Join the Community Planning and Development Department during an exciting time in Issaquah! We are looking for a Planning Manager to lead the current planning team. The ideal candidate has experience in permitting/land use planning, works collaboratively and should demonstrate highly effective leadership ability.

Under the general direction of the Community Planning & Development Director, this position manages the Planning Division and has responsibility for the overall direction and administration of the City's planning and development review functions. This position has broad responsibility over the planning and development review function, including ensuring compliance with federal, State, and local law, and developing and implementing policies and procedures that are aligned with the City's community goals. Work is frequently performed under deadlines and requires attendance and public meetings and hearings, many of which are at night. The Planning Manager frequently addresses complex and/or controversial issues, must work directly with elected officials and representatives from other jurisdictions and agencies, participates in or leads negotiations, and makes presentations to hearing bodies, committees, city council and the community.

Essential Functions

• Leads the Planning Division in the Community Planning and Development Department in a manner consistent with Issaquah's Strategic Plan, while providing service of the highest level to the Department's internal and external customers.
• Directs planners in land use and construction permit review process, including managing staff assignments and priorities to ensure quality control and timely land use review. Reviews complex land use projects. Sets goals and priorities for the Planning Division; supervises staff and provides direction, training, and leadership to staff; ensures efficient and effective operation of the division.
• Evaluates land use permit processes for efficiency and compliance with adopted regulations and implements changes to improve customer service, productivity, efficiency, and resolve issues. Oversees, monitors, and ensures compliance with various deadlines in the planning review process. Coordinates plan review with other departments and agencies; coordinates the plan review process to ensure all applicable standards, criteria, and codes have been met and ensures the appropriate maintenance of City records.
• Serves as the strategic manager to the City on land use planning issues; develops goals and initiatives; interprets concerns and develops solutions. Coordinates with other city departments such as Public Works, Parks, Sustainability, and Economic Development to develop solutions to address community issues and monitor results.
• Serves as project manager on large, complex, or sensitive planning projects, including code amendments, development agreements, and implementation of Council priorities.
• Prepares division budget, implements budgeted work plan items, monitors expenditures, permit revenues and plans for long-term needs.
• Attends public meetings and prepares and presents written, spoken, and visual reports to hearing bodies, committees, city council and the public.
• Manages consultant contracts, including procuring consulting services and coordinating and managing consultant work.
• Collaborates with long range planners on Comprehensive Plan updates and other initiatives, including ensuring compliance with the Growth Management Act and other laws, rules, and regulations; researching and writing reports and agenda bills; coordinating with other agencies and jurisdictions; and making presentations at community, commission, and City Council meetings.
• Manages implementation of department workplan items; monitors legislative priorities, prepares and leads updates of the City's development code, including researching, preparing staff reports and agenda bills, and presenting at community, commission, and Council meetings.
• Acts as City's designated official to administer and execute development agreements,
• Represents the City in communications and negotiations with other jurisdictions and agencies, contractors, property owners, investors, real estate developers, and the community members; responds to inquiries from elected officials, the Mayor, City administration, or the general public.
• Serves as technical expert in land use planning, urban design, and other planning policy issues; provides briefings, technical information, and advice to elected officials, internal staff, and City administration on public policy issues, procedures, and City code.
• Serves as a liaison to the City's Development Commission.
• Develops land use and development strategies that align growth/development, transportation and environment to not only achieve regulatory compliance objectives but to also achieve the City's vision: "Issaquah thrives as a welcoming community creating a sustainable legacy for future generations that honors its rich history and passion for the natural environment"

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning or related field.
• Master's degree in urban planning preferred.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible supervisory experience in City planning, development activities, or related field, including project management experience.
• American Institute of Certified Planners designation preferred.
• Valid WA State driver's license with a driving record that meets City standards.
• Or any combination of training and experience that would provide the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Thorough knowledge of urban planning, development and local government policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of various planning specializations such as land use planning/zoning, urban design, transportation planning, environmental planning, housing and economic development.
• Applicable federal, State, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, including recent changes, current trends and best practices in land use planning and permit review.
• Principles of management, supervision, training, and personnel management.
• City organizational structure and operations.
• Principles of municipal budget development and administration.
• Technical aspects of community planning and development including knowledge of research methods related to urban growth and development, effective technical report writing, permit review software and Geographic Information System.
• Methods and techniques of community involvement.

Skill in:

• Application of principles of management and supervision.
• Planning, organizing, and coordinating the work of the assigned division.
• Creative problem solving, including identifying mutually beneficial solutions.
• Effectively leading through innovation and proactive planning.
• Applying and interpreting land use codes, zoning codes, permit conditions, and other rules and regulations.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with developers, elected officials, City leadership, City staff, and the community members. Communicate technical information and requirements in a clear and accurate fashion.
• Manage and conduct in-person and virtual public participation activities, meetings and hearings
• Work on several projects or issues simultaneously and manage projects effectively to meet deadlines
• Exercise significant judgment and discretion in making decisions for the assigned division.
• Develop and implement strategic goals and priorities for the assigned division.
• Resolve complaints, handle high stress situations and collaborate effectively with people and groups that may have competing interests.

*See full job description on official online posting