Deputy Director of Development Services- Current Planning- Zoning & Design Review

Deputy Director of Development Services – Zoning & Design Review City of Fort Worth, Texas As Fort Worth continues to grow and evolve, the City is investing in leaders who can match pace with performance, protect what works while advancing what’s next. The Development Services Department is the operational gateway for development activity and a strategic platform for shaping Fort Worth’s long‑term community framework. This senior leadership role offers a rare opportunity to guide growth in a nationally recognized organization that has moved from “exceptional at managing growth” to “exceptional at guiding it.” Department Overview The Development Services Department (DSD) is a 240‑person, performance‑driven team ranked #1 in Texas for “Speed of Permitting” and “Speed of Zoning.” The 2029 Strategic Plan includes initiatives such as delivery support for the Panther Island flood‑control & riverfront redevelopment, an AI‑enabled online permitting portal, an updated Transportation Impact Fee program, and restoration of key civic spaces. These projects shape how quickly Fort Worth grows. Responsibilities Zoning change case management, historic preservation, form‑based codes, and downtown design. Zoning plan review, urban forestry, and zoning appeals. Platting and annexation/ETJ coordination. Lead a high‑volume, high‑accountability operation that supports the full development lifecycle—zoning, platting, entitlements, infrastructure coordination, building permits, plan review, inspections, complex project facilitation, customer service, and data‑enabled performance management. Leadership Expectations Proactive, city‑shaping orientation that guides growth with intentionality. Strong planning and urban design mindset focused on quality‑of‑place outcomes. Credibility with diverse stakeholders, including developers, neighborhood leaders, boards, commissions, and internal departments. Workforce‑builder instincts—raise team capability, train staff, strengthen accountability, and foster resilience through cross‑functional knowledge. Operational maturity to protect performance standards while expanding strategic impact. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Urban Planning/Design, Public Administration, Urban Geography, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field. Six years of progressively responsible experience in city planning, development services, or a related municipal function, including broad exposure to zoning/entitlements, land use regulation, and development review. Four years of management or administrative leadership experience, including supervising professional staff and coordinating multi‑function work programs. Valid Texas driver’s license (or ability to obtain upon hire). Preferred / Highly Desirable Qualifications Master’s degree in Planning, Regional Planning, Urban Design, or a related field. Demonstrated record of leading or influencing zoning and land use policy in a high‑growth environment, including ordinance interpretation, case management, and code modernization. Experience overseeing or partnering closely with urban design, downtown design standards, form‑based tools, conservation districts, or historic preservation programs. Working knowledge of subdivision/platting and annexation/ETJ coordination, including collaborative workflows with engineering, transportation, utilities, and capital planning partners. History of improving customer experience and service‑level performance (cycle time, predictability, transparency) while maintaining decision quality and public trust. Strong people leadership—develop staff capability, build a leadership bench, implement training/cross‑training, strengthen accountability in a high‑volume environment. Professional credentials such as AICP and/or CNU. Salary Range: $145,000‑$204,000 Application URL: #J-18808-Ljbffr American Planning Association - Wisconsin Chapter