Planning & Zoning Manager

City of Wauwatosa•Wauwatosa, WI

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Planning & Zoning Manager provides strategic leadership, professional planning expertise, and administrative oversight for the City's Planning Division. The position directs planning, zoning, land use, and development review activities; administers the City's zoning and subdivision regulations; advances implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and other adopted plans; and oversees the daily administration of the Planning Division to ensure efficient delivery of planning services consistent with departmental and City goals. Serving as the City's lead planning professional, the Planning & Zoning Manager advises elected officials, boards and commissions, City leadership, developers, property owners, and the public on planning, zoning, and development matters. The position oversees complex land use initiatives, ensures compliance with applicable laws and adopted plans, manages special projects and consultant services, and promotes innovative planning practices, exceptional customer service, and organizational excellence. Regular attendance at evening meetings is required. This position is posted due to an upcoming retirement within the organization. The selected candidate for this Planning & Zoning Manager opening will have the opportunity to work alongside and train with the City's current Planning & Zoning Manager as part of succession planning efforts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in public or business administration, urban affairs, urban planning, or related field required.
Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, including at least two years of supervisory or management experience.
Requires a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License.
Thorough knowledge of planning principles, land use law, zoning administration, and development review, including ability to interpret and apply applicable laws.
Proficiency with Microsoft products, Adobe Acrobat, permit management software, ArcGIS, and Zoom.
Proven leadership and problem-solving abilities.
Strong communication skills and judgement.
Budget development and financial management experience.
Strong emphasis on customer service, management, and interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in a related field of study may be substituted for a portion of the required experience.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and Congress for New Urbanism (CNU) certifications are preferred.

Responsibilities

Direct the City's development review process by evaluating development applications, ensuring compliance with zoning regulations, adopted plans and applicable laws; coordinating interdepartmental review; and presenting recommendations to boards, commissions, and the Common Council.
Administer and interpret the City’s zoning and subdivision regulations. Provide technical guidance and policy recommendations to City leadership, staff, elected officials, boards and commissions, and other interested parties.
Direct the preparation, implementation, and updates of the Comprehensive Plan, neighborhood and subarea plans, and related planning initiatives. Develop planning studies, reports, and policy recommendations; oversee consultant services; and present recommendations to the Common Council, Plan Commission, and other boards and commissions.
In accordance with City policies and departmental objectives, manage Planning Division personnel, establish operational priorities, monitor workloads and performance metrics, and develop annual work plans. Evaluate and implement improvements related to planning processes, procedures, and customer service delivery.
Administer the City’s Historic Preservation Program by providing staff support, technical expertise and administrative oversight to the Historic Preservation Commission, including meeting preparation, attendance, and implementation of Commission actions.
Administer the Planning Division budget and oversee the Planning Division's permitting software, planning technologies, and public-facing web content. Lead workflow improvements, system configuration, user support, and training and technology initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and customer service.
Lead complex planning projects, organizational initiatives, and consultant-led studies. Conduct research, prepare technical analyses and policy recommendations, secure and manage grants as applicable, and present findings to City leadership, boards, commissions, and committees.