Deputy Director of Community Planning and Development Services

About the role

The City of Rockville is seeking a dynamic and collaborative leader to serve as Deputy Director of Community Planning & Development Services. This is a pivotal executive role responsible for helping lead a high-impact department that shapes the city’s growth, development, and quality of life.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Director to set departmental vision, priorities, and performance expectations
• Translate policy direction into actionable programs and measurable outcomes
• Serve as Acting Director as needed
• Oversee and coordinate operations across planning, zoning, permitting, and code enforcement
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and customer service
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to modernize service delivery, including process and technology improvements
• Provide direction and support to division chiefs and supervisors
• Support the development of a strong, collaborative team culture focused on accountability and results
• Support staff development, performance management, and succession planning
• Support the development and implementation of policies, regulations, and procedures
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal requirements
• Lead or support high-priority and complex projects, including interdepartmental initiatives
• Aid in developing and managing the department’s budget
• Monitor performance metrics and use data to inform decisions and improve outcomes
• Represent the department with elected officials, boards and commissions, community groups, and the development community
• Communicate complex planning and regulatory issues clearly and effectively
• Help build trust through transparency, responsiveness, and problem-solving

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in planning, development services, or a related field
• Demonstrated success managing complex organizations or programs
• Experience working in or with local government preferred
• Bachelor’s degree (master’s degree is preferred) in urban planning, public administration or closely related field from an accredited university or college
• At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible work in community planning, zoning or development review/permitting services, including four (4) years of supervisory experience
• Desired credentials: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred
• Knowledge of economics and common practices of land development and land use law
• Knowledge of long-range planning, zoning, historic preservation, permitting, and other development practices
• Strong communicator able to work effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Solutions-oriented with sound judgment and political awareness
• Comfortable navigating complex regulatory and organizational environments
• Strong interpersonal skills

Benefits

The City of Rockville offers a wide range of health and wellness benefits to full-time, regular employees. Part-time, regular employees working more than 20 hours per week may be eligible for benefits on a pro-rated basis. Benefits are not available to temporary employees.

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision
• Group Life Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Deferred Compensation/457(b) Plan
• Legal Resources
• Employee Assistance Program
• Long-Term Disability Program
• Paid Leave
• Additional Benefits