Housing Policy Program Manager

City of San Diego

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Deputy Director of Housing Policy & Environmental Analysis, this management position would be overseeing the City Planning Department’s Housing Policy section. The section is responsible for several key Department work program items to develop policies designed to accelerate housing production, reverse historic zoning inequities, and streamline development approvals. These items include major zoning reforms and plans and policies that achieve the City’s housing goals, including its commitment to affirmatively furthering fair housing. The section also implements the Regional Housing Needs Assessment process including the preparation and implementation of the City’s Housing Element, collects and reports on home permitting data, analyzes state legislation, and oversees the certification of the City’s Local Coastal Program. Additionally, the staff in the section review project proposals for consistency with the City’s General Plan and Community Plans. The Program Manager is responsible for managing the section to complete its tasks on schedule and ensuring the Department goals and standards are met. The section has 11 full-time staff including two Principal Planners who would report to the Program Manager. This is a hybrid work in the office and telework position, pursuant to the Department requirements, however, Program Managers may be required to work in the office at additional times as determined by the Deputy Director or Director.

Requirements

Candidates must be an experienced individual with a passion to motivate and lead a team in a department that is tasked with creating a great, equitable and sustainable city.
Excellent leadership, analytical, written and verbal communication, organizational, and program and project management skills.
Must be a self-starter that that excels at working collaboratively, passionately furthers planning staff development, ensures deadlines are met, provides quality control, respects and values diverse perspectives, and thinks critically.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Urban Studies, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field
Four (4) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience
Six (6) years of full-time professional employment reflecting work in city planning, housing policy, local government, or a related field
Any combination of education and experience that demonstrate these qualifications may be qualifying.

Nice To Haves

Strong understanding of local, state and federal laws and regulations related to planning, housing, environmental protection, land use, infrastructure, and public spaces planning
Proficiency and understanding of matters related to planning, housing, innovation, sustainability, and equity pursuant to State and local regulatory standards and goals
Experience with policy and ordinance development to improve citywide development review processes, reflect state regulatory changes, and amendments to resolve internal regulatory inconsistencies
Experience working on long-range plans, policies and programs within the state of California or another highly regulated jurisdiction
Highly ethical and objective, with the ability to navigate in a political environment without being political
Ability to communicate effectively with different audiences, including members of the public, elected officials, and various levels of City management
Ability to see the bigger picture and ensure the development of plans that are implementable
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with tight time constraints
Strong management skills with proven experience managing high-performing and happy teams
Experience in the preparation and execution of large-scale programs, plans, and projects with successful results and meeting goals and milestones
Strong analytical abilities, including a thorough understanding of common data analysis tools and programs
Energetic and motivated with the ability and desire to take initiative

Responsibilities

Direct daily operations and supervise personnel within the Housing Policy section
Manage and execute high-complexity items on the City Planning Department Work Program
Communicate and strategize with Department management on housing and zoning policies
Develop and implement project schedules and workflow to assign duties and assignments within the section
Work collaboratively with the Department's management team and staff on projects
Complete and conduct staff performance plans/evaluations
Coordinate with other City Departments, government agencies, and stakeholders
Represent the Department at Planning Commission and City Council hearings
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

Defined retirement plan, including pension reciprocity, dependent on an employee’s eligibility status (new hire, rehire, etc.)
A wide variety of cafeteria-style health and wellness plans or in-lieu cash waiver
11 paid City holidays per calendar year and 1 floating holiday per fiscal year
Approximately 176 hours of paid annual leave for an employee’s first 15 years of service, and approximately 216 hours for 16+ years of service
Up to 24 hours of paid discretionary leave per fiscal year
Up to 320 hours of paid Parental Leave per childbirth or placement of a child
Up to 40 hours of paid Bereavement Leave per fiscal year
Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per fiscal year, and complimentary LinkedIn Learning professional development opportunities
Free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services)
Access to premier City golf courses at a discounted rate
Reduced-rate fitness center memberships
City-paid life insurance