Development Review Planning Manager

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directs and manages the City’s current planning functions, including development review, code interpretation, and policy implementation.
• Supervises professional and administrative staff; sets performance expectations, conducts staff evaluations, and addresses performance issues.
• Directly manages: Principal Planners, Senior Planners, Planners, Assistant Planners, and others as required by departmental organizational needs.
• Ensures compliance with applicable state law, municipal and zoning codes, and adopted City plans and policies.
• Oversees preparation of legally defensible findings and staff reports.
• Establishes division procedures to ensure timely permit processing and consistent decision-making.
• Reviews and signs off on complex or high-profile development applications.
• Manages the public engagement process and represents the City before committees, commissions, City Council, and other public bodies.
• Collaborates with Building, Engineering, Inspection, Fire, and other departments as necessary to resolve interdepartmental issues.
• Affords assistance in developing the division’s budget and performance metrics.
• Facilitates resolution of complex development issues between applicants, developers, and City staff to support timely and coordinated project review.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Land Use, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field. Master's degree preferred;
  • Five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience with work experience directly related to City planning and development activities, parks planning as applicable, and experience in leading project management;
  • Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Demonstrated leadership in a community setting involving diverse populations with knowledge of best practices in equity and inclusion.
• Licenses and Certificates:
  • Valid WA State Driver's license required
  • American Institute of Certified Planners designation preferred