through implementation. The candidate should have a record of creative and innovative solutions to the particular challenges of infill development, small and large, with considerable attention to urban design, redevelopment economics, mitigating impacts of development on public facilities, keys to successful non-residential redevelopment, and affordable housing.   The candidate should also have considerable experience working with the development community, community organizations, and staffing various boards and commissions.  To be successful in this position, the Deputy Director will need to embrace a highly collaborative planning process, both internally and externally, with meaningful public involvement in decision-making. He or she will be expected to balance the ability to clearly communicate a clear overall planning direction with the skills to manage a team to deliver under deadline the detailed work products needed to implement those principles.  This position helps provide oversight and management of the department and assists the Director with a myriad of planning and administrative concerns, including special projects, negotiations, and interactions with public officials, community members and the business community. Duties Leads development of city policies and plans for land use and related issues; Plans and directs implementation efforts of the department; Prepares draft legislation and policy documents; Represents city and department on planning and related issues with City agencies, regional agencies and various boards, commissions and community groups; Speaks as an expert on a range of planning and zoning issues; Supervises and manages department resources, including staff, on a day-to-day basis; Promotes professional development of staff, reviews performance evaluations; Coordinates policies, programs and work projects with City agencies and departments, regional agencies, and other stakeholders; Develops and directs departmental outreach and public participation strategy; Represents director in negotiating contracts, plan recommendations, development conditions, and policies; Presents to groups, including City Council, Planning Commission, civic organizations, and other public meetings and events. Other important attributes for this position include superb verbal, presentation and writing skills, the ability to lead collaborative processes with varying groups, the ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information and to prepare technical reports.

Minimum & Additional Requirements Master's Degree; at least eight years’ experience at the division chief or comparable managerial level; either in a supervisory or project management role or both and at least five years in a supervisory role; has been the lead on complex projects involving multiple staff, agencies, and interests; considerable experience writing about, analyzing, and presenting on planning issues.

Preferred Qualifications Master's Degree in planning; at least ten years’ experience at the division chief or comparable managerial level, including five years in a supervisory role. Minimum two years’ experience with planning processes in a local government; demonstrated ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information and to prepare technical reports; superior public presentation skills; the ability to communicate effectively to different audiences; economic development experience; highly ethical and objective; and successful experience transitioning areas from suburban to urban environments.

Notes This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks.

To apply for this position, please go to www.alexandriava.gov/jobs to submit an application. Deadline: June 23, 2015