Countywide Planning Assistant Division Chief (15257 Grade 34)

Maryland National Capital Park•Largo, MD

46d•$96,052 - $170,112

About The Position

Do you have passion to ensure equitable, inclusive, and innovative oversight of long range planning projects and studies that support development of diverse communities? Do you have experience leading and developing a team of planners? Do you have a passion for building partnerships with the community? Are you an effective and astute leader? If you answered yes, we are looking for you! Our innovative and dedicated team of planners are in search of an experienced planner to serve as the Assistant Chief to oversee the long-range planning projects, studies, and special projects in the Countywide Planning Division. The position will also assist the Division Chief in the oversight of development review applications referred to the Division. This upper management position will support the Chief of Countywide Planning and oversee various projects covering work programs in the subjects of environmental, multi-modal transportation, historic preservation and public facilities planning. The Countywide Planning Division provides planning expertise to both the Development Review Division for subdivision and zoning development applications, and to the Community Planning Division to support master plans, community plans, studies, placemaking, assistance to municipalities, and neighborhood revitalization. The Division also provides support in the evaluation and development of comprehensive planning policies and initiatives that shape the future growth and development of Prince George's County as it relates to infrastructure and public projects, including extensive collaboration with various federal, state, county agencies, as well as municipalities. The Prince George's County Planning Department provides land use planning for the physical development of Prince George's County, Maryland, and the Division is responsible for the review of development plans, and providing planning expertise on matters of natural resources, historic resources, and transportation facilities, and other public facilities (schools, police, fire/EMS). As the second most populous county in Maryland, Prince George's has a population of approximately 900,000 residents with 15 Metro Rail Stations and is home to the University of Maryland at College Park, National Harbor, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and a world class parks and recreation system. Prince George's County has 27 municipalities, from rural to urban communities, with a land area of approximately 500 square miles. If you are interested in working for Prince George's County Planning Department, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Countywide Planning Assistant Division Chief position. Qualified applicants for this position will be self-starting and highly motivated and have a passion for successful and meaningful community engagement, the long-range planning process, project management, contract management, plan implementation, and equity. Additionally, outstanding organizational, analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills are a must. Proven results in planning, placemaking, partnerships, budgeting, and project management are essential. The Assistant Division Chief is part of the Senior Leadership Team of the Planning Department, who works under the supervision of the Deputy Planning Director of Operations. Finally, leadership skills and team motivation are a must. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Planning (e.g., City, Regional, Urban), Geography, Urban Studies, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Architecture History, Historic Preservation, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Urban Design, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics or any related field.
Six (6) years of a broad range of planning or regulatory related experience that includes two (2) years of leadership, program management or supervisory experience.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total ten (10) years.
May require a valid driver's license (depending on area of assignment) in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver's license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and build consensus across various interest groups.
Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and allocate resources effectively.
Experience in managing long range projects and studies on a variety of planning topics.
Considerable skill in problem solving to select, organize and logically process relevant information.
Experience in reviewing and writing legislation
Experience if reviewing development plans
Proven experience in leading a team of professionals to include teambuilding, mentoring, coaching, and professional development.
Excellent skills in negotiation and conflict resolution
Demonstrated experience in building partnerships and developing consensus
Strong understanding of broad planning principles
Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
Comfort in addressing a wide range of groups from elected leaders to community residents.
Experience in budgeting, contract management, procurement and resource allocation.
A desire to serve the public, collaborate with other agencies and departments.
The ability to cope effectively with change, be flexible, and shift gears comfortably.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree in Geography, Parks and Recreation, Historic Preservation, Transportation, Urban Design, Community Planning, Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics or any related field.
A broad range of planning or regulatory related experience that includes four (4) years of lead or supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Plans and manages assigned Countywide Planning Division operations and programs. Interprets and implements County planning policy established by Planning Director, Planning Board and elected officials. Defines goals and objectives.
Facilitates the coordination and management of the division's work programs. Develops internal policies and procedures and sets expectations for all assigned tasks for each section. Provides technical and policy direction to staff on methodologies, issues, approaches, designs and recommendations. Provides guidance to staff on major planning projects.
Ensures Planning Board long range agenda items are completed and submitted within the designated time period.
Manages a minimum of two Planning Sections in the Division, providing guidance on land use and zoning matters as it relates to studies, , master plan updates, legislative review, and various special projects.
Oversees special projects between assigned sections, including functional master plan updates, studies, preparation of requests for proposals, standard operating procedures for internal processes, and updates to guidance documents and forms.
Supports the Division Chief in preparation of the annual budget for the Division. Controls expenditures in accordance with approved budget of assigned work programs. Oversees staff's management of contracts. Oversees grant-funded programs.
Assists in the leadership of a division of approximately 45 staff members. Supervises and coordinates activities of Division personnel as assigned. Oversees Division Recruitment activities. Trains and mentors staff and reinforces professional development for staff. Conducts performance reviews, provides on-going guidance to staff, promotes career development training and professional/technical skills enhancement for individual/team. Manages human resource needs of the division/section. Resolves staff conflict and investigates employee disputes and grievances.
Researches and applies extensive knowledge of broad principles, practices, policies, procedures and techniques of planning; including architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, geography, transportation, environment, historic preservation, economic development, agricultural preservation.
Reviews and prepares comments on proposed legislations.
Attends a variety of meetings, and as assigned, represents The Department with citizens, community groups, business groups, appointed and elected officials(e.g. County Council, County Executive), various government agencies (e.g., DPIE, DPWT, SHA, DOE, SCD, MWCOG, WSSC, Metro), and various tasks forces and workgroups.
Resolves conflict on a variety of complex planning matters; utilizing Commission and Department guidelines, adopted plans, and adopted regulations.
Advises Senior Management on relevant policy and administrative matters.
Facilitates Functional Master Plan development within the Division, and ensures staff support of comprehensive Master Planning and Park Planning in Community Planning and the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Provides Chief level review of Mandatory Referral Staff Reports, and as needed Development Review Referral memos.
Receives information, seeks cooperation, presents plans, answers questions, responds to requests and resolves complaints pertaining to Division/Section operations regarding planning laws, policies and procedures.
Prepares correspondence, memoranda, presentations, and technical reports as assigned.
Performs a full range of supervisory human resource (HR) management functions, for the assigned Division/Section.
Initiates or recommends official personnel actions such as recruitment, selection and transfer.
Mentors and coaches; counsels or disciplines; approves or disapproves leave requests in accordance with Commission policies and procedures. Conducts performance reviews of assigned staff, provides on-going guidance to staff, promotes career development training and professional/technical skills enhancement for individual/team.