Manager of Current Planning & Zoning

City of Portsmouth•Portsmouth, VA

About The Position

Under limited supervision, the Manager of Current Planning & Zoning supervises and participates in complex planning activities, primarily current planning functions such as rezoning and use permit processes, site plan review, and amendments to zoning and subdivision ordinances. The position reports to the Director of Planning. The role serves as Program Manager for current planning functions, coordinates development review, supports the public and development community in obtaining approvals, and provides policy guidance on applications, projects, work programs, and citizen input. It prepares and reviews staff reports, evaluates proposals for consistency with adopted plans and regulations, and ensures required legal advertising and adjacent property notifications are completed. The position also coordinates the City's Development Review Committee and assists with legislative matters related to planning. The position is responsible for budget preparation and monitoring, staff development and training, succession planning, performance management, employee relations, and assigning and prioritizing work. It attends and conducts meetings, responds to citizen inquiries, and assumes department responsibilities in the absence of the Planning Director. Assignments may vary according to workload and department needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Six to nine years of progressively responsible managerial experience in urban planning at the local government level or in a related field, unless an equivalent combination of education and experience applies.
Comprehensive knowledge of municipal planning philosophies, practices, principles, and techniques as they relate to development and redevelopment.
Comprehensive knowledge of City ordinances, codes, and regulations pertaining to planning.
Knowledge of leadership practices for assigning, scheduling, supervising, training, and evaluating staff.
Ability to analyze complex situations and research information to assess alternative solutions, forecasts, conclusions, or approaches.
Strong organization and time-management skills, including prioritizing work.
Excellent listening, comprehension, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to address groups.
Ability to handle customer service matters with tact and diplomacy and maintain confidentiality.
Ability to develop and maintain cooperative, professional relationships and handle routine customer inquiries, complaints, or disputes.
Ability to use a personal computer and word-processing, spreadsheet, and related software for administrative work.
Knowledge of techniques for preparing maps, charts, plans, sketches, and other graphics.
Acceptable general background check, including local and state criminal history checks.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Ability to operate office equipment and exert up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, and negligible force constantly; the physical demands correspond to sedentary work.

Nice To Haves

A Master's degree.

Responsibilities

Serve as Program Manager for the department's current planning functions.
Collect data, coordinate boards, commissions, and task forces, and make recommendations and presentations to the Planning Commission and City Council.
Coordinate site plan reviews, land-use ordinance amendments, and applications for changes to land development ordinances.
Prepare applications and zoning and land development ordinances related to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, subdivisions, and related ordinances.
Assist the public and development community in obtaining approvals for redevelopment and new development.
Research and formulate long-range departmental goals and develop policy and position papers.
Provide policy guidance on application reviews, current planning projects, work programs, and citizen input components.
Meet with developers, advise planners, and confer with the Zoning Administrator on interpreting and applying zoning ordinance provisions.
Assist with reports and prepare and review staff reports on development projects, rezoning, and use permit applications.
Evaluate projects for consistency with plans, policies, and ordinances adopted by City Council.
Ensure legal advertising and adjacent property owner notification requirements are fulfilled.
Develop and maintain the Planning Department Internal Policy Manual and recommend improvements to departmental efficiency and effectiveness.
Coordinate the City's Development Review Committee.
Assist the City's legislative liaison with pending legislation and planning concerns or issues at the state or federal level.
Administer budget preparation, monitor expenditures, identify future budget goals, and manage performance measures.
Oversee staff development and training, succession planning, performance management, employee relations, and work assignments and priorities.
Attend and conduct formal and informal meetings.
Respond to citizens' routine inquiries about zoning regulations and processes.
Assume departmental responsibilities in the absence of the Planning Director.
Perform other duties as assigned.