Planning Division Director

City of Suwanee•Suwanee, GA

23h

About The Position

The City of Suwanee is looking for a creative, community‑minded Planning Division Director who’s excited to help shape one of Georgia’s most vibrant and forward‑thinking cities. If you love great design, thoughtful development, public engagement, and the challenge of turning long‑range vision into real‑world results, this role might be your next adventure. You’ll lead a talented planning team, collaborate with residents and developers, guide major planning initiatives, and help ensure Suwanee continues to grow with intention, character, and heart.

Requirements

Five years of relevant planning experience, or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the skills needed to succeed in this role.
A strong grasp of zoning, land‑use planning, and development review.
Excellent communication skills — written, visual, and verbal.
Comfort presenting to boards, elected officials, and community groups.
A collaborative spirit and a passion for thoughtful, community‑driven planning.

Nice To Haves

AICP certification preferred

Responsibilities

Lead and mentor Planning Division staff while overseeing daily operations, long‑range planning, and zoning implementation.
Create conceptual sketches and schematic renderings that help communicate ideas and test development possibilities.
Manage capital projects and consultant teams, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.
Track and present Suwanee’s quarterly and annual Economic Indicators, including commercial inventory, vacancy rates, and development trends.
Conduct special planning studies, research emerging issues, and recommend policy updates.
Serve as staff advisor to the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Public Arts Commission, and City Council.
Prepare staff reports and recommendations for rezonings, variances, special use permits, and architectural reviews.
Lead major master planning efforts—from consultant selection to public engagement to final adoption.
Interpret and administer development, land‑use, architectural, and environmental regulations for citizens and the development community.
Research, apply for, and manage grants that support planning studies and capital projects.
Meet with residents and developers to discuss zoning, development proposals, and the City’s long‑range vision.
Encourage the integration of public art in private development and represent the department at Public Art Commission meetings.
Attend City Council meetings, workshops, Planning Commission meetings, and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings, often presenting key information.