JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB SUMMARY

Under direction from the Planning Director, assists with the direction and coordination efforts of the department with other municipal, county and state entities; plans, organizes, manages and directs the review and implementation of the department's projects; prepares and presents reports to the Director on activities, issues, and needs of the department; develops and implements policies, goals and objectives and ensures compliance with applicable laws, ordinances and regulations; provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director; serves as the acting Director as assigned; assists in the strategic planning, organization, and high-level management of the department; and performs duties as assigned.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with the direction and supervision of the department activities, functions, and personnel; may directly supervise the Planning Coordinator, Planner I, and Planner II positions.
• Oversees comprehensive and current planning activities of the department.
• Provides guidance on the development of planning proposals, including Comprehensive Plan map and text amendments, Land Development Code amendments, zoning map and text amendments, annexation and development plan review requests.
• Coordinates the preparation, training, and implementation of new or revised policies, standards, and regulations.
• Works with other departments outside of Community Development to coordinate review and issuance of development permits.
• Attends City Commission, Planning Board, Historic Preservation Board, Technical Review Committee and other Community Development related boards and committees.
• Directs and supervises the gathering of information, preparing of formal reports and oral presentations on departmental activities.
• Writes, reviews, and edits official documents.
• Acts as technical advisor to the Director and other department heads on planning matters.
• Take a proactive approach to customer service issues.
• Make process improvement changes to streamline procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information.
• Perform related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Principles and practices of municipal planning and economic development.
• Principles and practices of electronic permitting and GIS.
• Principles and practices of creating affordable housing.
• Principles and practices of leadership, team building, management, supervision, training, and employee development.
• Principles and practices of budget and financial management.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, ordinances and rules.
• Principles and practices of public administration and human resources as applied to function, including basic employee-relations concepts.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and tact.
• Ability to listen openly to new ideas, follow through on critical issues, and respond to inquiries in a transparent, constructive, and solution-oriented manner.
• Ability to demonstrate confidence, professionalism, and personal integrity, earning the trust of staff, leadership, and the public through ethical conduct and consistent follow-through.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and engaging interpersonal style that contributes to a healthy, inclusive, and welcoming workplace culture.
• Commitment to public service and a demonstrated passion for community engagement, including the ability to understand, adapt to, and embrace the community's unique culture and core values.
• Ability to lead by example, uphold strong ethical standards, hold staff accountable, and establish achievable benchmarks for excellence.
• Ability to navigate difficult conversations, lead through organizational change, and maintain steady, effective leadership in the face of challenge or controversy.
• Ability to communicate effectively and consistently with departmental staff and the Planning Director to ensure alignment, transparency, and team cohesion.
• Commitment to continuous professional growth and development, including a demonstrated ability to remain open to feedback, new approaches, and evolving best practices.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Urban Planning or related field is required. Master's degree preferred.
• Six (6) years of recent progressively responsible professional experience in community development, planning, and/or redevelopment.
• A minimum of two (2) years supervisory experience, preferably in a municipal environment.
• AICP certification preferred.

LICENSES AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid Florida driver's license with an acceptable driving record is required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others, including County, State, and Federal agencies, civic groups and the public.
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and maintain good personal relationship with other employees and the public.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/ADA

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be re-quired to work inside in an office environment or outside in various weather conditions. The employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time performing repetitive functions and viewing display screens for extended periods of time. The employee may also be required to work outside on uneven surfaces, or in noisy conditions.

Please visit Deputy Planning Director Recruitment Detail for additional information.

BENEFITS

• Employer Provided Insurance: Medical, Long-Term Disability, and Basic Life Insurance
• Leave/PTO: Sick, Vacation, Executive Comp, Personal Days (2), Holidays (11)
• Front loaded 40 hours of sick leave at date of hire
• Ten days of vacation per year
• Executive comp time up to 80 hours
• City Employee (and insured dependents) access to city's Health Clinic at no cost
• 6 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave after 1 year of employment