Planning Manager

Salary Range Up to $172,272 annually DOE/DOQ Recruitment Status This recruitment is open continuous until filled. It may close or be extended at any time without notice. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is an experienced planning professional who brings both technical expertise and strong people‑management skills. The Planning Manager will serve as a subject‑matter expert to the Community Development Department staff, City departments, and the community. This individual will be a hands‑on leader—comfortable jumping in at the counter, mentoring staff, and setting clear protocols and procedures to strengthen consistency and service delivery. The City of South Pasadena is committed to fostering a culture of Collaboration, Accountability, Courage, Ownership, Professionalism, and Service Excellence. Candidates are expected to demonstrate these values in their work and interactions with colleagues and the community. Purpose Under administrative direction, to manage, supervise and coordinate the assigned activities and operations within the Planning and Community Development Department including processing current planning applications, advanced planning functions, capital projects, and environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act; to coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; and to provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Community Development Director. Distinguishing Characteristics This position is distinguished from the Associate Planner and Senior Planner level by its management of a variety of administrative and support functions of the highest complexity. A person in this position has the ability to manage special projects, which typically requires substantial knowledge of the department's operations. Key Responsibilities Assume management responsibility for assigned services and activities of the Planning Division including current and advanced planning functions, programs, and services; review and process community development, environmental, and planning projects and applications to ensure consistency with policies and procedures; oversee public counter services, permitting, and plan check review. Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for assigned programs; recommend and administer policies and procedures. Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend within departmental policy appropriate service and staffing levels; identify and recommend opportunities for improvement. Plan, direct, coordinate and review the work plan for planning staff; assign work activities, projects and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems. Assist the Community Development Director in planning, developing, overseeing and administering the Department’s objectives, policies, programs, procedures and services, including organizing, managing, and providing administrative direction and oversight for major functions and activities. Research, analyze and interpret data collected, and make recommendations on potential programs; prepare and administer budgets; draft RFPs/RFQs and select consultants/contractors; coordinate administrative activities for a variety of City programs. Select, train, motivate and evaluate planning personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures; oversee the work of contractors and consultants. Assure the systematic implementation of the General Plan for the City; meet with developers, engineers, property owners, contractors, and other agencies to discuss project proposals, pre‑applications, feasibility analysis, and/or status of development projects; respond to and/or assist with resolving difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints. Prepare, review and present staff reports to the City Council, Planning Commission, and other commissions; assist with maintaining official department files; coordinate committee activities, meetings, and related responsibilities; represent the City with other government agencies and community groups. Participate in the development and administration of the annual budget; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement adjustments. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of planning and community development. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Qualifications Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public administration or policy, urban planning/design preferred, or a related field. At least five years of increasingly responsible analytical and administrative experience with a government agency, preferably within a municipal setting. Preferred Qualifications A Master’s degree in urban planning/design or a related field. A minimum of one year of supervisory experience, including work delegation, performance review, and mentoring. Experience with historic preservation. Knowledge of Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a planning department; Principles and practices of program development and administration; Theories, principles, procedures, standards, practices, information sources and trends in the fields of current and advanced planning; Land use, physical design, demographic, environmental, and social/economic concepts as applied to municipal planning; Statistical analysis techniques related to municipal planning; application, modification, and inter‑relationships among ordinances, policies, standards, procedures and practices associated with the planning function; Applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, including state planning laws, zoning, Subdivision Map Act, and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); Terminology, symbols, methods, and techniques used in planning and planning exhibits such as site plans, grading plans and architectural elevations; Local government organization and the functions and practices of a municipal planning unit; Research methods and statistical techniques and applications; Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and databases; Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration; Principles and practices of supervision, training and performance evaluation. Ability to Oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive planning program including current and advanced planning activities and projects; Oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of lower‑level staff; select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff; Participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures; Prepare and administer program budgets; Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports; Perform and coordinate technical current, advanced, and project‑planning activities, such as the collection, analysis, and preparation of reports and recommendations pertaining to complex issues; interpret laws, policies, procedures, regulations, maps, specifications, census data, site and building plans, graphs and other statistical data; Direct the preparation of visual displays, such as maps, graphs, and statistical charts; exercise sound independent judgment within departmental guidelines; Represent the City effectively in meetings with commissions, community groups, governmental bodies, the media, and the public; conduct analyses and make accurate recommendations based on study findings; Independently complete a variety of assignments; prioritize multiple work projects and meet deadlines; Display a strong work ethic, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to foster effective working relationships with City Council, City Departments; operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Working Conditions & Physical Demands Long periods of sitting, dexterity and coordination in handling files and single sheets of paper. Reading and comprehending large reports. Occasional lifting of items weighing up to 25 pounds, such as files, file boxes, stacks of paper. Reaching for items above and below desk level. Hand and eye coordination are needed to operate office equipment. Strength, dexterity, coordination and vision to use keyboard and video display terminal. Special Requirements Possession of a valid Class “C” California Driver’s License. FLSA Status Exempt EQUAL OPPORTUNITY The City of South Pasadena is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce. The City of South Pasadena intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a special accommodation is desired, or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. The City of South Pasadena is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. FAIR CHANCE ACT The City of South Pasadena is committed to providing fair opportunities to all applicants, including those with a criminal history. Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of South Pasadena has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. For more information about the Fair Chance Act, please visit #J-18808-Ljbffr