Housing Policy Supervisor (Planner 4)

This position is primarily remote, with the option to work in the office. Attendance at required in-person meetings and occasional travel to various work sites, businesses, and meeting locations is also expected.

About the role

In this role with the Long Range Planning Division, you will lead a housing planning team on priority housing efforts, providing both subject matter expertise in housing planning and policy and strong program leadership to guide complex, multi-disciplinary projects. These projects involve coordination across divisions, County departments, external agencies, and community and development partners.

The Housing Policy Supervisor serves as Pierce County's lead housing strategist and will be responsible for considering policy across the entire continuum of housing. You will advance housing production, affordability, attainability, preservation, and regulatory reform through policy development, incentive programs, intergovernmental coordination, and strategic partnerships with a focus on market-based and innovative solutions.

You will provide leadership on housing policy, development process improvements, housing market analysis, developer engagement, and implementation of countywide housing initiatives to support the County's long-term housing and community development objectives. The position will also oversee the County's Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) program, including program administration, compliance monitoring, performance reporting, policy evaluation, and expansion opportunities.

While not responsible for the County’s federal grant program and administration, you will work closely on barrier removal and innovation to help enhance and leverage County investments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the housing component of the Comprehensive Plan and future updates.
• Develop housing components of community plans, initially in Parkland and South Hill.
• Create materials and provide support for non-profit and for-profit affordable housing development that is not subsidized.
• Develop and provide technical assistance for small and early-career developers creating “missing middle” attainable and affordable housing (both rental and homeownership opportunities).
• Track housing production across County subareas, housing types, and by income brackets (how many, where, what kind, and for whom?).
• Maintain an inventory of developable lands and widely disseminate information to developers.
• Convene developers regularly to promote housing production, assemblage, and incentives, as well as to understand their barriers and needs.
• Coordinate cross-department and County partnerships, especially with Human Services and Economic Development process improvements.
• Supervise and coordinate work assignments for an assigned work unit to ensure adherence to prescribed timelines and compliance with departmental procedures.
• Provide leadership and project management over larger and more significant projects and programs.
• Coordinate work with others across departments and organizations on the development of various plans.
• Oversee the professional development of employees and provide guidance, technical expertise, and training to staff.
• Provide guidance and oversight of research and analysis for various statistical and/or technical data to apply to a wide range of planning functions.

Requirements

• Four years of local, county, or state planning experience.
• One year of lead worker and/or supervisory experience.
• Bachelor's degree in planning or a related field. Additional education or experience may substitute for the recruiting requirements.
• Please attach a current resume and cover letter with your application.

Qualifications

Our team is looking for a collaborative and communicative leader to further strengthen housing policy and production in our unincorporated communities, who can inspire a team while achieving multiple project planning goals.

• Experience managing or administering complex programs, grants, or initiatives involving multiple partners is highly valued, especially direct experience in housing development.
• Skills in data collection and analysis, as well as public outreach and facilitation.
• Ability to translate technical and policy concepts for diverse audiences.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Knowledge and proven experience in affordable housing and housing production.
• Ability to present information to a variety of stakeholders and the public.
• Subject matter experience with affordable housing, market rate housing, displacement risk, transportation-efficient communities, legislative code, development services, and real estate development.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master's Degree is preferred.
• Experience administering or managing grants, contracts, or externally funded programs is desirable.
• Direct experience developing housing and housing policy.
• AICP Certification or the ability to obtain it within a year.

About the department

Planning and Public Works (PPW) stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate, and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement.

Learn more about Planning and Public Works at www.piercecountywa.gov/ppw.

Benefits

As a supervisor, you will be part of the PPW Expanded Management Team, and Pierce County offers leadership and professional development throughout your career to ensure your success.

You will have an opportunity to work alongside a diverse and talented team of PPW professionals, agencies, and community leaders to support housing activities by problem-solving and developing innovative solutions to ensure the best services possible for the citizens of Pierce County.

Your work will directly shape how Pierce County communities grow by developing foundational guiding policy documents that guide County programs and plans over time. Throughout the onboarding process, you will meet with the County Planning Manager regularly to discuss expectations and set goals for yourself, as well as be introduced to current policies and procedures, technology/software, and Pierce County Code.