Director of Planning & Development

About the Position
Maricopa County, the nation's fourth-largest and fastest-growing County, is seeking a dynamic and innovative customer-focused professional to lead the County's Planning and Development Department. This highly visible position provides direction and administrative oversight to the 110-person department, responsible for current and long-range planning, building permit review and safety inspections, drainage and floodplain administration, and code compliance activities within the unincorporated areas of Maricopa County. If your passion is to safeguard our community and shape a more livable future, Maricopa County Planning and Development is the place for you. 

About the Department of Planning and Development
Maricopa County is GROWING. We want YOU to join the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department to help make the growth possible! With our wide range of services, from land-use planning to building inspections and permit review, we have positions that allow professionals in the planning, construction, engineering, and trade fields to shape the built environment’s future. The Department has an annual budget of $14 million and processed over 16,000 permits and land use cases in 2020. As of March 1, 2021, the Department is paperless; 100% of building permits are reviewed digitally. If you’re interested in being a change-maker and behind-the-scenes expert in Maricopa County’s growth, we have the opportunity for you!

Position Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or closely related field

Experience

• Ten years of experience leading multiple work teams in a Planning, Development Services, or similar environment
• Five years supervisory experience managing technical and administrative staff

Other Requirements

• Current registration as a Professional Engineer, Architect, or Certified Planner (AICP)
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Arizona driver's license by the time of hire

Our Preferred Candidate has

• Master’s degree in Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or closely related field

Essential Job Tasks

The tasks listed are a representation and not an all-inclusive list of essential job tasks for this position.

• Drive a culture of continuous improvement to ensure lean and efficient operations, including eliminating unnecessary regulations, streamlining processes, and adopting and promoting new technologies
• Coordinate the work of the digital “one-stop permitting shop” for planning and zoning, building, drainage, floodplain, transportation, stormwater, and onsite wastewater permits
• Create, update, implement, and/or interpret the Comprehensive Plan, area-specific land use plans, and the zoning ordinance
• Support County Boards and Commissions including the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Drainage Review Board, and Building Code Advisory Board
• Communicate and work with developers, community organizations, neighborhood associations, and elected officials on current and proposed development projects
• Represent the County in interactions with local, state and federal agencies, legislative bodies, professional organizations, and the general public to ascertain needs and to address department and development-related issues
• Respond to public inquiries, complaints, and requests for information
• Provide high-level strategic analysis and advice to county leadership on development-related matters concerning the department and the community
• Establish and oversee the implementation of education and enforcement tools to facilitate compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and preserve the quality of life for county residents
• Oversee preparation of annual departmental budget and monitor expenditures and revenues in accordance with the adopted budget