Palm Beach County's Planning, Zoning & Building Department is seeking an experienced leader to serve as its Planning Division Director, responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of the County's Comprehensive Plan.

Reporting to the Assistant Development Director, the Planning Division Director provides leadership and operational oversight for a division consisting of over 35 staff, while applying professional comprehensive planning methodology to effectuate the development of sound land use principles pertaining to land use, capital improvements, recreation and related planning functions.

This high-level and high-profile position is responsible for providing well-informed, strategic direction in the execution of the Division's programs and operations while engaging a variety of stakeholders to craft and articulate a clear and attainable vision for planning efforts in the County.

The successful candidate will possess strong technical, analytical and organizational leadership competencies as well as exceptional communication skills. In addition, the successful candidate will have the ability to collaborate effectively with County leadership, staff, developers, industry leaders, the general public and various other stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides direction for the long-term vision of Palm Beach County and promotes strategies to enhance quality of life through presentations to elected officials and engagement with stakeholders and the community at large.
• Applies professional comprehensive planning methodology to effectuate the development of sound land use principles pertaining to land use, capital improvements, recreation and related planning functions.
• Provides leadership and supervision of staff in the Division that includes creating goals and objectives and ensuring accountability.
• Coordinates planning activities for the development and implementation of a comprehensive planning program.
• Directs professional planners and technical personnel in the development of sound land use principles.
• Directs the Planning Commission in their endeavors to advise the Board of County Commissioners on amendments.
• Provides long-range planning and policy development and direction of policies in consultation with the Executive Director - Planning, Zoning & Building for maximum utilization of financial and human capital.
• Represents the Planning, Zoning and Building Department at public hearings.
• Acts as an expert witness for the Planning Division and the County at legal proceedings.
• Reviews and evaluates special studies, neighborhood plans, state and other agency comments and planning amendments.

QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires qualified applicants to possess one of the following:

Juris Doctorate or a Master's Degree in Urban/Regional Planning, Business/Public Administration, or closely related field and a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in a large planning agency, which includes three (3) years of responsible management or supervisory experience,

OR

A Bachelor's Degree in Urban/Regional Planning, Business/Public Administration, or closely related field and a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in a large planning agency, which includes three (3) years of responsible management or supervisory experience,

OR

An unrelated Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of seven (7) years of professional experience in a large planning agency, which includes three (3) years of responsible management or supervisory experience,

OR

An Associate's Degree in Urban/Regional Planning, Business/Public Administration, or closely related field and a minimum of seven (7) years of professional experience in a large planning agency, which includes three (3) years of responsible management or supervisory experience,

OR

Graduation from high school or an equivalent recognized certification and a minimum of nine (9) years of professional experience in a large planning agency, which includes three (3) years of responsible management or supervisor experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred qualifications include:

• Extensive, documented experience at the managerial level in urban planning, either working for or in partnership with municipal agencies, and
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.

BENEFITS

Palm Beach County offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and financial security of our employees:

• Health, dental, vision, life, and disability Insurance
• Generous leave benefits: Vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays annually
• Florida Retirement System (FRS): Choice of Pension Plan or Investment Plan
• 457(b) deferred compensation program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Eligible public service employment may qualify you for federal student loan forgiveness
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Additional benefits and employee perks