Salary:
$107,972.20 - $134,965.30
Job Details:
Under general direction, the Assistant Director of Land Development Services is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing programs, operations, and staff involved in the pre-development consultation, zoning entitlements, platting, infrastructure review, and permitting of private development projects. The position provides high-level leadership for the City’s development review processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, process efficiency, and alignment with long-range planning goals and City Council priorities. The Assistant Director advises executive leadership on development policy collaborating with other departments, and promotes high-quality, sustainable growth consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Manage all programs and staff responsible for land development functions including zoning administration, platting, site plan and civil plan review, and inspect on-site development activities.
- Serves as the Director’s designee in their absence, representing the department in the office and at public meetings.
- Establishes clear performance goals, monitors outcomes, and ensures accountability and professional standards.
- Participates in the strategic planning process for the department, including city council priorities.
- Formulates, recommends, and implements policies and strategies related to land use, growth management, infrastructure, environmental protection, and housing to support the City’s comprehensive vision.
- This includes administration of the Unified Development Code and adoption of amendments.
- Oversees the coordination and processing of development applications to ensure consistency with City ordinances, design standards, and planning objectives.
- Works closely with other divisions (Building Inspections, Health, Fire, Water Utilities, and Public Works) to maintain a unified, customer-oriented approach to development services.
- Administers the City’s development process management/permitting system.
- Identifies opportunities for process streamlining, improved transparency, and enhanced customer experience through digital transformation and performance tracking.
- Develops and manages the Land Development Division’s budget.
- Forecasts staffing, equipment, and technology needs; approves expenditures.
- Oversees revenue generation and fee studies to ensure cost recovery and financial sustainability.
- Consults on and sets direction for major development projects to ensure compliance with City goals, applicable laws, and professional standards.
- Reviews project schedules, assigns resources, and resolves conflicts to ensure timely, high-quality outcomes.
- Represents the City before City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, and other boards and committees.
- Serves as a liaison to regional agencies, industry partners, and community organizations.
- Provides professional guidance on policy matters, legislative issues, and complex development projects.
- Directs communications and outreach programs to enhance public awareness of growth, land use, and planning issues.
- Oversees public hearings, surveys, and community meetings to gather feedback and ensure inclusive participation in planning and development decisions.
- Monitors federal, state, and local legislation impacting development and land use.
- Recommends ordinance amendments and policy changes to maintain compliance and support the City’s strategic development objectives.
- Establishes performance standards, provides coaching and mentoring to staff, and conducts regular performance reviews. Promotes a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability across teams.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Assists and participates in long-range planning division’s projects.
- Participates in developing long-range infrastructure and capital improvement plans.
- Provides technical and legal testimony on development-related matters.
- Coordinates with consultants and contractors to ensure compliance with scope, budget, and policy requirements.
- Represents the department at professional conferences and regional planning forums.
- Performs other duties as assigned to support the mission and objectives of Planning and Development Services.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
- Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local development regulations, codes, and policies.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of developing teams, motivating employees and managing in a team environment.
- Knowledge of office and administrative practices and procedures.
- Knowledge of municipal development processes, land use law, zoning, platting, and engineering design principles.
- Knowledge of administrative principles and practices including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation and the management of employees through multiple levels of supervision.
- Skill with organization and attention to detail.
- Skill in using PC Software including current Microsoft Office Suite of applications.
- Skill in supervising, mentoring, and evaluating professional and technical staff.
- Skill in strategic planning, project management, and policy formulation.
- Skill in preparing and directing the preparation of clear and concise reports, policies, procedures, correspondence, and other written materials.
- Skill in planning, organizing, and administering a complex program of development standards enforcement and enhancement
- Skill in interpreting, applying, and explaining complex codes, ordinances, and regulations related to the areas of responsibility.
- Skill in developing effective work teams and motivating individuals to meet goals and objectives and provide customer services in the most cost effective and efficient manner.
- Skill in communicating professionally and tactfully with other city employees and the public by oral and written means.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and enterprise permitting/workflow systems, including utilization of AI following city’s security policies.
- Ability to work within a set schedule.
- Ability to work independently under general instructions.
- Ability to understand mathematical calculations involving fractions, percentages, and decimals.
- Ability to prioritize deadlines and tasks.
- Ability to plan, organize, monitor, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to accomplish unit objectives.
- Ability to perform a variety of physical skills including but not limited to filing, pulling, seeing, sorting, squatting, standing, stooping, twisting body, typing, walking, and writing.
- Ability to operate a variety of office equipment, including but not limited to telephone, PC, fax, copier, and calculator.
- Ability to operate a motorized vehicle safely with the general public in all conditions.
- Ability to manage complex, cross-departmental initiatives and balance competing priorities.
- Ability to learn new systems and procedures quickly.
- Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment utilizing knowledge of the organization's policies.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with elected officials, developers, consultants, and residents.
- Ability to analyze complex technical and policy issues and develop innovative solutions.
Qualifying Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in planning, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field.
- Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in land development, civil plan review, or municipal development services.
- Including four (4) years in management or administrative leadership.
- Either AICP certification or Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required.
- Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
- Experience in implementing Form-based Code for development projects.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Master’s degree preferred.
Employment Screenings Required:
- Criminal background check
- Motor Vehicle Review
- Drug and Alcohol Screening
City of Arlington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that is free from discrimination. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
