Director, Planning and Development Department

About the role

The Planning and Development Director provides strategic leadership for Maricopa County’s Planning and Development Department. The position oversees planning and zoning, plan review, building inspections, engineering, drainage administration, permit services, code compliance, and administrative operations for unincorporated Maricopa County.

Responsibilities

• Provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for all divisions within the Planning and Development Department;
• Maintains effective communication throughout the organization;
• Responds to and resolves complex department issues, complaints, and inquiries;
• Affirms the fiscal soundness of the department budget;
• Reviews and approves Board of Supervisors' agenda items on behalf of the department;
• Develops, implements, and improves systems, procedures, and technology to simplify and enhance the development process;
• Works with applicants, department staff, appointed boards and commissions, other county departments, community stakeholders, and elected officials to effectively resolve conflicts and address complex planning, development, building safety, engineering, and code compliance issues;
• Makes presentations and responds to the Board of Supervisors' inquiries regarding sensitive, complex, or high-profile development proposals, policy matters, ordinance updates, and department initiatives;
• Reviews development projects and oversees the consistent interpretation and application of county codes, ordinances, policies, and procedures related to planning, zoning, building safety, engineering, drainage, and code compliance;
• Represents the county in interactions with the community, local, state, and federal agencies, legislative bodies, professional organizations, other county departments, and the general public to identify needs, address concerns, and provide high-quality service;
• Led members of the management team in formulating and establishing departmental goals, policies, procedures, strategies, and operational priorities;
• Approves changes in administrative procedures, major strategies, and implementation plans to support regulatory updates, service improvements, and organizational effectiveness;
• Establishes, monitors, and reports on department performance measures, including service levels, permit processing timelines, inspection activity, budget performance, customer service, and progress on strategic initiatives;
• Evaluates employees, supports leadership development, and addresses performance concerns by implementing fair and consistent performance improvement and disciplinary actions as necessary.

Requirements

• Ten years of leading multiple work teams in a Planning, Development Services, or municipality environment, including five years of supervisory experience managing technical and administrative staff;
• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or a closely related field;
• Ability to provide oversight for a large department budget; demonstrated ability to manage and develop new and revised solutions for complex issues; strong managerial skills relevant to a diverse workforce;
• Knowledge of Urban and Land Use planning, development services, code enforcement, building codes, and permitting;
• Experience working with elected officials, appointed boards, residents, applicants, developers, and partner agencies;
• Ability to communicate complex technical and policy issues clearly to varied audiences.

Qualifications

Prior experience in a similar role is preferred but not required. Candidates must also meet the minimum qualifications outlined above.

Skills

Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills are essential. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also critical, as is the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Benefits

Maricopa County offers a comprehensive benefits package including tuition reimbursement, exceptional work-life balance, low-cost, high-value healthcare, child care benefits, paid vacation, sick time, parental leave, and an extensive wellness program. Employees also have the option to enroll in the Arizona State Retirement System, which includes a 100% employer match on Day 1.

Pay

The starting salary range for this position is $160,000 – $234,000 annually. Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Schedule

The position is classified as Unclassified and does not specify a fixed schedule. Employees may work a hybrid or alternative work schedule as part of Maricopa County's commitment to work-life balance.