Location: Newport News, VA

Assistant Planning Director

Salary: $88,844 - $105,408

Closing: January 5, 2024

Description
The City of Newport News is experiencing exponential growth and is seeking their next Assistant Planning Director who will help guide the City’s Long-Range Planning efforts. The next Assistant Planning Director will be a visionary leader who is excited about embracing new challenges and showcasing creativity and vision in their approach to planning.

The Assistant Planning Director will report to the Director of Planning and provide departmental leadership and responsibility for developing programs and systems, as well as managing assigned projects to meet organizational needs, vision, and values.

The Assistant Planning Director will be a working Director who brings a wealth of experience and introduces innovative solutions for the community's long-term, sustainable development. The Assistant Director will be experienced in assisting in the overall management and administration of the Planning Department and will work alongside the Comprehensive Planning Team, to accomplish the goal of developing the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and area and neighborhood plans throughout the City.

Priorities

• Establish positive relationships with the Planning Director, Executive Leadership Team, and other department heads.
• Develop sound working relationships and trust with the Planning staff.
• Complete an update of the Comprehensive Plan in conjunction with a citizen advisory committee.
• Hire and successfully onboard a Senior Planner who will strengthen and enhance the planning team.
• Conduct a thorough analysis and assessment of the current neighborhood and area plans to identify areas for improvement and optimization and determine the need for new area plans and planning studies to address emerging needs and challenges.
• Actively pursue and secure grants to facilitate the development and implementation of new plans, ensuring financial support for these initiatives.

Successful Candidate
The next Assistant Planning Director will lead by taking initiative, have extensive experience in Comprehensive Planning, and demonstrate a contagious passion for urban redevelopment and the overall planning profession.

The Assistant Planning Director will understand the complexities of managing a fully built-out city and have a proven track record of experience in increasing density within growing urban environments.

The Assistant Planning Director will be a skilled collaborator and facilitator, possessing the ability to engage with various community residents and stakeholders in an effective and efficient manner. Previous experience in long-range and neighborhood planning is highly desirable.

Qualifications
Minimum requirements include any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in planning, urban design, architecture, or a related field. At least five to seven years of professional planning experience with three to five years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree in planning or a related field. Experience in comprehensive planning and possessing an AICP certification is preferred.

How to Apply
Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. Apply online at: https://jobs.crelate.com/portal/raftelis/job/rzd4pa8dzwefk8hagx68yhncuh?crt=1701706393731

The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning January 5, 2024.