Director of Planning and Development Services

Job Summary

The Director of Planning and Development Services bears ultimate responsibility for the overall operation and function of Sioux Falls Planning and Development Services and provides direction for the orderly, efficient, and safe growth of the city of Sioux Falls.

Job Responsibilities

There shall be delegated to the holder of the Office of the Planning and Development Services Director the following executive and administrative duties and functions in which the public has an interest and for which the holder of said office shall bear ultimate responsibility:

• Provide guidance, prepare reports, and make recommendations to the City Planning Commission assuring compliance with the City’s comprehensive plan when reviewing new commercial/industrial and subdivision development.
• Work with development groups, as well as private developers and consultants, to ensure timely and effective development of the city.
• Oversee development and implementation of comprehensive development plan for the city of Sioux Falls. Administer the Redevelopment and Tax Increment Financing Program for the City.
• Supervise, develop, and manage citywide programs in community development, and neighborhood revitalization, utilizing all aspects of federal programs administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and advise and make recommendations to the City Council.
• Prepare annual block grant application for federal funds and various HUD funds, review and evaluate requests for funding, and present and recommend appropriate action to the City Council.
• Inform the Affordable Housing Advisory Board, Mayor, City Council, City departments, and citizens on all aspects of Affordable Housing regulations and related projects; conduct continuous programs of public information and education.
• Receive requests for financial assistance eligible under HUD rules and meet with Affordable Housing Advisory Board to determine eligibility.
• Coordinate and assist in the implementation of the City’s transportation planning process with SECOG, City Engineering, and county, state, and federal agencies.
• Assist the general public in City planning and building-related services, ordinances, and projects; historic preservation; property maintenance; and neighborhood development.
• Provide staff services to various City boards.
• Coordinate Planning and Development Services activities with other City departments and governmental agencies.
• Oversight of the City’s comprehensive interdepartmental code enforcement program and building code program.
• Make presentations to civic, educational, and neighborhood groups; and formulate brochures, slides, and video shows and speeches.
• Execute administrative duties of the position; confers and advises City Council regarding development and other issues affecting the operation of the City.
• Supervise employees and make final decisions relative to hiring, discharge, layoffs or suspensions, disciplinary actions, the adjustment of grievances, and employee performance appraisals.
• Submit an annual departmental budget request and ensure that the spent amount and/or obligated for the department, or for any purpose within the department, will not exceed the total amount appropriated for such department or purpose except as otherwise specially provided.
• Ensure proper care and disposition of City property assigned to Planning and Development Services; file with Finance an annual inventory of all public/personal property, supplies, or stores in his/her custody; and upon termination, turn over the public/personal property in his/her custody to the successor or Director of Finance and take receipts for all property requiring inventory.
• Perform other such duties and functions as are necessary or incidental to the proper performance of this position.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in urban planning and a minimum of five (5) years’ professional planning experience of which at least two (2) years must have been in a management/supervisory position; or any such combination of education, experience, and training as may be acceptable to the hiring authority.

Possession of a valid driver’s license is desirable.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban planning.
• Knowledge and understanding of government programs and regulations.
• Geographical knowledge of the city and the development pattern of the city.
• Ability and knowledge in planning, zoning, building inspection, property maintenance, neighborhood development, building codes, personnel, and financial management.
• Ability to effectively work with, advise, and inform legislative bodies, citizen boards, the media, and the general public.
• Ability to organize and schedule work activities and planning studies.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to be tactful, yet firm, in enforcing compliance with laws and ordinances.

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