The City of Charlotte’s Department of Planning, Design, and Development is committed to creating great places. This Department is chiefly responsible for collaborating with community partners, guiding growth, sustaining the natural environment while also designing vibrant and inclusive avenues for citizen enjoyment.

Job Title: Division Manager for Design and Preservation

The Design and Preservation Division is one of seven divisions in the City of Charlotte Planning, Design and Development Department. The division is responsible for the Urban Design Center and the Historic Districts Commission. The division has 14 team members, including urban designers, landscape architects, preservation planners, planners, technicians, and an administrative professional. Candidates can expect a fast-paced environment and should excel in communication skills, both internal to the City of Charlotte and external to constituents and partners. An advanced knowledge of urban design, design principles, area planning processes and development regulations is required. Well-developed skills that aid in the strategic direction of division work program items (in partnership with managers within the division) and a proven ability to coach and mentor staff at all levels is expected.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and oversight to the Urban Design Center and the Historic District Commission Teams.
• Problem solve and provide guidance on large scale projects, such as future transit lines, large Historic District cases, and transformative large development projects.
• Coordinate with other divisions and departments on urban design issues and shared projects including the Strategic Mobility Plan, the Strategic Energy Action Plan, the Unified Development Ordinance and Charlotte Future 2040.
• Provide design perspective on large Economic Development/transformational projects.
• Manage and mentor staff and provide oversight with workload planning, schedule and budgets for the division.
• Lead the city in urban design and preservation policy including new tools such as the Overlay District tools in the UDO.
• Work with other Departments on major initiatives where placemaking is concerned (e.g., corridors of opportunities, strategic mobility plan, etc.).
• Provide requested information and support to department director, City Manager’s Office, Planning Commission, and City Council.
• Establish relationships with community members, developers, designers, and agents to further the efforts of the division.
• Provide leadership in developing, monitoring and implementing the Design and Preservation Division elements of the work program.
• Develop, monitor and implement division budgets which include user fees, capital projects, general funds and operating dollars.
• Review and approve all division procurement and expenses.
• Participate in Department’s Executive Leadership Team and provide guidance for Leadership Team to help set major goals, initiatives and policies.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience in urban design and preservation, with experience implementing projects.
• Significant experience using development ordinances and understanding the construction process.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise multiple programs and personnel.
• Ability to maintain a high level of collaboration within and outside of the department and encourages staff to do likewise.
• Ability to understand the community’s adopted development vision while understanding the relationship of the regulations needed to implement the vision, specifically focused on urban design and architecture.
• Ability to see the “big picture” while understanding the details required for implementation.
• Experience in discussing complex issues with diverse audiences and to work comfortably with all segments of the City’s diverse population.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of integrity and gain the respect of direct reports, Planning Director, Manager’s Office, Planning Commission, Historic District Commissioners and elected officials and the public.
• Ability to facilitate consensus around challenging and controversial issues.
• Ability to prepare and manage budgets and contracts.
• Demonstrated mentoring and staff development skills.
• At least five years of supervisory experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

Four-year degree Planning, Architecture, Geography, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Political Science, Public Administration, Social Science or related degree. This job requires a deep understanding of urban design and historic preservation.

Eight (8) years of progressively responsible planning and design experience in multiple planning areas, specifically in the areas of historic preservation and urban design.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in Planning, Architecture, Geography, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Political Science, Public Administration, Social Science or related degree.

Seven years or more of supervisory experience in the Planning and/or Urban Design/Historic Preservation strongly preferred.

Salary Range: $105,618 - $132,023

Apply on the City’s career site at: https://charlottenc.gov/jobs

If you need assistance completing your online application, you are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby where we have workstations available.

Our office is located at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays. Anyone seeking an accommodation to apply for a job may call (704) 336-2285 for assistance or you may email questions to CityHrJobPostingsNotify@ci.charlotte.nc.us.

Conditions of Employment:

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $105,618.00 - $132,023.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 5 years

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Travel requirement:

• No travel

Ability to Relocate:

• Charlotte, NC 28202: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Charlotte, NC 28202