Deputy Director - Land Use and Growth Management

Salary : $103,209.60 - $128,939.20 Annually
Location : Leonardtown, MD
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Land Use and Growth Management
Opening Date: 06/24/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Job Summary

Assists the Director in coordinating, directing, and assessing the work of 30 department staff in six divisions (Administration, Development Services, Environmental Planning, lnspections and Compliance, Permits, and Long-Range Planning) to facilitate the achievement of departmental goals and objectives; works under the general direction of the Department Director with latitude for independent action and judgment and is evaluated on the contribution to the efficiency of the Department's goals and objectives. Supervises the Long-Range Planning and Administration Divisions; performs other duties as assigned.

The hiring salary for this position is $103,210 - $128,939 annually; full salary range for this position is $103,210 - $177,736 annually.
Essential Functions

1. Assists and works under the direction of the Department Director to facilitate the day-to-day management of the Department;
2. Oversees and provides technical management for all operations, activities, and programs the Administration and Long-Range Planning Divisions;
3. Develops and implements professional recommendations on departmental assignments and projects, and staff functions;
4. Enforces policies and procedures governing the administration of various county programs;
5. Acts as a liaison between federal, state, and local governmental agencies whose policies, laws, regulations, and directives impact upon the Department;
6. Supervises the preparation of the Department's budget, working closely with the Office Manager and Fiscal Specialist;
7. Drafting, reviewing, and presenting technical reports and correspondence;
8. Provides direct supervision for two division managers and indirect supervision for staff within those divisions;
9. Completes performance reviews for the managers of the divisions supervised; approves the performance reviews of other staff in the divisions supervised;
10. Increases professional knowledge through attending workshops and conferences, participates in professional associations and activities, and reads professional and local publications;
11. Monitors the continuing education of staff in the divisions supervised to facilitate their professional advancement;
12. Supervises staff review and analyses (e.9., staff reports) of development-related proposals for conformance with the Comprehensive Plan, Comprehensive Water and Sewerage Plan, and other long-range plans and land use regulations;
13. Provides supervisory staff support to the Calvert - St. Mary's Metropolitan Planning Organization and the St. Mary's County Historic Preservation Commission;
14. Supervises and supports long-range planning initiatives and special projects, including the preparation, implementation, and periodic updates of the Comprehensive Plan, (Master Plans;
15. May serve on various committees (e.g. Hazard Mitigation Planning Board) and/or attend meetings representing the County, as needed;
16. May identify, pursue or manage grant opportunities that support departmental initiatives;
17. Manages and participates in community engagement efforts, including public meetings, workshops, and outreach events,
18. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Ability to gain advanced knowledge of St. Mary's County Government ordinances, policies, and procedures;
2. Ability to act as a representative of St. Mary's County Government to the public;
3. Knowledge of relevant Federal, State, and Local regulations regarding historic preservation and transportation planning;
4. Ability to keep the Department Director and all relevant parties informed of all major issues and programs and to recommend changes as appropriate;
5. Ability to supervise, plan, and coordinate the work of diverse staff in order to accomplish departmental goals and objectives;
6. Ability to review, evaluate, and initiate appropriate action on technical and legal reports, contracts, and documents concerning departmental matters;
7. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county officials, associates, subordinates, representatives from other agencies, and the general public;
8. Ability to operate relevant computer systems, including hardware and software;
9. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
10. Ability to think strategically and encourage innovative solutions;
11. Ability to demonstrate commitment to the highest level of customer service;
12. Ability to engage with a diverse group of stakeholders.

Education and Experience

1. Bachelor's degree in land use planning or related field; master's degree preferred;
2. Seven years or more of professional experience in comprehensive and current land use planning and zoning with at least three years in a supervisory/managerial capacity;
3. AICP preferred;
4. Equivalent technical training, education, and / or experience.

Additional Requirements:

1. Must successfully pass background investigation with favorable results;
2. Must pass a pre-employment drug test.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:
Work requires no unusual demand for physical effort.

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices or meeting rooms, e.g., use of safe workplace practices with office equipment. and/or avoidance of trips and falls.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plan, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, identity theft protection, sick-leave transfer, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Regular Part-time employees who work an average of 20 or more hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page at the following link: