JOB DESCRIPTION

https://www.rockvillemd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/59690/Director-Community-Planning-and-Development-Services-Recruitment-Brochure

The City of Rockville operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The Mayor and Council serve as the legislative body and are responsible for developing policy and establishing the vision and goals for the city. The city manager, appointed by the Mayor and Council, makes recommendations to the Mayor and Council, and is responsible for day-to-day management of city operations. The Mayor and Council also appoints and directs the work of the City Attorney and City Clerk/Director of Council Operations.

The City of Rockville has eight (08) operating departments which include: Communications and Community Engagement, Community Planning and Development Services, Finance, Housing and Community Development, Human Resources, Information Technology, Police, Procurement, Public Works, and Recreation and Parks.

The city has 667.0 full time equivalents positions. The FY2026 adopted operating budget totals $175.5 million.

About the Community

Rockville, population 67,000, is Maryland's fourth largest city, comprising 13.5 square miles. It is located 15 miles northwest of the nation's capital along the I-270 corridor. Rockville has been rated among the best places to live in America. The city serves as the County seat of Montgomery County and is regarded as one of America's leading small cities for work, for play and for life.

Rockville is a diverse and business-friendly hub in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, focused on redevelopment and infill on its limited vacant land. Key planning elements include transforming the Town Center into a walkable, transit-oriented district, developing mixed-use and high-density areas along transportation corridors like Rockville Pike, and preserving existing neighborhood character. The city prioritizes a sustainable, quality of life through its Comprehensive Plan, which guides land use, transportation, and housing goals to foster economic growth and community well-being.

About the Department

The Department of Community Planning and Development Services oversees planning, property development and construction activities in Rockville to ensure the vision for the city is achieved. The community conveys this vision through the city's Master Plan, the Zoning Ordinance and other development regulations. The department serves public requests including general zoning or permitting information, historic research, property information and building and fire code interpretations.

Department Functions

• Development Review and Development Services
• Comprehensive Planning
• Planning and Research
• Zoning
• Building Plans Review
• Codes Inspection and Codes Enforcement
• Fire Marshall Office
• Administrative Support

The Department of Community Planning and Development Services has 55.0 full time equivalent positions. The FY2026 adopted operating budget totals $8.6 million.

About the Position

The City of Rockville, Maryland is recruiting a progressive leader with a strong vision for a thriving city. The Director of Community Planning and Development Services is responsible for providing leadership, strategic planning, policy direction and operational oversight on all aspects of the city's planning and development activities. This position will also work closely with the City Manager's Office and collaboratively with other city departments, including Housing and Community Development, Public Works, and Recreation and Parks.

Core Duties & Responsibilities

• Full responsibility for department oversight of all programs and services, including budget development and management; and personnel management.
• Demonstrate leadership through strategic direction setting for department programs and services; development of effective partnerships across the organization and community that advance the work of the department; and supporting employees through coaching and mentoring.
• Lead strategically, work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders and be responsive to the community, City Leadership and Mayor and Council.
• Establish and implement strategic workplans to identify and address short-term and long-term goals for the department and ensure that they are align with Mayor and Council priorities and vision for the community.
• Oversee the administration of community planning and development services department, ensuring equitable access and programmatic integrity.
• Advise the City Manager, Mayor and Council and other City leadership on all aspects of community planning and development services programs and activities and their implications on the city and its residents.
• Establish and foster professional relationships with private, county and state agency officials to advance the city's priorities related to planning and development.

Experience, Knowledge and Skills

Experience and Knowledge

• Streamlining Development Review Process
• Streamlining Inspection Services Process and Procedures
• Leading the Development or Redevelopment of a Town Center/Core
• Leading and Implementing a Zoning Ordinance Update
• Overseeing a Growth Management Process
• Overseeing High Density and Transit Oriented Development
• Operational Excellence
• Vision for short-range and long-term planning
• Effective and decisive operational management skills
• Collaborative leadership
• Accountability for results
• Operational depth and breadth of a multi-division community planning and development services department

Leadership

• Passion for developing staff through coaching and mentoring
• High level of integrity and ethical standards
• Effective, clear and consistent communication
• Anticipate issues and prepare and position staff to respond
• Relationship Building
• Develops and nurtures professional relationships with key stakeholders
• Creates a work environment that promotes collaboration, inclusiveness and openness
• Actively listen for input, feedback and solutions from all levels of an organization

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Ensure all policy and program development and implementation reflects an understanding of impact on diversity, equity and inclusion

Education and Experience

Education: A bachelor's degree in urban or community planning, public administration or a closely related field.

A master's degree in urban or community planning, public administration or a closely related field is preferred but not required.

Experience: Seven (07) years of progressively responsible work in local or municipal government in community planning and development; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certification: AICP certification is preferred.

Must possess or be able to obtain a driver's license valid in the State of Maryland.

Application and Selection Process

Interested individuals should submit a resume, cover letter and three (03) professional references using the apply URL.

This position is open until filled. The first review of resumes will begin on October 28, 2025.

Questions

Please contact Susan Seling, Director of Human Resources, at sseling@rockvillemd.gov or 240.314.8472 with any questions.

The City of Rockville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce (EOE).