Zoning and Development Division Director

About the role

The Zoning and Development Division Director manages the Current Planning Division, overseeing planning and permitting operations, and guiding equitable, sustainable, and planned growth across Gwinnett County.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the Current Planning Division.
• Oversee the Planning Commission, Board of Commissioners, and Zoning Board of Appeals public hearing processes.
• Audit and support rezonings, special use permits, change in conditions, and variance applications.
• Ensure compliance with the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and other applicable ordinances and regulations.
• Interpret and recommend amendments to the UDO to reflect planning trends and address emerging issues.
• Assist with interpreting and amending other County Ordinances, including the Tree Ordinance and Sign Ordinance.
• Cross-department coordination to ensure efficient and effective operations.
• Present to the Board of Commissioners, Planning Commission, external agencies, community groups, and other County departments.
• Communicate with developers to understand concerns, facilitate conflict resolution, and share code/policy updates.
• Build and strengthen relationships with citizens, community groups, external agencies, board members, and elected officials.
• Lead special projects such as technology enhancements, and the developing and/or updating of standard operating procedures and training materials.
• Maintain Division performance metrics to evaluate effectiveness, responsiveness, and customer service outcomes.
• Create and monitor Division budget to ensure strategic resource allocation.
• Recruit, train, coach, mentor, and evaluate Division staff.
• Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, excellence, continuous improvement, and accountability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Public Administration, or a related field AND Ten years of progressively responsible experience related to the area of assignment, including two years experience as a manager.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job may also be considered.
• Profound understanding of land use planning, zoning, development, plats, and related regulations.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Valid Driver’s License from state of residency.
• Master's Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Public Administration, or a related field AND Five years of upper management/supervisory experience or director role.
• Strong knowledge of Georgia planning law, zoning procedures, and local government operations.
• Excellent public speaking skills.

Benefits

For information related to position-specific essential duties, knowledge and skills, and physical requirements, please click here. For more information about this department, please click here. Additional Information About Gwinnett County

Schedule

Effective 4/11/2023, this position is eligible for the Employee Referral Program.

Pay

Salary will be dependent on education and experience.