Category: 
Job


Location: Charlottesville, VA

Director of Neighborhood Development Services

Salary: 150,000.00 to $178,505.60 Annually

Closing: July 1, 2024

Description
The Director of Neighborhood Development Services performs complex professional and administrative work overseeing and directing the programs, activities, and staff of Neighborhood Development Services Department, which includes planning, urban design, zoning, building inspections, property maintenance, GIS, and historic preservation. Work is performed with broad functional areas, a high degree of independent judgement, and a strategic focus. Reports to the Deputy City Manager for Operations. Please include with your online application a cover letter, resume, and at least five (5) professional references.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

  • Supervising employees whose duties include but are not limited to Long Range Planning, Urban Design and Planning, Zoning, Building Inspections, GIS, Property Maintenance, and Historic Preservation.
  • Supervises, coaches, trains, motivates, and evaluates the performance of staff; interviews, selects, assigns work, and administers disciplinary action to subordinate employees in accordance with established personnel policy and procedures. Establishing professional standards for work quality, quantity, performance, and accountability.
  • Serving as a critical advisor to the City Council and City Staff on the areas mentioned above, as well as serving as a prime spokesperson on planning and development matters.
  • Serving as, or supervising a staff liaison, to a variety of boards and commissions including the Planning Commission, Board of Architectural Review, Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, Metropolitan Planning Organization, and others.
  • Leading a process of development review that is compliant with the ordinances and policies of the City, advances the Comprehensive Plan, and efficiently advances development projects through the permitting process.
  • Day-to-day development and monitoring of project-based, development practices and control of project performance, development and oversight of accountability, development of long-range development forecasts, and development and oversight of department budget.
  • Developing and implementing planning and development projects in an urban setting and project reporting to city management, committees, community groups, and/or Council.
  • Demonstrating expertise in developing successful planning processes with attention to community engagement methods.
  • Reviewing and updating of the Development Code and other ordinances to ensure the outcomes continue to advance the goals of the Comprehensive Plan and that the Code represents best practices in ordinance form and drafting.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of and appreciation for evolving planning practices such as form-based code and small area planning.
  • Performs related functions as assigned.

The Director of NDS as an integral part of the City's management team:

  • Serves as the leader in the development of strategies, policies and practices, and procedures regarding strategic land-use management approach to conducting business; supervises plan review, building inspection, and code enforcement; and establishes other sound land-use management practices as needed.
  • Develops and recommends long-term land-use policies designed to ensure sustainability to meet long-term capital requirements.
  • Advises departments on strategies to accomplish near and long-term capital projects.
  • Works collaboratively with economic development and other city staff to ensure a timely and efficient review process.
  • Works with the City Manager's Lead Team (Department Directors) on policy development and leadership training.
  • Manages the full range of divisions in the NDS Department, with expertise in managing the preparation of the City's Comprehensive Land-Use Development and strong mentoring skills in planning and development.
  • Performs related functions as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements

  • A Master's degree in Planning, Public Administration, or Business Administration AND at least six (6) years of supervisory and managerial responsibility with an emphasis on municipal planning and management of a comprehensive plan, standards and design, and zoning regulations. OR
  • A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, or related field AND at least eight (8) years of supervisory and managerial responsibility with an emphasis on municipal planning and management of a comprehensive plan, standards and design, and zoning regulations. OR
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.

Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements

  • Virginia Driver’s License and must meet the city’s driving eligibility requirements OR be able to provide own transportation to/from out of office engagements.
  • Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug screen.

Preferred

  • Designation as an AICP desired.
  • Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible local expertise in land-use planning desired.
  • Prior Departmental Director experience desired.

How to Apply
Applications are only accepted online through the City of Charlottesville employment page – www.charlottesville.gov/jobs - and must be submitted prior to the listed closing date and time. First review of applications will begin on Monday, July 1, 2024. Please include with your online application a cover letter, resume, and at least five (5) professional references.

Direct link to application: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/charlottesville/jobs/4546761/director-of-neighborhood-development-services