Planning Director

Job Overview
The Planning, Inspections, and Community Development Director is a leadership role responsible for overseeing and directing the City's Planning, Inspections, and Community Development Department, which includes Planning, Building Inspections, Code Enforcement, Licensing and Permitting, and the Fire Marshals Office.

This role involves supervising staff, developing and implementing goals, policies, and procedures, preparing budgets, managing revenues, and reporting key activities and initiatives to the City Manager, senior management, and elected officials. The Director plays a critical role in shaping the City's growth, ensuring compliance with codes and ordinances, and fostering a culture of service excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Research trends, methodologies, laws, and technologies to enhance the City's planning and inspection processes; interpret and enforce codes and ordinances.
• Develop goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for departmental programs in collaboration with regulatory agencies, elected officials, and senior leadership.
• Supervise staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluations, and recommending disciplinary actions or terminations as needed.
• Foster a respectful, harmonious workplace focused on employee development, empowerment, and success.
• Lead initiatives to establish service excellence and implement strategies that improve service delivery across all areas of the department.
• Collaborate with other directors and senior managers to strengthen interdepartmental relationships and integrate planning, inspection, and community development efforts with other City functions.
• Oversee long-term planning, including developing comprehensive plans, drafting ordinances, and monitoring federal and state programs for compliance and alignment with City objectives.
• Manage inspection operations by scheduling and reviewing work, coordinating efforts across departments, and documenting key activities.
• Serve as an advisor and consultant to City officials, regulatory agencies, developers, civic groups, and the public on issues related to planning, inspections, and community development.
• Represent the City on local and regional boards and committees; deliver presentations to elected officials, staff, and community groups on departmental initiatives.
• Oversee administrative duties such as budget preparation, expenditure management, revenue forecasting, and recordkeeping.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and follow both oral and written instructions.
• Customer-focused and solution-oriented, with a high level of integrity and initiative.

Education and Experience

• Masters degree in planning, public administration, business administration, law, engineering, architecture, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Certification as an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred.
• At least eight years of professional experience, including a minimum of five years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Prior experience in municipal government or public service is preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based with occasional field visits.
• Frequent use of office equipment such as computers, calculators, and printers.
• Sedentary work with occasional standing or walking; ability to lift up to 10 pounds.
• Normal visual acuity, hearing, and speaking abilities required.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions, provided such accommodations do not impose undue hardship.