Job details
Job type full-time
Full job description
Summary
Under the general direction of the community planning and development director, this position manages a planning division and has responsibility for the overall direction and administration of the city`s long-range planning functionsThis position will lead the long-range planning division to better plan and integrate growth/development and transportation planningIn addition to being responsible for updating the comprehensive plan, it will position issaquah to take on strategic planning efforts such as transit-oriented planning, implementation of the housing action plan including development of affordable housing, other sub-area/neighborhood planning and establish partnerships at regional level to implement community goalsThis position will provide leadership to assure that community planning meets the city’s strategic goals by leading and managing the long-range division comprising of three planners.
The incumbent establishes goals and vision for the division, creates short- and long-term work plans, budgets for division needs, organizes and coordinates the work of staff, and provides supervision to planning staff.
This position has broad responsibility over the function, including ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local law and developing and implementing policies, procedures, and objectives that are aligned with the community goalsWork is frequently performed under deadlines and requires attendance and public meetings and hearings, many of which are at nightThe planning manager frequently works directly with elected officials and representatives from other jurisdictions and agencies, participates in or leads negotiations, and makes presentations for boards, council, mayor, city administration, and the community.
Distinguishing characteristics
This position is distinguished from positions in the planning series by responsibility for staff and overall oversight of a functional areaThis includes supervisory responsibility, responsibility for the goals and vision of the division, responsibility for division budget, and management of large, complex, and politically sensitive projectsThis position has a high level of visibility and direct contact with boards and commissions, elected officials, and the communityThe ideal candidate should demonstrate highly effective leadership ability by supporting the goals and objectives of the city, recognizing, defining and moving issues forward in a collaborative manner.
Supervision received and exercised
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Provides direct supervision to positions in the long range planning division.
General supervision is provided by the community planning and development director.
First review date: october 18, 2021
Telework considerations
The long range planning manager will complete a telework agreement and work in a hybrid capacity (partial telework, partial in office)The incumbent must be available to attend in person evening meetings and other meetings as needed to fulfill the duties of this position.
Equity statement
The city of issaquah strives to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serveWe value a variety of perspectives and life experiences and encourage people of all backgrounds to applyApplicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state and local lawsWe believe diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to the success of our city operations.
Essential functions
Manages annual comprehensive plan updates, including ensuring compliance with the growth management act and other laws, rules, and regulations; researching and writing reports and agenda bills; coordinating with other agencies and jurisdictions; and making presentations at community, commission, and city council meetings.
Develops and recommends annual goals and strategic plans and initiatives related to long-range planningIntegrates all forms of land use planning into other goals such as sustainability, transportation and community infrastructureServes as the strategic manager to the city on planning issues; interprets concerns, defines desired results, develops solutions, and determines scope and priorities of programs and special projects.
Leads the city’s participation in the regional transportation planning efforts to expand multimodal connections in the community.
Participates in regional planning efforts including regional coalition of housing (arch), puget sound regional council, metro, sound transit, and others.
Serves as technical expert in urban design, transportation, and planning policy issues; provides briefings, technical information, and advice to elected officials, internal staff, and city administration on public policy issues, procedures, and city code.
Develops policies and regulations that further the goals and policies of issaquah’s strategic plan and comprehensive plan.
Manages implementation of department workplan items; monitors legislative priorities, prepares and leads updates of city development code, including researching, preparing staff reports and agenda bills, and presenting at community, commission, and council meetings.
Develops land use and development strategies that align growth/development, transportation and environment to not only achieve regulatory compliance objectives but to also achieve the city`s vision: “issaquah thrives as a welcoming community creating a sustainable legacy for future generations that honors its rich history and passion for the natural environment”
Provides staff support to the city’s planning policy commission and coordinates with citizen groups, advisory boards and commissions and outside agencies.
Coordinates with other city departments such as sustainability, economic development and public works to develop solutions to address community issues and monitor results.
Plans, organizes, directs, and manages the work of a division; plans and organizes workloads and staff assignments, develops metrics, evaluates projects, and directs changes in priority as necessary.
Sets goals and priorities for the division; provides direction, training, and leadership to staff; ensures efficient and effective operation of the division.
Provides direct and general supervision to staff, including evaluating performance, mentoring, developing, and making recommendations for hiring, discipline, and termination of staff.
Prepares division budget, implements budgeted work plan items, monitors expenditures, and plans for long-term needs.
Attends public meetings as needed to present or address aspects of land development projectsPrepares and presents written, spoken, and visual reports to boards and commissions, committees, private parties, and the general public.
Manages consultant contracts and on-site consultants, including procuring consulting services, coordinating with consultants, managing performance, and directing work.
Serves as project manager on large, complex, or sensitive planning projects, including code amendments, development agreements, and implementation of council priorities.
Qualifications
Education & training
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Bachelor`s degree in urban planning or related field.
Master`s degree in urban planning preferred.
Five or more years of progressively responsible supervisory experience in city planning, development activities, or related field, including project management experience.
American institute of certified planners designation preferred.
Valid wa state driver`s license with a driving record that meets city standards.
Or any combination of training and experience that would provide the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Vaccination
Effective july 1, 2021, all new hires to the city will be required as a condition of employment to be fully vaccinated for covid-19 prior to start dateIf you have questions or need an accommodation for this requirement due to a disability or religious reason, you can speak to our hr department for further information.
Knowledge, skills & abilities
Knowledge of:
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Principles, practices, regulations, and techniques in land use planning including urban design, transportation, environmental, housing and economic analysis..
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, including current trends and best practices in area of specialty.
Principles of management, supervision, training, and evaluating performance.
City organizational structure and operations.
Principles of municipal budget development and administration.
Technical aspects of field of specialty.
Methods and techniques of community involvement.
Consultant selection and project monitoring
Managing grants
Skill in:
Application of principles of management and supervision, including with respect to training, hiring, evaluating, rewarding, and disciplining staff.
Planning, organizing, and coordinating the work of the assigned division.
Creative problem solving, including identifying mutually beneficial solutions.
Effectively leading an assigned division by providing a positive example and influence.
Applying and interpreting land use codes, zoning codes, permit conditions, and other rules and regulations.
Using computers and other applicable software programs.
Ability to:
Communicate effectively with developers, elected officials, city leadership, city staff, and the general public.
Communicate technical information and requirements in a clear and accurate fashion.
Anticipate community trends and needs; develop effective solutions that align with city vision, goals, and priorities.
Establish strong working relationships with regional and local planning partners
Collaborate effectively with people and groups that may have competing interests.
Exercise significant judgment and discretion in making decisions for the assigned division.
Analyze situations and propose and implement an effective course of action.
Develop and implement strategic goals and priorities for the assigned division.
Plan, schedule, organize, and delegate work.
Prepare and maintain accurate records and files.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, and the general public.
Working conditions
Work is performed primarily indoors requiring sitting for long periods of time and operating a computer and other office equipmentWork can involve repetitive motions of the hands, wrists, and armsWork occasionally involves driving to other locations for site visits or meetingsMay require occasional lifting of up to 20 poundsDuties include attending night meetings.
Location: address
130 e sunset way
Po box 1307
Issaquah,washington,98027, issaquah, wa 98027
Job type: full-time
Work location: multiple locations
