Director of Planning and Community Development

City of Port Washington•City Hall, WI

About The Position

The Director of Planning and Development reports to the City Administrator and leads the Community Development Department. The role fosters community development, protects and improves the natural and built environment, supports safe, sanitary, and affordable housing, and strengthens the diversity and vitality of the local economy. The Director plans, organizes, integrates, and directs departmental work and provides expertise to management, the City Council, and the Planning Commission on planning, land use, design review, and code enforcement. The position also coordinates permitting and inspection services delivered by third-party contractors, serves as City Planner, and is a member of the City’s Senior Leadership Team. The Director oversees department operations and budgeting; directs implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Downtown Plan, Capital Improvement Plan, and community planning process; and manages programs related to planning, urban design, economic development, and redevelopment. The role reviews development applications for compliance with applicable regulations and design requirements, prepares and presents reports, supports boards and commissions, and pursues grants for community and economic development priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, regional planning, public administration, or a related field.
Seven or more years of experience in planning, community development, zoning administration, or economic development, including management experience.
Knowledge of economic development strategies, redevelopment tools, grant funding, and public-private partnerships.
Experience working with elected officials, boards, and the public.
Valid Wisconsin driver’s license.
Project management and organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize, coordinate, and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Extensive knowledge of comprehensive planning, zoning and land use regulations, subdivision review, and development review processes.
Strong understanding of municipal planning law, state statutes, ordinances, and regulatory procedures.
Demonstrated experience with site plan review, rezoning, variances, special use permits, and long-range planning initiatives.
Familiarity with capital improvement planning, infrastructure coordination, and environmental regulations.
Ability to balance community interests, development goals, and regulatory compliance, with strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.

Responsibilities

Manage Planning and Development Department operations, prepare the annual department budget, and authorize, oversee, and monitor expenditures.
Direct implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Downtown Plan, Capital Improvement Plan, and community planning process for short- and long-range planning.
Manage professional services contractors and departmental programs, including planning, urban design, economic development, and redevelopment of blighted and disused properties.
Implement zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations; review conditional use and rezoning petitions, preliminary and final plats, and certified survey maps for regulatory compliance and design quality.
Compile, analyze, and communicate information about community development, planning matters, and special projects.
Prepare agendas and reports and present information to the City Council, commissions, and boards.
Conduct complex and sensitive operational and technical analyses.
Coordinate and oversee third-party contractors responsible for building permits and inspections, ensuring timely and accurate services that meet applicable codes and City requirements.
Identify, prepare, and submit grants for community and economic development programs and priorities, and prepare required monitoring and compliance reports for federal and state agencies and grantees.
Perform special projects for the City Administrator.
Build collaborative relationships with community leaders, elected officials, residents, and coworkers.
Provide staff support to the Plan Commission, Community Development Authority, Design Review Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals.