Director of Planning and Development Department

DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Direct, plan, and coordinate planning initiatives of the City of Detroit. Responsible for setting broad and high reaching goals for the design and execution for the City's built environment; and the overall operation and administration of the Planning and Development Department. Contribute to setting the vision for the city of Detroit's growth and development, including updating and implementing the City's Master Plan of Policies. Advance this vision by receiving approval through governmental and quasi-governmental boards, including but not limited to: Detroit City Council, Board of Zoning Appeals, City Planning Commission, and Historic District Commission. Facilitate the Community Benefits Ordinance process in coordination with other City departments. Oversee the process of City land sales to ensure alignment with the land use and economic development goals and vision of the city. Manage the department's executions of citywide and neighborhood framework plans that define short- and long-term investments to meet growth, development, and quality of life goals of the Administration, informed by resident engagement. Ensure that development is equitable and supports community goals of a safe, beautiful, pedestrian-oriented public realm through the management of the Design Review process and overseeing design review staff. Manage the department budget in line with city-wide goals and objectives. Plan, prioritize and provide overall direction to the work of the Department. Build a strong and inclusive team culture and oversee the recruitment, supervision, training and development of all planning staff. Assist with the development of a framework for the activation and use of open space. Create department-wide administrative policies and procedures in alignment with the organizational framework and policies set by the Mayor's Office. Staff and manage the Historic District Commission process. Regularly appear before City Council, Council Committees, City Planning Commission, public agencies, community groups, and other organizations regarding the City's planning needs, goals and policies, and is expected to be visible and maintain successful working relationship with all City stakeholders. Work closely with the Mayor, Group Executive of Planning, Housing and Development, City Council, City Departments, boards and commissions, other public agencies and the private sector in developing a comprehensive, integrated and equity focused approach to formulating specific policy, goals and work standards. Advise Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) on annual capital agenda and funding allocation. Contribute to setting the vision for the city of Detroit's growth and development, including updating and implementing the City's Master Plan of Policies. n Advance this vision by receiving approval through governmental and quasi-governmental boards, including but not limited to: Detroit City Council, Board of Zoning Appeals, City Planning Commission, and Historic District Commission. Facilitate the Community Benefits Ordinance process in coordination with other City departments. Oversee the process of City land sales to ensure alignment with the land use and economic development goals and vision of the city. Manage the department's executions of citywide and neighborhood framework plans that define short- and long-term investments to meet growth, development, and quality of life goals of the Administration, informed by resident engagement. Ensure that development is equitable and supports community goals of a safe, beautiful, pedestrian-oriented public realm through the management of the Design Review process and overseeing design review staff. Manage the department budget in line with city-wide goals and objectives. Plan, prioritize and provide overall direction to the work of the Department. Build a strong and inclusive team culture and oversee the recruitment, supervision, training and development of all planning staff. Assist with the development of a framework for the activation and use of open space. Create department-wide administrative policies and procedures in alignment with the organizational framework and policies set by the Mayor's Office. Staff and manage the Historic District Commission process Regularly appear before City Council, Council Committees, City Planning Commission, public agencies, community groups, and other organizations regarding the City's planning needs, goals and policies, and is expected to be visible and maintain successful working relationship with all City stakeholders. Work closely with the Mayor, Group Executive of Planning, Housing and Development, City Council, City Departments, boards and commissions, other public agencies and the private sector in developing a comprehensive, integrated and equity focused approach to formulating specific policy, goals and work standards. Advise Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) on annual capital agenda and funding allocation. Qualifications (required): Bachelor's degree in planning, architecture/urban design, landscape architecture, economics, business or public administration or a closely related field of study. Minimum of ten (10) years of full-time experience in urban planning with responsibility for at least some of the following: building and zoning code administration, and transportation development. Minimum of five (5) years' experience at a managerial level with responsibility for program planning and development, supervision, training and evaluation of a large professional and technical staff and must have included budget preparation and management. Experience with federally funded programs and with citizen or quasi-governmental boards is required. Qualifications (preferred): Advanced degree in planning, architecture/urban design, landscape architecture, economics, business or public administration. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with the large-scale transformation of vacant land and abandoned structures into social, environmental and economic assets for the City is highly desirable. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of principles, practices, and trends in community and urban planning. Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to community development and capital improvements. Knowledge of the principles and practices of engineering and architecture as applied to city planning. Knowledge of economics, municipal finances, and sociology as applied to city planning. Knowledge of Civil Service and departmental rules, polices, and procedures. Knowledge of modern management principles and practices. Knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS. Knowledge of principles of budgeting and finance. Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices. Skill in collecting and/or analyzing data. Skill in effective and persuasive leadership while comfortable with all levels of staff, the public and others. Proven management skills and ability to manage day-to-day operations. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the editing, oversight or preparation of technical reports, and the presentation of information. Strong interpersonal and public relations skills to work effectively with various officials, staff, citizens and other customers. Strong organizational skills Ability to understand and manage high-profile, sensitive or controversial political situations. Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills. Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment within general policy guidelines. Effective public speaking and experience working with the public on developing plans and visions for the built environment Physical Demands The employee generally remains in a stationary position for an extended period of time operating standard office equipment which may include computers, telephones, photocopiers, and fax machines. The employee is expected to move about to accomplish tasks such as opening file cabinets and moving files. Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 20 pounds.