Planning Director

City of Lewisville, TX•Cocoa, FL

12d•$160,000 - $190,000

About The Position

Under the direction of the Assistant City Manager, the Planning Director plans, organizes, and directs the Planning Department’s operations, including current planning and development review, long-range and comprehensive planning, and administration of the City’s Unified Development Code. The Director is the City’s principal advisor on land use, zoning, and development policy to the City Manager’s Office, City Council, and appointed boards and commissions. The role directs development, adoption, and implementation of the City’s comprehensive vision plan and associated corridor and small area plans, and is responsible for providing a high level of service to internal and external customers. The Director leads department staff and planning initiatives, administers development review and code updates, manages budgets and resources, and coordinates planning work with City departments, regional partners, and other agencies. The position serves as or designates staff liaisons to appointed bodies and makes public presentations. Regular attendance at evening and weekend meetings is required, and the position is subject to emergency operations. This is primarily a sedentary office position in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions. Duties may include walking between work areas and development or construction sites, including on uneven terrain, and interacting with the public and representatives on controversial matters. The position follows a flexible work week, typically Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM–5:30 PM, and Friday, 7:30–11:30 AM. The annual salary range is $160,000–$190,000, with starting salary based on qualifications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, public administration, geography, architecture, landscape architecture, or a related field.
At least eight years of progressively responsible professional planning experience.
At least four years of supervisory experience.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification at appointment or within 18 months of hire; the education and experience substitution provision does not apply to this requirement.
Valid State of Texas Driver’s License Class C and a good driving record; the position requires driving. Candidates without the proper Texas license may obtain it within ten working days after a job offer.
Pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug test.
Knowledge of urban and regional planning, land-use law, relevant federal, state, and local laws, municipal budgeting, supervision and personnel management, local government, community engagement, and research and statistical methods.
Skills in leadership, staff supervision, budget administration, managing complex projects and deadlines, interpreting ordinances and technical data, preparing reports and presentations, relationship-building, handling controversial projects and complaints, and written and oral communication.
Ability to use a computer and Microsoft Office and Google applications, email, internet applications, GIS, permitting and land management software, database management, and Adobe Creative Suite.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands and working conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation, and to work evening and weekend meetings and during emergency operations.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in urban or regional planning or public administration.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and direction for short- and long-range planning; gather, interpret, and prepare data for studies, reports, and recommendations; coordinate department activities with other departments and agencies.
Direct development, adoption, and implementation of the comprehensive vision plan and other long-range plans, establish implementation priorities, and report progress to City Management and Council.
Advise City Management and Council on planning and land-use matters, and deliver presentations to City Council, boards, commissions, civic groups, and the public.
Serve as, or designate, staff liaison to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and Old Town Design Review Committee; oversee agendas, staff reports, and recommendations and ensure compliance with applicable open meetings and public information laws.
Manage assigned budgets, cost controls, revenues, expenditures, budget requests, and effective use of resources.
Monitor and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
Manage specialized planning functions, including large-scale development proposals and master planning projects.
Administer the Unified Development Code and development review process, including the Development Review Committee; ensure applications meet statutory review periods and manage code and ordinance updates.
Coordinate development review and planning initiatives with City departments.
Represent the City with regional, state, and federal agencies and adjacent jurisdictions; pursue grants and funding partnerships and seek opportunities to represent the City on regional committees.
Manage department personnel, including assigning work, monitoring progress, evaluating performance, hiring, discipline, training, professional development, and succession planning.
Evaluate operations and activities within assigned responsibilities and handle sensitive personnel matters.
Lead special initiatives and long-range planning efforts.
Provide high-quality customer service, promote interdepartmental collaboration, build employee morale, and foster a workplace culture consistent with the Lewisville Way.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Attend evening and weekend meetings and work as needed during emergency operations, including preparation for and recovery from prolonged emergency operations.