Planning & Development Services Assistant Director

St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners • Administration Building, FL

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Planning and Development Services (PDS) Assistant Director is a top management-level position within the PDS department, responsible for assisting the Director in planning, directing, managing, and overseeing the activities and operations of the department. The Assistant Director will manage the day-to-day operations of PDS, including overseeing key programs such as long-range planning, current planning and redevelopment activities, impact/mobility/multi-modal fee collection and economic incentives. This role also involves preparing and tracking the department’s budget, managing staff, and acting as the Director in their absence. The Assistant Director is an expert in urban planning and a strategic leader committed to fostering a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and accountability within the department.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four (4) year institution in urban and regional planning or a related field required.
• A minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in local government urban planning, preferably as a Senior Urban Planner, with at least five (5) years in a supervisory role.
• Experience with Comprehensive Planning, Impact/Mobility/Multi-Modal Fee Collection, concurrency management practices, and economic development incentive programs.
• Experience with Euclidian and form-based codes, historic preservation, and general knowledge of the Florida Building Code.
• Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to planning.
• Proficiency in GIS, presentation, project tracking, and plan review software, and advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) with the ability to quickly learn new software applications as needed.
• Ability to handle sensitive political, social, and fiscal issues with discretion and professionalism.
• Valid Florida driver’s license and must maintain good driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree is preferred.
• Relevant certifications such as AICP certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Director in the administration and supervision of the Planning and Development Services Department.
• Act on behalf of the Director in their absence, representing the department in internal and external matters.
• Respond to personnel issues, providing leadership and support to staff across all divisions.
• Promote and nurture a collaborative and professional workplace culture based on mutual respect, accountability, and teamwork.
• Oversee key department programs, including the Building and Code Regulation, Long Range and Current Development Planning, GIS, Impact/Mobility/Multi-Modal Fee Program, and Economic Development Incentive Program.
• Assist in processing Economic Development Incentive requests, ensuring accurate record-keeping and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to planning, building, code enforcement, and economic development.
• Actively participate in the development of departmental priorities, objectives, and goals, seeking new technologies and processes to enhance departmental efficiency.
• Lead policy discussions and exercise sound judgment in decision-making.
• Assist the Director with strategic planning, performance management, and setting departmental metrics.
• Track and provide monthly reports on department activities and performance.
• Assist in the preparation and management of the department’s budget, ensuring resource allocation aligns with department priorities.
• Review and assess financial aspects of the department's projects, making recommendations for improvements and adjustments as needed.
• Serve as a county representative in interactions with the public, elected and appointed officials, developers, contractors, and other county employees.
• Effectively represent the department to officials, the public, and in all other matters requiring expertise and technical knowledge related to department policy and procedure.
• Review agendas and docket items related to the Planning and Development Services department for relevant boards and commissions.
• Mentor and train employees in various aspects of administrative, technical, and leadership responsibilities.
• Provide guidance on best practices in customer service, technical expertise, and management.

Benefits

• County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations.
• St. Lucie County BOCC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

What This Job Offers

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