Manager, Physical Development Planning

What You'll Do

• Lead Dakota County’s strategic visioning and planning efforts related to land use, the environment, natural resources, parks, open space, and transportation.
• Identify and analyze current and emerging issues related to land use and environmental planning.
• Build collaborative relationships with cities, townships, and government agencies, and engage the public in identifying, evaluating, and planning for County and regional issues.
• Serve as the liaison to the Dakota County Planning Commission.
• Lead multi-disciplinary work teams and serve as a resource to County senior management and the Board of Commissioners.

Who We Are

Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. We strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation. Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree AND 4 years of related professional land use or community planning experience.
• OR Master’s degree AND 2 years of related professional land use or community planning experience.
• AND Two years of experience managing/supervising staff in a formal capacity.

Professional Planning Experience

• Experience interpreting and applying zoning ordinances, regulations, comprehensive plans and applicable state and local land use laws.
• Experience presenting technical information to elected officials, planning commissions, boards, and the public.
• Experience leading an appointed-level commission making recommendations and giving comments to elected officials.
• Experience facilitating public engagement and navigating complex or controversial land use issues.
• Experience with comprehensive and long-range planning.

Preferred Experience

• Degree in urban studies, planning, political science, public administration, business administration, public affairs, public policy.
• Direct work experience in county or municipal government.
• Grant writing or capital improvement planning experience.
• Knowledge of GIS applications and planning software.
• Certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Duties & Responsibilities

• Public policy analysis and development.
• Identify and analyze emerging issues, synthesize and integrate information, frame issues and develop recommendations for senior management and County Board consideration.
• Pursue opportunities for intergovernmental collaboration within Dakota County government and with cities, townships, and other public agencies, as well as non-profits, and businesses.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with committees, interest groups, local units of government and the general public who are interested in planning and land use issues.
• Develop and lead interdepartmental and intergovernmental teams, as needed.
• Represent Dakota County on special committees and before governmental bodies (including state regional and local governments) on planning and land use matters and on other Division and County issues, as assigned.
• Oversee the development of an effective, comprehensive and strategic planning program and annual work plan related to the physical environment and development of the County and that allocates resources to address priority issues.
• Assure staff support to the Dakota County Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
• Budget preparation and administration, monitoring the use of appropriated funds, and recommendation of budget amendments, as necessary.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

Essential Job Functions

• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities And Work Environment
• Experience in developing and coordinating the completion of complex projects and the ability to work independent of direct supervision.
• A demonstrated ability to create effective, professional relationships and to effectively lead multi-disciplinary teams.
• A demonstrated ability to achieve desired results through the application of team concepts.
• Knowledge of governmental functions and organizations (including legislative) affecting County government.
• The ability to develop effective cooperative relationships with policy staff of local, state and regional authorities.
• The ability to communicate effectively at all levels of government.
• Communication skills, both verbal and written, to clearly and concisely convey complex issues to decision-makers to enhance effective decision-making.
• Knowledge of planning principles and their application in the public sector.
• Ability and skill to determine priorities, organize and delegate work.
• Demonstrated leadership skills including coaching and mentoring.
• Demonstrated skill in organizing work, setting goals and priorities and ability to carry out high level tasks.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of management in the public sector, including budget administration and personnel management.
• Demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge.
• Workplace knowledge of computers and the use of computers for analysis, including knowledge of statistical software and its application to planning projects.
• Work Environment
• Work is primarily sedentary, although there is some walking and carrying of lightweight items such as laptop, notebooks, and work papers.
• The work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate controlled office.
• There is some travel to meetings and conferences away from the regular place of work.
• Lifting requirement of up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Benefits
• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits.
• Excellent work-life balance.
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year).
• Eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday each year.
• Pension with a generous employer contribution.