Deputy Director of Planning and Development Services

Planning And Development Services Director

Assists the Director with the administrative and supervisory work of the divisions within the Department of Planning and Development Services. Responsible for directing and coordinating the daily activities of the Planning Division. Formulates, modifies, and improves comprehensive and related plans for the orderly development of the County. Is responsible for acting as a technical advisor to the Director, Deputy County Administrator, County Administrator, and, as assigned, County and regional commissions, committees, and officials in matters relating to comprehensive planning, zoning, site plan, subdivisions, building regulation, and other planning issues. Assists with the development and administration of the department's operating budget. In the absence of the Director, represents the Department of Planning and Development Services carrying out the mission of the department and the County. Assists the Director of Planning and Development Services by performing complex administrative and supervisory work in the department; assists with establishing and implementing departmental management and operating policies and procedures; evaluates workloads and staffing levels in the department; assigns senior division level personnel to specific areas of responsibility to distribute the workload among staff; reviews staff's performance, and resolves problems as non-routine situations arise. Plans, organizes, and directs the activities of professional personnel and administrative support staff of the three divisions engaged in the compilation, analysis, and interpretation of data involving the County's planning, site plan, subdivision, and building processes; determines work assignments and provides for scheduling, direction, and follow-up on staff activities. Monitors the preparation of Board of Zoning and Subdivision Appeals, Planning Commission, and Board of Supervisors materials such as memoranda, resolutions, and ordinances to ensure compliance with established deadlines and procedures; reviews staff comments, reports and memoranda, Board of Zoning and Subdivision Appeals, Planning Commission, and Board of Supervisors advertisements, and various other materials prior to forwarding, as necessary, to the Director for final approval or distribution. Prepares, interprets, and evaluates the Comprehensive Plan within the policies and/or direction of the Board of Supervisors, County Administrator and/or Deputy County Administrator and Director; coordinates the development and drafting of plan implementation of ordinances and amendments relating thereto by professional staff, including project design, formulation of work program, research, data analysis and alternative development; writes, designs, and edits text and graphics for plan document; presents concepts and data analysis to the Planning Commission and, as assigned, to the Board of Supervisors; participates in discussions with citizens, developers, and the Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors. Performs special and/or permanent assignments with specific responsibility for the major segment of the department's programs, such as the comprehensive planning and community development programs. Assists the Director in the preparation or the proposed operating budget for the Planning and Development Services Department and monitors/administers the budget after adoption. Supervises and coordinates the collection, compilation, analysis, and dissemination of all demographic and economic data for the County, including the preparation of population and school enrollment projections; and coordinates census local review activities; serving as the staff liaison for census and other demographic information. Serves as principal advisor to the Planning Commission; delivers written reports and gives oral presentations; responds to a variety of inquiries and requests; delivers oral presentations to the Board of Supervisors on zoning and other issues; researches and responds to Board of Supervisors' requests or questions; prepares memos and reports. Represents the County government on the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission and Transportation Organization and at public meetings and at conferences with other public and private groups, participating and negotiating as authorized in the solution of County and intergovernmental planning and development services problems. Attends meetings of various commissions and committees as assigned; in consultation with the leadership team, monitors and assigns other professional staff to attend commission and committee meetings as necessary; also interacts with other departments, Deputy County Administrator, County Administrator, County Attorney, Board members, other localities, state agencies, elected officials, and the general public on various topics. Provides advice to and cooperates with other County officials in connection with planning, development services, building regulation, and zoning matters and special projects as assigned; assists the public and staff with inquiries pertaining to various planning, site plan, subdivision, building permit and community development issues and recommends policy or ordinance amendments related to the regulation of development and plan implementation. Provides guidance and oversight to departmental divisions involved in planning, plan review, permit issuance and code enforcement; meets with and provides technical assistance to developers; acts as a facilitator in promoting and expediting economic development projects.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a master's degree in public administration, government, planning or closely related field, and at least 6 to 9 years of experience in planning and development management at the local government level with demonstrated experience and knowledge of development review, planning, code enforcement and effective supervisory practices. Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners. This job is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment checks to include criminal history, background and DMV record checks

Supplemental Information

Comprehensive knowledge of professional planning principles and practices, including comprehensive planning, development review, and land use regulation. Comprehensive knowledge of long-range planning principles and practices. Comprehensive knowledge of zoning ordinances and land development regulations. Thorough knowledge of management principles and administrative practices related to program operations and service delivery. Thorough knowledge of supervisory principles and practices, including work assignment, staff development, coaching, and performance evaluation. Thorough knowledge of research and analysis techniques. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including problem-resolution skills. Ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff to achieve organizational objectives and maintain high performance standards. Ability to prioritize competing demands, manage multiple projects, and make sound decisions under limited time constraints. Ability to exercise initiative, sound judgment, and effective leadership in resolving operational and personnel issues. Ability to plan, organize, and perform complex research and planning projects. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to read and interpret blueprints and civil engineering drawings. The earliest start date for this position is July 13, 2026.

Physical Demands

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including computers, tape recorders, calculators, etc. Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Must also be able to make site inspection visits, including walking/traversing site. Physical demand requirements are for those for Sedentary Work.