Assistant Director of Planning and Zoning

This position assists the Director of Planning and Zoning in the administration, management, and leadership of the Planning and Zoning Department. The incumbent serves as a senior member of the department's management team and may oversee planning, zoning, land development, code compliance, long-range planning, development review, special projects, or other departmental functions as assigned. The position supervises professional, technical, and administrative staff; assists with departmental operations, budgeting, and strategic initiatives; and acts on behalf of the Director in his/her absence.

The Assistant Director provides leadership on complex planning, zoning, and development matters; assists with policy development and implementation; represents the department before elected and appointed bodies; and works collaboratively with citizens, developers, consultants, and public agencies to advance County goals and priorities.

Reports to the Director of Planning and Zoning and acts on behalf of the Director in his/her absence.

• Assists with the management, administration, and leadership of the Planning and Zoning Department.

• Supervises, mentors, evaluates, and develops assigned staff and assists in fostering a positive, collaborative, and customer-focused work environment.

• Assists with departmental budgeting, strategic planning, staffing, performance management, and operational improvements.

• Oversees and coordinates assigned planning, zoning, land development, code compliance, and related departmental programs and activities.

• Provides technical guidance and support to staff regarding planning, zoning, subdivision, land development, and regulatory matters.

• Leads or assists with complex planning, zoning, development review, ordinance amendment, policy, and special projects.

• Reviews and evaluates development applications, reports, ordinances, policies, procedures, and other work products for technical accuracy, consistency, and compliance with applicable regulations.

• Assists in the development, implementation, and administration of the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, departmental policies, and related regulations.

• Develops, implements, and administers departmental policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures.

• Coordinates activities and projects with citizens, developers, attorneys, engineers, consultants, community organizations, and local, regional, state, and federal agencies.

• Conducts research and analysis related to planning, zoning, housing, transportation, economic development, infrastructure, environmental, and other community development issues.

• Prepares and presents reports, recommendations, analyses, and presentations to the County Administrator, Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Design Review Committee, and other boards, commissions, committees, and stakeholder groups.

• Represents the County at public meetings, community meetings, professional organizations, regional committees, and intergovernmental meetings.

• Serves as project manager or departmental lead for assigned initiatives and programs.

• Responds to inquiries and resolves complex issues involving planning, zoning, development, and land use matters.

• Monitors changes in legislation, regulations, and professional practices and recommends policy or operational responses as appropriate.

• Serves on local and regional boards, committees, and working groups as the County's representative.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of planning, zoning, land use regulation, community development, and local government administration.

• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies related to planning, zoning, subdivision, and land development activities.

• Knowledge of organizational management, personnel supervision, and project management principles.

• Ability to interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, policies, and technical information.

• Ability to plan, organize, supervise, and evaluate the work of professional, technical, and administrative staff.

• Ability to conduct research, analyze information, develop recommendations, and prepare technical reports and presentations.

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials, staff, citizens, developers, consultants, attorneys, engineers, and representatives of other agencies.

• Ability to facilitate meetings, negotiate solutions, and resolve complex issues involving multiple stakeholders.

• Ability to prepare and present technical information clearly and effectively to decision-making bodies and the public.

• Skill in the use of computers, permitting software, GIS applications, and other technology related to planning and zoning functions.

Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Environmental Science, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.

• Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in planning, zoning, development review, land use administration, community development, or a related field, including at least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.

• Local government experience preferred.

• Master's Degree in Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Architecture, or related field preferred.

• Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Certified Zoning Administrator (CZA), or the ability to obtain professional certification preferred.

• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience sufficient to demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

• Valid State of Virginia Driver's License with a driving record that meets County requirements.

• Background check and pre-employment drug testing required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is sedentary work, which requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Tasks may require the ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods of time. Additionally, the following physical abilities may be required: climbing, bending, reaching, handling, and grasping.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a relatively safe, and secure work environment, but would be expected to travel to various meeting settings and to visit sites of planned development, which may include outdoor environments with natural or undeveloped conditions throughout the seasons of the year.