DeKalb County is seeking a visionary, strategic leader who can advance the county’s comprehensive plan for future development. The successful candidate will possess an educational and professional background that prepares them to lead a regulated government agency and to work effectively under the guidance of executive leadership. Professional judgment, excellent communication skills, technological savvy, and the ability to cultivate a positive workplace climate are essential.
As a member of the CEO’s executive management team, the Director, Planning & Sustainability will make recommendations to the CEO and BOC on complex planning and zoning issues and advise the Planning Commission and citizen boards. This position serves the public interest by developing and overseeing the implementation of a comprehensive official community plan and directing and managing the daily operations of the Planning & Sustainability department.
The ideal candidate will perform the following key responsibilities:
Manages, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work regarding planning, zoning, permitting, plan review, and code enforcement activities; prioritizes and schedules work activities in order to meet objectives; ensures that subordinates have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; and provides progress and activity reports to County administrators and elected officials.
Ensures departmental compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; ensures adherence to established procedures; and initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations.
Develops and implements long- and short-term plans, goals, and objectives for the department; collects and analyzes multiple sources of data; evaluates effectiveness and efficiency of department activities; reviews and revises policies, procedures, plans and programs; and researches, assesses, and develops strategies to meet current and future planning and sustainability needs.
Develops, implements, and monitors all department policies, procedures and protocols; interprets, explains and implements local, state, and federal laws and regulations; conducts staff meetings; and provides information, updates, coordination of work activities.
Administers comprehensive community planning program to ensure orderly community development and growth; oversees administration and enforcement of technical building codes for the County; resolves public complaints related to inspections, code interpretation or applications; and oversees preparation and presents oral and written reports to Board of Commissioners and related zoning and planning boards and commissions.
Total rewards highlights…
Hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution pension plan
Health care insurance plan options including a traditional HMO, POS & HAS
Dental and vision insurance options
Basic Life Insurance benefit of 2.25 times an employee’s annual salary
Flexible Spending Account Plan
Employee Assistance Program
Deferred Compensation
15 days annual leave/13 days sick leave
11 paid holidays
Take the best next step – APPLY NOW! Submit your resume to: Ansel Beacham, HR
To be considered, candidates must have the following:
Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a related field required (Master's degree preferred); ten years of experience in planning, zoning, and development service, with five years of management experience for a comparably sized organization or as a director for a smaller organization; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license and AICP certification.
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