Director, Planning and Development Department

Maricopa County • Phoenix, AZ

17h • Hybrid

About The Position

Maricopa County, the nation's fourth-largest County in terms of population, with nearly 4 million residents, is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking leader to direct the County's Planning and Development Department. The Planning and Development Director provides strategic leadership for Maricopa County’s Planning and Development Department. The position oversees planning and zoning, plan review, building inspections, engineering, drainage administration, permit services, code compliance, and administrative operations for unincorporated Maricopa County. The director leads a customer-focused department of 128 employees responsible for balancing responsible growth, public safety, regulatory compliance, process improvement, and high-quality service to residents, applicants, elected officials, appointed boards, and partner agencies.

Requirements

• Ten years of leading multiple work teams in a Planning, Development Services, or municipality environment, including five years of supervisory experience managing technical and administrative staff
• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or a closely related field

Nice To Haves

• Ability to provide oversight for a large department budget; demonstrated ability to manage and develop new and revised solutions for complex issues; strong managerial skills relevant to a diverse workforce
• Knowledge of Urban and Land Use planning, development services, code enforcement, building codes, and permitting
• Experience working with elected officials, appointed boards, residents, applicants, developers, and partner agencies
• Ability to communicate complex technical and policy issues clearly to varied audiences

Responsibilities

• Provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for all divisions within the Planning and Development Department; maintains effective communication throughout the organization; and responds to and resolves complex department issues, complaints, and inquiries
• Assures the fiscal soundness of the department budget
• Reviews and approves Board of Supervisors' agenda items on behalf of the department
• Develops, implements, and improves systems, procedures, and technology to simplify and enhance the development process, including ongoing improvements to the One Stop Shop program and other customer service initiatives
• Works with applicants, department staff, appointed boards and commissions (such as the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Building Code Advisory Board), other county departments, community stakeholders, and elected officials to effectively resolve conflicts and address complex planning, development, building safety, engineering, and code compliance issues
• Communicates and works with developers, community organizations, neighborhood associations, and public officials on current and proposed development projects
• Makes presentations and responds to the Board of Supervisors' inquiries regarding sensitive, complex, or high-profile development proposals, policy matters, ordinance updates, and department initiatives
• Reviews development projects and oversees the consistent interpretation and application of county codes, ordinances, policies, and procedures related to planning, zoning, building safety, engineering, drainage, and code compliance
• Represents the county in interactions with the community, local, state, and federal agencies, legislative bodies, professional organizations, other county departments, and the general public to identify needs, address concerns, and provide high-quality service
• Leads members of the management team in formulating and establishing departmental goals, policies, procedures, strategies, and operational priorities
• Approves changes in administrative procedures, major strategies, and implementation plans to support regulatory updates, service improvements, and organizational effectiveness
• Establishes, monitors, and reports on department performance measures, including service levels, permit processing timelines, inspection activity, budget performance, customer service, and progress on strategic initiatives
• Evaluates employees, supports leadership development, and addresses performance concerns by implementing fair and consistent performance improvement and disciplinary actions as necessary

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement
• Exceptional work-life balance, with hybrid and alternative work schedule options
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center, Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families
• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
• Extensive wellness program, including an incentive
• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring an 11.98% contribution rate per paycheck that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive