Assistant Director- Planning and Urban Design

Purpose

This position coordinates advanced professional planning work within the Planning and Urban Design Department, with a primary focus on developing, updating, and implementing area plans. Responsibilities include managing short- and long-range planning projects and special projects, drafting revisions to the zoning ordinance and other portions of City Code, coordinating meaningful public engagement exercises, and providing technical guidance. This position oversees business location approvals and short-term vacation rental permitting processes to ensure zoning compliance.  The position serves as a backup to the Senior Director by assisting with directing and implementing departmental operations as well as programs and services.

Essential Job Functions

Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff by processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance evaluation.

Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; and gives advice and direction as needed.

Leads and manages the preparation, development, and revision of area plans to include corridor plans, neighborhood plans, infill development strategies, and other key planning initiatives.

Integrates urban design principles, sustainability, and resilience planning into plans and policies.

Researches, drafts, and revises land use policies and zoning ordinances, evaluates existing regulations, and recommends updates to ensure alignment with Comprehensive Plan and area plans’ goals, best practices, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

Prepares plans, studies, and reports to inform policy decisions and program implementation.

Leads the development and management of RFPs, coordinating with purchasing and selection teams to ensure compliance, transparency, and successful award and contract administration.

Identifies funding opportunities and writes compelling grant proposals to secure financial support for organizational programs and initiatives.

Interprets and applies relevant federal, state, and local regulations to ensure program compliance.

Leads and supports the development of area plans by designing, planning, and facilitating public engagement activities, workshops, and community meetings to ensure inclusive and equitable stakeholder participation. 

Utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other planning tools for data analysis, mapping, and graphic presentations.

Responds to complex inquiries from the public, developers, and other agencies regarding planning projects, ordinances, and policies.

Serves as backup to the Senior Director, providing support in decision-making, operations, and project oversight as needed.

Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Public Administration or a closely related field supplemented by five years of planning, urban design, or possession of any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• AICP Certification required within 1 year of employment.

Candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Background investigation, including supervised drug screen, post offer/pre-employment medical screen; and verification of education, certifications, and licenses required prior to employment.

Additional Information

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban planning, housing and economic revitalization strategies.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations. 

Knowledge of Census Bureau definitions and geographies.

Knowledge of geographic information systems.

Knowledge of capital project implementation.

Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.

Knowledge of computers and other modern office equipment.

Knowledge of data management and analysis. 

Skill in developing short- and long-range plans.

Skill in establishing priorities and organizing work.

Skill in the training and supervision of personnel.

Skill in the operation of computers, mapping equipment and other modern office equipment.

Skill in public and interpersonal relations.

Skill in oral and written communication.

MINIMUM STANDARDS:

 

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: Work is performed under the general direction of the Senior Director of Planning and Urban Design. Work is reviewed through meetings, reports, spot-checks and observation of department activities.

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include City of Savannah policies and procedures, state laws, and city ordinances, the Georgia State Planning Act, and the Comprehensive Plan. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. This position develops department guidelines.

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of widely varied administrative, technical, supervisory and public management duties involving many complex and significant variables, requiring analytical ability and inductive thinking in adapting policies, procedures, and methods to fit unusual and complex situations. The need for accuracy, compliance with regulations and working on multiple projects simultaneously contributes to the position's complexity.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to assist in the development and administration of community development plans and special projects.  Participating with others (within and/or outside of community/agency) in program and policy development, service delivery, and supervision of subordinate staff; moderate to serious impact. Successful performance in this position contributes to sustainable growth and development, ensures regulatory compliance, and advances the organization’s strategic goals while promoting coordinated decision-making and high-quality outcomes for the community.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Continuing contact involving difficult negotiations calling for a well-developed sense of timing and strategy; representing the department or organization in policy settings. Contacts are typically with city staff, neighborhood leaders, elected officials, boards and commissions, representatives of local, state and federal agencies, and members of the general public.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, motivate personnel, provide services, resolve problems, negotiate and settle matters, and justify decisions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while sitting or standing, with occasional stooping, bending, crouching, or walking. The employee occasionally lifts light objects and distinguishes between shades of color. This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors. Absence of disagreeable conditions.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: Supervision is exercised over assigned personnel.