Deputy Director of Neighborhood Development (Planning, Policy, and Programs)

The City of Charlottesville is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking Deputy Director for Planning, Policy, and Programs to support the leadership and operations of key functions within the Department of Neighborhood Development Services (NDS) , including housing, transportation, historic preservation, and long-range comprehensive planning. This position performs complex professional, technical, and administrative work and provides strategic, operational, supervisory, and managerial leadership for assigned divisions. As Deputy Director, this position oversees multidisciplinary teams responsible for housing policy and programs, multimodal transportation planning, design and preservation policy, and comprehensive planning efforts ( Assigned divisions are subject to change at the discretion of the department director ). The role supports the implementation of departmental priorities, contributes to strategic planning efforts, and ensures programs are aligned with City Council priorities and applicable regulations. Responsibilities also include strengthening performance management practices and supporting data-informed decision-making across program areas. This position is highly visible and involves regular interaction with the public. The Deputy Director supports and leads public engagement efforts, represents the City at meetings and events, and works to ensure planning and policy initiatives are communicated clearly and implemented effectively. The role works closely with internal departments, regional partners, and elected and appointed officials to coordinate initiatives and support project implementation. The position plays a key role in shaping the department's culture, systems, and service standards. Reports to the Director of Neighborhood Development Services. The preferred hiring amount for this position is between $ 103,542.40 - $129,688.00 Annually. Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This full-time, exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday, vacation and sick leave, health insurance with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, gym membership reimbursement, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities. As a Deputy Director, this position is also eligible for the following benefits: Up to 40 hours of discretionary administrative leave per calendar year Choice of retirement plan:

Defined Benefit Pension Plan:

Provides a monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated using a defined formula based on earnings history, years of service, and age. The plan includes a 5-year vesting period and requires an employee contribution of 5% of salary. Defined Contribution 401a

Plan:

Employer makes fixed contributions to an individual account, which are invested, and returns are credited to the account. The account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years of service. No salary contribution is required. Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, a Portability Agreement is available for eligible employees. For additional details, please refer to the "Benefits" tab within this posting or visit the City's Employee Benefits webpage . To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time. Provides direct management and oversight of assigned areas, leads multi-disciplinary teams, sets strategic direction, performance goals, work plans, regulatory requirements, and accountability structures to align with City priorities, internal procedures and goals. Oversees policy, design, implementation, projects, studies, partnerships, safety, and compliance of assigned divisions/areas. Manages team workloads, schedules, budgets, procurement needs, and professional development, ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables. Supports strategic planning, organizational development, and internal communications. Establishes, monitors, and continuously refines performance management systems across teams and programs within assigned portfolio. Works closely and collaborates with division managers to ensure consistent service delivery, regulatory compliance, organizational excellence, and consistent and timely review of processes and enforcement in assigned areas. Leads initiatives that improve public access to information. Develops and tracks performance metrics; uses data to guide process improvements, resource allocation, staffing needs, and program redesigns; prepares performance updates, dashboards, and reports. Fosters and promotes a positive workplace culture and ensures compliance with City policies. Supervises, coaches, trains, motivates, and evaluates the performance of assigned 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. Supports subordinate supervisors with performance evaluations, coaching, and corrective actions. Leads staff trainings, programs, and professional development initiatives. Establishes and maintains customer service standards across all public-facing functions. Resolves escalated customer concerns and promotes service-oriented problem solving. Collaborates with appropriate staff on system improvements, workflow design, and reporting tools. Supports coordination with legal, public safety, building code, planning/development, and housing partners.

Depending on assignment:

Provide strategic direction for permitting software, GIS services, and data analytics. Lead department recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies. Lead department-wide administrative operations, including but not limited to development and implementation of internal procedures and performance tracking, and interdivision coordination for assigned areas of responsibility. Lead public engagement strategies, ensure accessibility for all community members, promote meaningful engagement, and documents outcomes and their integration into policy decisions. Ensures compliance with public hearings, notices, procedural requirements, public records and data governance standards. Researches information requested by the Director and/or City Manager's Office; coordinates studies in a variety of areas and presents reports of recommendations for the Director and others, including Council. Prepares, supports, and/or oversees the completion of staff reports, position papers, presentations, grant applications, procurement documents/contracts, written correspondence, and others. Supports the development of the department's operating and capital budgets. Monitors expenditures, revenues, fee schedules, and/or financial performance. Assists the Director in the preparation and/or presentation of department budget. Supports procurement, contracts, and vendor relationship development as well as grant administration and special funding initiatives. Serves as a key advisor to the Director, collaborates across city departments and regional partners, and attends/represents the city and department at various public meetings, boards, commissions, and community events. Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools, and other resources, including work time. Regular and reliable attendance. Other Duties May serve as the Director of Neighborhood Development Services in their absence. May make field or project site visits, as necessary. Completes special projects as assigned. Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

Education and Experience:

Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education. Bachelor's Degree or higher in urban/regional planning, public policy/administration, architecture/urban design, transportation planning, or a related field. AND 8 or more years of experience in planning, housing policy, transportation planning, zoning policy, or a related area, including at least 3 years of supervisory/managerial experience. OR An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.

Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:

Must obtain and maintain a valid Virginia driver's license and acceptable driving record according to city criteria. Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug screen.

Preferred:

Master's Degree in a related field. AICP or other applicable professional certification. Local government experience. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics Job Knowledge Complete comprehension of the subject matter and principles and practices of administration, supervision, and training. Comprehensive knowledge of applicable state and local government policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and ordinances. Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices in multiple community development disciplines (such as planning, code compliance/enforcement, housing, zoning, urban design, land use, multimodal transportation). Comprehensive knowledge of effective project management and the methods, processes, and materials used in development projects, zoning, housing, and planning. Advanced knowledge of public engagement, personnel management, budget, and strategic planning.

Reading Advanced:

ability to read and understand complex written materials such as federal, state, and local code, rules, regulations, policies and procedures, technical journals, financial reports, and/or legal documents. Reads, interprets, applies, and explains codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Writing Advanced:

Ability to develop and recommend policies and procedures, complete complex research and ensure appropriate materials such as researched editorials, journals, speeches, manuals, or critiques. Ability to tailor writing to specific audiences and explain complex thoughts and ideas in writing. Prepares and presents technical written reports for city officials, boards, and the public.

Math Intermediate:

Ability to deal with number systems; simple formulas, practical development and application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions, and measurement. Analyzes budgets and other numeric documents.

Communication Skills Advanced:

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with employees, officials, other agencies, and the public. Prepares and presents technical oral reports, with the ability to effectively convey complex planning concepts to diverse audiences. Contact may involve support of controversial positions or the negotiation of sensitive issues or important presentations. Exercise tact, diplomacy, and resourcefulness in meeting problems and in difficult situations. Makes recommendations regarding policy development and implementation. Evaluates customer satisfaction, develops cooperative associations, and utilizes resources to continuously improve customer satisfaction.

Independence and Decision-Making Requires Administrative Direction:

normally completes work with substantial discretion and within broad parameters defined by general organizational requirements and accepted practices. Overall results determine job performance.

Technical Skills Advanced:

high level skills and extensive knowledge in approaches and systems, which affect the design and implementation of major programs and/or processes organization wide. Independent judgment and decision-making abilities are necessary to apply technical skills effectively. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office applications, GIS mapping, AutoCAD and other technical applications . Ability to advise others on technical matters and serve as a resource on the subject for others. Fiscal Responsibilities Assists the Director in the overall oversight of budget preparation and management of a division or department. Reviews and approves expenditures of significant budgeted funds for the department or does research and prepares recommendations for organization-wide budget expenditures. Supervisory Responsibilities Manages, monitors, and directs work performance of subordinate employees. Trains, mentors, and coaches others. Supervisors and makes decisions on hiring, discipline, performance evaluation, setting program/work objectives and realigns work and staffing of assigned areas. Other Characteristics Effective time management and organizational skills; sometimes under strict time constraints. Sound independent judgment in fast-paced and potentially stressful situations. Tact, diplomacy, and resourcefulness in resolving problems and managing stressful situations. Strong teamwork, leadership, and coaching abilities. Works closely with others as part of a team. Performing multiple tasks simultaneously. Frequent change of tasks, interruptions, and requests for services. Tedious or exacting work. Effectively maintain accurate records and files. Work effectively with sensitive and confidential issues and information. May be required to work additional hours outside of normal schedule, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.

Physical Demands:

Light work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Remains in a stationary position to a significant degree. Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware:

Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.

Work Environment:

Work is usually performed in an office environment where there may be exposure to computer screen for extended periods of time, monitor glare and dust. Work may require visiting project sites and exposure to extreme temperatures, extreme brightness or darkness, chemicals/hazardous waste, gases, blood-borne pathogens, electrical hazards, fumes/airborne particles, and in or around roadways. The noise level is usually moderate.