Deputy Division Director (Planning & Development)

Shelby County•Memphis, TN

About The Position

The Deputy Division Director is a senior executive leader responsible for the strategic, operational, and administrative management of the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development. Working under the direction of the Division Director, this role provides leadership and oversight of Division-wide operations, organizational performance, strategic initiatives, financial and resource management, and continuous improvement. The position translates strategic priorities into measurable outcomes, manages complex cross-functional initiatives, and cultivates partnerships across City and County government, public agencies, and community stakeholders. The role assists the Division Director with leadership, strategic direction, administrative oversight, policy development and implementation, budgeting, and organizational strategy. It leads Division-wide projects, workforce and process improvement initiatives, communications, stakeholder engagement, and community outreach. The Deputy represents the Division Director in executive and intergovernmental settings and prepares or directs executive briefings, reports, policy recommendations, and presentations. The minimum qualifications are ten years of related experience, including three years in a managerial or administrative capacity, and a bachelor's degree in business or public administration, City and Regional Planning, Architecture, or a closely related field; an equivalent combination of related education and experience is also accepted. Preference is given to applicants with advanced degrees or professional credentials. Proof of education, training, and/or experience is required. The position is subject to a background check. Employees hired after September 1, 1986, generally must reside in Shelby County and continue to do so as a condition of employment, subject to stated public-safety and civil-service exemptions.

Requirements

At least 10 years of related experience, including at least 3 years in a managerial or administrative capacity.
Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, City and Regional Planning, Architecture, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of related education and experience.
Proof of education, training, and/or experience is required.
Ability to work effectively with various levels of government, executives, businesses, organizations, and the public.
Ability to make collaborative decisions, foster cooperation among diverse groups, and work through complex situations effectively.
Ability to handle politically sensitive issues.
Knowledge of organization-management principles and practices of public administration.
Ability to analyze data, plan, implement, evaluate, and document outcomes.
Clear and effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present to committees, boards, and executive management and administration.
Knowledge and experience using modern management techniques and the ability to apply them.
Ability to manage personnel to meet project deadlines.
Ability to work effectively with the public and other Shelby County Government departments.
Meet the Shelby County residency requirement where applicable; employees hired after September 1, 1986, generally must reside in Shelby County and continue to do so, subject to specified exemptions.
Pass a background check; convictions substantially related to potential job duties may be considered and do not automatically disqualify a candidate.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree or professional credentials are preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist the Division Director with leadership, strategic direction, and administrative oversight of Division operations, programs, personnel, and resources.
Assist with developing, evaluating, and implementing policies, procedures, and organizational strategies consistent with City and County priorities and applicable regulatory requirements.
Assist with development, administration, and monitoring of operating, enterprise, and grant-funded Division budgets.
Lead development, implementation, and monitoring of Division-wide special projects, strategic initiatives, operational objectives, and organizational improvement efforts.
Oversee Division-wide communications, stakeholder engagement, and community outreach.
Lead Division-wide workforce planning, professional development, employee engagement, and organizational capacity-building initiatives.
Lead cross-functional improvements to streamline regulatory and administrative processes, reduce service-delivery barriers, and strengthen the customer experience.
Assist the Director in developing and implementing strategies to position the Division, City, and County to market and support development opportunities, community investments, and neighborhood improvements.
Represent the Division Director at executive meetings, intergovernmental discussions, and other official functions; make oral and written presentations to public bodies, community organizations, trade groups, and private groups as assigned.
Develop actionable plans, coordinate implementation, and monitor progress toward organizational goals and major initiatives.
Lead efforts to ensure Division plans, programs, and processes are efficient, transparent, and inclusive.
Prepare or direct preparation of executive briefings, operational reports, policy recommendations, presentations, and other decision-support materials.
Interpret and implement City and County policy concerning Division operations.
Cultivate and maintain partnerships with public, private, nonprofit, and philanthropic organizations.
Review and evaluate staff and prepare performance reports.
Perform other related duties as required or directed.