Deputy Director of Planning and Zoning

The City of Manchester, NH, is hiring a Deputy Director of Planning and Zoning to manage land-use regulations and oversee a team of city planners. Responsibilities include advising on property development, long-range planning, and assisting in personnel and grant management. Candidates should have relevant managerial experience and preferably a master's degree in urban planning or related fields. The position offers competitive pay and benefits.
About the position

The City of Manchester, New Hampshire is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Deputy Director of Planning and Zoning. This role is pivotal in managing the land-use regulations of Manchester, which is recognized as the largest city in Northern New England and a vibrant economic hub. The Deputy Director will oversee a dedicated team of city planners who are responsible for a variety of essential services. These services include staffing the City's land-use boards, providing guidance to property owners and elected officials regarding the development potential of various properties, and engaging in long-range planning and regulatory drafting. As a senior manager within a large department, the Deputy Director will also assist the Director with personnel matters and the management of grants received by the City. The Manchester Planning and Community Development Department is currently at an exciting juncture, having completed a master plan in 2021 and recently releasing the first draft of a new zoning ordinance. The department's staff is highly motivated to continue the success of Manchester, and the City encourages candidates who share this motivation and possess a compatible background to apply for this important position. The City offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package.

Responsibilities
• Oversee a team of city planners in managing land-use regulations.
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• Staff the City's land-use boards and provide advisory services to property owners and elected officials.
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• Engage in long-range planning and regulatory drafting.
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• Assist the Director with personnel matters and management of grants received by the City.
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• Contribute to the development and implementation of the City's master plan and zoning ordinance.

Requirements
• Extensive experience in the review of civil-engineering, architectural, and surveyed plans.
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• Managerial experience in a relevant field.
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• Strong writing, public speaking, and customer service skills.
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• A master's degree or professional degree in urban planning, civil engineering, architecture, community development, law, public policy, or a related field is preferred, or a bachelor's degree with extensive experience.
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• AICP certification is preferred.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in public sector planning and zoning.
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• Knowledge of local government operations and regulations.
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• Familiarity with community engagement and public participation processes.

Benefits
• Competitive salary with opportunities for regular increases.
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• Comprehensive benefits package.