Director of Planning and Development Services

Bears ultimate responsibility for the overall operation and function of Sioux Falls Planning and Development Services and provides direction for the orderly, efficient, and safe growth of the city of Sioux Falls.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance, prepare reports, and make recommendations to the City Planning Commission assuring compliance with the City’s comprehensive plan when reviewing new commercial/industrial and subdivision development.
• Work with development groups, private developers, and consultants to ensure timely and effective development of the city.
• Oversee development and implementation of the comprehensive development plan for the city of Sioux Falls.
• Administer the Redevelopment and Tax Increment Financing Program for the City.
• Supervise, develop, and manage citywide programs in community development and neighborhood revitalization, utilizing federal programs administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development; advise and make recommendations to the City Council.
• Prepare annual block grant application for federal funds and various HUD funds; review and evaluate requests for funding and present and recommend appropriate action to the City Council.
• Inform the Affordable Housing Advisory Board, Mayor, City Council, City departments, and citizens on all aspects of Affordable Housing regulations and related projects; conduct continuous programs of public information and education.
• Receive requests for financial assistance eligible under HUD rules and meet with Affordable Housing Advisory Board to determine eligibility.
• Coordinate and assist in the implementation of the City’s transportation planning process with SECOG, City Engineering, and county, state, and federal agencies.
• Assist the general public in City planning and building-related services, ordinances, and projects; historic preservation; property maintenance; and neighborhood development.
• Provide staff services to various City boards.
• Coordinate Planning and Development Services activities with other City departments and governmental agencies.
• Oversee the City’s comprehensive interdepartmental code enforcement program and building code program.
• Make presentations to civic, educational, and neighborhood groups; formulate brochures, slides, video shows, and speeches.
• Execute administrative duties of the position; confer and advise City Council regarding development and other issues affecting the operation of the City.
• Supervise employees and make final decisions relative to hiring, discharge, layoffs or suspensions, disciplinary actions, the adjustment of grievances, and employee performance appraisals.
• Submit an annual departmental budget request and ensure expenditures do not exceed the total amount appropriated.
• Ensure proper care and disposition of City property assigned to Planning and Development Services; file an annual inventory of all public/personal property, supplies, or stores in custody; and upon termination, turn over property to the successor or Director of Finance.
• Perform other duties and functions necessary or incidental to the proper performance of this position.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in urban planning and a minimum of five (5) years’ professional planning experience, of which at least two (2) years must have been in a management/supervisory position; or any combination of education, experience, and training acceptable to the hiring authority.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license is desirable.

Skills

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban planning.
• Knowledge and understanding of government programs and regulations.
• Geographical knowledge of the city and its development patterns.
• Ability and knowledge in planning, zoning, building inspection, property maintenance, neighborhood development, building codes, personnel, and financial management.
• Ability to effectively work with, advise, and inform legislative bodies, citizen boards, the media, and the general public.
• Ability to organize and schedule work activities and planning studies.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to be tactful, yet firm, in enforcing compliance with laws and ordinances.