Deputy Director of Planning

Target Hiring Range: $110,000 to $115,000

The Deputy Planning Director oversees and manages all land use and development activities within the City of Farmers Branch. This position serves as the City’s administrative liaison and ex-officio member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, provides strategic planning support to the City Council, and represents the City in coordination with the U.S. Census Bureau and the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG).Essential Job Functions represents 20%-50% of working time on a regular basis, subject to the varying demand of specific functions. All functions listed below are considered essential and are expected to be completed regularly and efficiently by any incumbent. Regular, punctual and on-site attendance is essential for all functions listed below:

1.  Responsible for the direction, administration and oversight of planning, zoning and strategic operational support, to include but not limited to:

• Oversees all development projects; meets with developers, consultants, and property owners to ensure compliance with zoning and development standards.
• Reviews rezoning applications and drafts appropriate text amendments to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.
• Evaluates Site Plans, identifies required Special Exceptions or Variances, and coordinates cross-departmental technical review.
• Establishes and maintains long-term planning goals aligned with the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
• Analyzes citywide planning challenges, researches solutions from peer communities, and develops forward-thinking strategies.
• Prepares zoning verification letters and creates supporting maps and visual materials.
• Responds to zoning and development inquiries from the public, developers, and stakeholders and maintains accurate documentation and response records for all interactions.
• Coordinates the creation of maps and data for federal and regional partners.
• Serves as City liaison to the U.S. Census Bureau and NCTCOG on demographic and regional planning matters.

1. Plans and coordinates City Council and Planning & Zoning Commission activities, to include but not limited to:
   • Communicates revisions to applicants and prepares planning ordinances and resolutions for Council consideration.
   • Presents projects to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council with clarity and precision.
   • Presents findings and plans to elected officials and the public and leads implementation efforts following plan adoption.
   • Coordinates and manages functions, behaviors and standards of conduct in board and commission proceedings.
   • Provides updates on residential development trends and participates in regional planning initiatives such as Vision North Texas 2050.

1. Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates all aspects of the City’s natural gas and energy activities, to include but not limited to:
   • Manages planning and design standards related to natural gas exploration and distribution.
   • Engages with energy producers to ensure compliance with City requirements.
   • Collaborates with City departments on technical review of natural gas sites and facilities.

1. Effectively manages, develops and motivates the Planning team, to include, but not limited to, the following functions:
   • The effective recruitment, selection, onboarding, and retention of associated staff and volunteers. 
   • Continual performance management of staff through evaluations, coaching, development and other opportunities that promote growth, learning and engagement.
   • Demonstrates effective and professional leadership through active engagement, involvement, and equitable treatment of all staff members.
   • Consistently and effectively models the behavioral, performance and service-level expectations of the Planning team.
   • Maintains professional, cordial, conciliatory and facilitative communication at all times, regardless of circumstance or situation.

Other Job Functions 
Other Job Functions are essential but represent less than 20% of working time on a regular basis. These are performed with less regularity but are considered essential. All functions listed below are considered essential and are expected to be completed regularly and efficiently by any incumbent.
 

• Prepares ad-hoc presentations, reports and other related documents for all audiences and interest groups.
• This position is expected to step into the roles of any direct or in-direct report at any time, and effectively perform any and all associated operational functions.
• Other functions not specifically designated within the scope of essential functions. These extra functions will be temporary in nature and as the business necessity dictates.

Required

1. Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, or a related field.
2. Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in urban planning, zoning or a related field.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered for the above requirements.
4. Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is required and not subject to education/experience equivalencies.

Preferred

1. Master's degree or advanced certification in planning or a related discipline.
2. Seven (7) or more years of relevant professional experience.

Background Requirements
Candidates offered a position must successfully complete the following:

• A comprehensive criminal background check.

• Advanced knowledge of planning and zoning practices and procedures.
• Advanced knowledge of federal, state, local laws, ordinance and regulations related to essential functions.
• Advanced skill in interpersonal communication and conflict resolution.
• Advanced skill in the de-escalation of sensitive or aggressive customer/vendor/citizen issues.
• Advanced skill in analyzing data, identifying trends and creating actionable data strategies.
• Strong project management skills and experience with project management methodologies.
• Strong presentation and facilitations skills, particularly with boards, commissions, councils and other governing bodies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to simultaneously coordinate multiple tasks and priorities and support multiple individuals, teams, and work groups.
• Ability to establish and maintain project schedules and balance responsibilities for multiple projects.
• Ability to continually demonstrate practical knowledge, analytical judgements and informed decision-making.
• Ability to provide technical, practical or functional knowledge related to job functions.
• Ability to effectively inform, educate, persuade or influence others related to job functions and necessary outcomes.
• Ability to communicate effectively on technical, interpersonal and professional levels to diverse audiences, communities and interest groups.
• Must have the ability to work a flexible schedule that may regularly include weekends, evenings and holidays. Must be able to work in-office, in the field or in designated satellite environments.
• Must regularly be available to attend in-person evening council meetings, to include the Planning and Zoning Commission meetings as well as other board and commissions meetings, as necessary.

Salary : $90,874 - $145,399