Planning & Zoning Manager

About the role

The Planning & Zoning Manager provides strategic leadership, professional planning expertise, and administrative oversight for the City's Planning Division. This position directs planning, zoning, land use, and development review activities; administers the City's zoning and subdivision regulations; advances implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and other adopted plans; and oversees the daily administration of the Planning Division to ensure efficient delivery of planning services consistent with departmental and City goals.

Serving as the City's lead planning professional, the Planning & Zoning Manager advises elected officials, boards and commissions, City leadership, developers, property owners, and the public on planning, zoning, and development matters. The position oversees complex land use initiatives, ensures compliance with applicable laws and adopted plans, manages special projects and consultant services, and promotes innovative planning practices, exceptional customer service, and organizational excellence. Regular attendance at evening meetings is required.

This position is part of succession planning efforts, offering the selected candidate the opportunity to work alongside and train with the City's current Planning & Zoning Manager.

Responsibilities

• Development Review: Direct the City's development review process by evaluating development applications, ensuring compliance with zoning regulations, adopted plans, and applicable laws; coordinating interdepartmental review; and presenting recommendations to boards, commissions, and the Common Council.
• Zoning Administration and Enforcement: Administer and interpret the City’s zoning and subdivision regulations. Provide technical guidance and policy recommendations to City leadership, staff, elected officials, boards and commissions, and other interested parties.
• Comprehensive Planning: Direct the preparation, implementation, and updates of the Comprehensive Plan, neighborhood and subarea plans, and related planning initiatives. Develop planning studies, reports, and policy recommendations; oversee consultant services; and present recommendations to the Common Council, Plan Commission, and other boards and commissions.
• Division Leadership: Manage Planning Division personnel, establish operational priorities, monitor workloads and performance metrics, and develop annual work plans in accordance with City policies and departmental objectives. Evaluate and implement improvements related to planning processes, procedures, and customer service delivery.
• Historic Preservation: Administer the City’s Historic Preservation Program by providing staff support, technical expertise, and administrative oversight to the Historic Preservation Commission, including meeting preparation, attendance, and implementation of Commission actions.
• Budget and Technology: Administer the Planning Division budget and oversee the Planning Division's permitting software, planning technologies, and public-facing web content. Lead workflow improvements, system configuration, user support, and training and technology initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and customer service.
• Strategic Initiatives: Lead complex planning projects, organizational initiatives, and consultant-led studies. Conduct research, prepare technical analyses and policy recommendations, secure and manage grants as applicable, and present findings to City leadership, boards, commissions, and committees.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in public or business administration, urban affairs, urban planning, or related field required.
• Master’s Degree in a related field of study may be substituted for a portion of the required experience.
• Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, including at least two years of supervisory or management experience.
• Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and Congress for New Urbanism (CNU) certifications are preferred.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of planning principles, land use law, zoning administration, and development review, including ability to interpret and apply applicable laws.
• Proficiency with Microsoft products, Adobe Acrobat, permit management software, ArcGIS, and Zoom.
• Proven leadership and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication skills and judgement.
• Budget development and financial management experience.
• Strong emphasis on customer service, management, and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Excellent benefits package
• Robust wellness program
• On-site fitness center
• Free workplace clinic
• Paid parental leave
• Generous paid holidays and vacation
• Participation in the WRS state pension plan
• Paid volunteer time off
• Flexible workplace environment

Pay

Starting pay ranges from $107,328 to $116,896 annually (Steps 1 - 5), depending on experience and qualifications. Further increases to the top of the salary band will be dependent on performance (top of range is $137,176 for 2026).

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to sit, twist, and reach.
• Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Regularly required to talk and hear, in person, in meetings, and by telephone.
• Must interact with city management, employees, other governmental officials, contractors, vendors, employees, and the public; read and interpret data, information, and documents; analyze and solve problems.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to safely lift and carry up to 10 pounds occasionally.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. An employee in this class generally works in a standard office environment with exposure to individuals who may be agitated, angry, or highly emotional.