Director, Planning & Sustainability

DeKalb County is seeking a Director of Planning & Sustainability in Decatur, GA. This role involves managing staff, overseeing planning and zoning activities, ensuring compliance with regulations, developing departmental plans and budgets, and collaborating with community agencies. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, ten years of relevant experience, and five years in management. The salary ranges from $133,347 to $214,689.
Pay Range: $133,347 - $214,689 Job Code: 51000 Salary Grade: 31 FLSA: Exempt

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

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.

Directs redevelopment and business retention efforts within the County; collaborates with outside agencies and other local jurisdictions in developing and implementing community development programs and projects; and establishes and maintains viable business relationships.

Develops and implements departmental budget; recommends staffing levels, equipment, materials and other budget allocations; monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budget; and prepares and submits budget documentation and reports.

Minimum Qualifications:

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.

About the Company:
DeKalb County