Associate Director, Development Review

Washington D.C.•Washington, DC

48d

About The Position

This position is located within the Office of Planning (OP). OP has the lead responsibility for planning the long-term growth of the District of Columbia (D.C.) and provides the vision, framework and principles that guide land use change, growth, and development of an equitable and vibrant city. OP undertakes citywide and neighborhood planning and engagement; urban design and development review; historic preservation; mapping and data analysis; and serves as the official Census State Data Center. OP is the steward of the District's Comprehensive Plan, which advances housing, economic recovery, racial equity, resilience, and coordination of public resources and civic infrastructure. The Associate Director has oversight of the Development Review team and operates with a high degree of independence while exhibiting mastery knowledge of the principles and concepts of planning, zoning and other regulatory processes. The incumbent reports to the Deputy Director of the Development, Design and Preservation Division. The Associate Director, Development Review, is a member of the senior management team and works to ensure that the work of the Development Review team is consistent with the overall planning mission of OP.

Requirements

The incumbent must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression. Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the line of work of the position and has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
The incumbent should possess a valid motor vehicle operator's permit and be able to obtain a D.C. Government operator's permit within six (6) months on the date of appointment to this position.

Nice To Haves

At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in professional planning and revitalization, preferably in a diverse urban environment; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated ability and proven track record in managing professional staff.
Five or more years of supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Manages the day-to-day activities of the Development Review Team staff within OP, including provides leadership in and establishes goals, objectives, and priorities; reviews and monitors workload; provides technical and policy direction on all aspects of their work; develops and evaluates performance measurements and benchmarks; and, monitors progress and analyzes the effectiveness of the Development Review program in meeting the division and agency objectives and as they relate to community needs.
Oversee review and analysis of development projects for conformance with the District Comprehensive Plan, zoning regulations, and other applicable plans, codes, ordinances and procedures and the resolution of potential conflicts.
Participates in the preparation and amendment of the DC Comprehensive Plan, providing land use, zoning, and implementation input; and Small Area Plans and other specific/focus plans and programs, particularly with respect to how recommendations related to land use can be implemented through zoning.
Oversees District led zoning map and text amendment efforts; zoning and land use input into broader planning or District development projects; and the preparation, presentation, and defense of Office of Planning reports and recommendations for proposed changes to the zoning regulations and maps.
Provides and oversees analysis of discretionary project proposals for conformance to the District Comprehensive Plan including through a racial equity lens, zoning regulations, and other applicable plans, codes, ordinances and procedures.
Presents planning, land use, and zoning initiatives to public groups and individuals, including attending community meetings for the purpose of communicating development plans, zoning amendment proposals, development review procedures, Office of Planning recommendations, and other planning issues.
Participate in internal, public, Zoning Commission, and Board of Zoning Adjustment meetings as necessary for the review or administration of projects.
Serves on committees, task forces, special intra-department teams to provide land use and zoning technical expertise to achieve goals and objectives of work effort.
Coordinates with other Associate Directors on major planning initiatives of OP.
Participates in other Agency-wide or interagency initiatives intended to address broader District goals and objectives, particularly providing land use and process input, ensuring that zoning issues, racial equity analysis, and Zoning Commission concerns are part of the discussion.