Development Review Assistant Division Chief (15306, Grade 34)

The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission•Largo, MD

5d•$98,420 - $174,305

About The Position

The Development Review Assistant Division Chief is an upper-management position in the Prince George’s County Planning Department’s Development Review Division. The role oversees development proposals, processes, special projects, and teams, and assists the Division Chief with staff development. It oversees work programs involving urban design, zoning, and subdivision, coordinating with environmental, transportation, historic preservation, public facilities, parks, and community planning functions. The Division reviews and implements County subdivision and zoning regulations, recommends ways to implement master plan goals and policies, and collaborates with federal, state, county, and municipal agencies. It also contributes to the evaluation and development of planning policies and initiatives shaping the County’s growth and development. As a member of the Planning Department Senior Leadership Team, the Assistant Division Chief reports to the Deputy Planning Director of Operations. The position helps lead a division of approximately 27 staff members, manages assigned operations and programs, provides technical and policy direction, and supports the Division Chief in preparing the annual budget. The role also represents the department in meetings with community groups, businesses, officials, agencies, and task forces, and advises senior management on policy and administrative matters. The position works in an office, with field work potentially required for site evaluation, site selection, event planning, and events. Attendance at or facilitation of public meetings and events may be required in the evenings or on weekends. The position is based in Largo, Maryland. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Planning (such as City, Regional, or 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 a related field.
Six years of broad planning or regulatory-related experience, including two years of leadership, program management, or supervisory experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, totaling ten years.
May require a valid, unencumbered driver’s license, depending on assignment, in accordance with State and Commission rules and regulations.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and build consensus across interest groups.
Strong project management skills, including prioritizing tasks, managing timelines, and allocating resources.
Experience managing projects on a variety of planning topics.
Experience reviewing and writing legislation and reviewing development plans.
Experience leading professional teams, including teambuilding, mentoring, coaching, and professional development.
Strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
Demonstrated experience building partnerships and developing consensus.
Strong understanding of broad planning principles.
Ability to address a wide range of groups, from elected leaders to community residents.
Experience in budgeting, contract management, procurement, and resource allocation.
Interest in public service and collaborating with other agencies and departments.
Ability to adapt to change, remain flexible, and shift priorities comfortably.
Strong organizational, analytical, critical-thinking, communication, project-management, leadership, and team-motivation skills; proactive, dependable, and able to engage independently in the work program.

Responsibilities

Plan and manage assigned Development Review Division operations and programs.
Interpret and implement County planning policy established by the Planning Director, Planning Board, and elected officials.
Define goals and objectives and facilitate coordination and management of division work programs.
Develop internal policies and procedures and set expectations for assigned section tasks.
Provide staff with technical and policy direction on methodologies, issues, approaches, designs, and recommendations.
Guide staff on major planning projects and on land use and zoning matters involving development review, master plan conformance, legislative review, and project status.
Ensure Planning Board agenda items are completed and submitted within designated time periods.
Oversee projects spanning sections, including standard operating procedures, guidance documents, forms, written products, and training.
Support preparation of the division’s annual budget and control expenditures in accordance with the approved budget.
Assist in leading a division of approximately 27 staff members; supervise and coordinate personnel as assigned.
Oversee division recruitment activities and manage human-resource needs.
Train and mentor staff, conduct performance reviews, provide ongoing guidance, promote career development, and enhance professional and technical skills.
Resolve staff conflicts and investigate employee disputes and grievances.
Apply broad planning knowledge across fields including architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, geography, transportation, environment, historic preservation, economic development, and agricultural preservation.
Review and prepare comments on proposed legislation.
Attend meetings and represent the department before citizens, community and business groups, appointed and elected officials, government agencies, task forces, and workgroups.
Resolve complex planning matters using Commission and Department guidelines, adopted plans, and adopted regulations.
Advise senior management on relevant policy and administrative matters.
Provide chief-level review of staff reports, referral memorandums, and resolutions.
Respond to requests and complaints and provide information concerning division operations, planning laws, policies, and procedures.
Prepare correspondence, memoranda, presentations, and technical reports as assigned.

Benefits

Telework opportunities up to two days per week
Flexible schedules
Onsite fitness center
Complimentary access to M-NCPPC gymnasiums throughout Prince George’s County
Free employee parking
Tuition reimbursement or assistance, subject to annual budget allocations and program funding availability
Positions may qualify for federal student loan forgiveness assistance
Competitive salary range of $98,420–$174,305 annually, commensurate with education and experience
Generous leave
Extensive health coverage
Deferred compensation plan
Employee pension plan