Deputy Director, Planning & Sustainability - Development Services

DeKalb County•Decatur, GA

1d•$140,000

About The Position

The Deputy Director of Development Services serves as a senior executive leader within the Department of Planning & Sustainability. This position provides strategic, operational, and administrative leadership over the centralized development services functions of DeKalb County, including land development, permitting, plan review, inspections, business licensing, zoning intake, and customer service. The Deputy Director works collaboratively with County leadership, external stakeholders, community partners, and development professionals to ensure efficient, transparent, and customer-focused development services that support high-quality growth, economic vitality, code compliance, and sustainable development across DeKalb County. This position reports directly to the Director of Planning & Sustainability.

Requirements

Deep understanding of land development processes, zoning regulations, building codes, engineering standards, and permitting workflows.
Demonstrated ability to lead large teams and manage complex, multi-disciplinary operations.
Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Ability to analyze data, streamline processes, and implement performance-based management systems.
Commitment to equity, accountability, sustainability, and excellent public service.
Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a related field required (Master's degree preferred); eight years of experience in planning, zoning, and development service, with three years of management experience for a comparably sized organization or as a deputy director for a smaller organization; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.
AICP certification is preferred depending on area of assignment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Engineering, or related discipline.
Demonstrated success implementing customer service improvements and cross-departmental workflow integration.
AICP certification, ICC certifications, or Georgia Building Official credentials preferred but not required.
Experience with large urban jurisdictions or high-volume permitting environments preferred but not required.
Strong background in Lean Six Sigma, process mapping, performance management, or digital permitting transformation preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Provides executive oversight and daily management of the Development Services Division, including permitting, plan review, land development, inspections, business licensing, code enforcement coordination, and customer-service operations.
Develops and implements policies, procedures, and performance standards to improve operational effectiveness, reduce processing times, and ensure compliance with County ordinances and state law.
Leads strategic planning initiatives, process improvements, and modernization efforts, including digital permitting, online customer platforms, and cross-departmental workflow integration.
Coordinates permitting and development review functions across related departments such as GIS, Fire Marshal’s Office, Watershed Management, Traffic Engineering, Public Works, and Code Enforcement.
Oversees complex development applications, master plans, subdivision approvals, and land development cases, ensuring timely and accurate processing.
Ensures development review decisions comply with zoning codes, UDO requirements, and engineering standards.
Supervises staff including managers, supervisors, planners, engineers, building officials, inspectors, technicians, and customer service personnel.
Establishes performance metrics, dashboards, and service-level targets to monitor productivity, workflow efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Prepares executive-level reports, presentations, and policy recommendations to senior leadership, CEO’s Office, County Commissioners, and advisory boards.
Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as internal governance standards.
Serves as the primary liaison to developers, contractors, engineers, neighborhood groups, and planning partners.
Facilitates conflict resolution, escalated case management, and interagency communication to ensure timely and transparent service delivery.
Designs and delivers training, outreach sessions, and educational materials for customers and development professionals.
Assists in developing and managing the division’s annual budget, staffing plan, and resource allocation strategies.
Identifies grant opportunities, revenue enhancements, and operational efficiencies to support program sustainability.
Oversees procurement activities, vendor contracts, and technology initiatives supporting Development Services operations.
Provides leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for staff.
Promotes a culture of customer service, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Ensures compliance with County HR policies, training requirements, and performance management procedures.
Manages, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work regarding business development and retention; prioritizes and schedules work activities in order to meet objectives; ensures that subordinates have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; and provides progress and activity reports to County administrators and elected officials.
Ensures departmental compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; ensures adherence to established procedures; and initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations.
Develops and implements long- and short-term plans, goals, and objectives for area of assignment; collects and analyzes multiple sources of data; evaluates effectiveness and efficiency of department activities; reviews and revises policies, procedures, plans and programs; and researches, assesses, and develops strategies to meet current and future business development and retention needs.
Develops, implements and monitors policies, procedures, and protocols for area of assignment; interprets, explains and implements local, state, and federal laws and regulations; conducts staff meetings; and provides information, updates, and coordination of work activities.
Develops and implements budget for assigned area; recommends staffing levels, equipment, materials and other budget allocations; monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budget; and prepares and submits budget documentation and reports.
Represents the Development Services Department to other County departments, elected officials, outside agencies, and the residential and commercial community; coordinates assigned activities; resolves land development issues; provides guidance and direction and interpretation of County requirements, processes, and initiatives; and negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial development issues.