Manager-Current Planning

Full Job Description

This position is an integral member of DMD that will manage a team responsible for upholding all the Comprehensive Plan, Indy Rezone (the Indianapolis Zoning Ordinance), and other related plans and planning initiatives.

Position is responsible for leading and supporting the Division of Planning staff with activities pertaining to zoning and other land use petitions.

The position is also responsible for providing information and expertise to citizen decision-making bodies such as the Metropolitan Development Commission, Boards of Zoning Appeals, Plat Committee, Hearing Examiners and Hearing Officers.

This is an important leadership role who will mentor and train a well-rounded and professional team.

The position will directly supervise a team of planners and other staff that perform zoning petition review. This position will act with integrity and openness to collaboration.

The position will apply supportive, positive, and productive management, decision-making and process improvement skills to evaluate, streamline, and modernize processes, documents, and workflows.

Position will create and provide training internally and externally.

Position will focus on quality output of decisions for improving the short- and long-term built environment of the city in accordance with guiding documents and applicable laws.

This position will report to the Administrator – Current Planning.

Agency Summary

The purpose and mission of the Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD) works to shape the city’s identity by strengthening people and places, building upon our history, and fostering visionary development.

The DMD agency envisions the city as a growing, vibrant, and beautiful city where people and businesses thrive in an inclusive, world-class community.

The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the residents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Requirements

Manages the current planning team and development review functions of the Current Planning Division. 

Monitors staff and projects’ progress and evaluates projects and staff performance results, including personnel issues, performance evaluations, monitoring staff activities and participates in the hiring of new staff. 

Assists in the management of the City's development review process and development review team in evaluating land use petitions and their consistency with Indy Rezone, the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and other adopted plans.

Applies extensive urban planning expertise and provides guidance consistent with local, state, and federal laws, codes and regulations to the review and production of advanced, highly complex planning activities.

Proactively researches best practices and emerging trends for supporting growth in the city of Indianapolis.

Leads planning initiatives, in collaboration with appropriate staff and stakeholders. 

Evaluates land uses, recommendations, and progress on planning initiatives. 

Makes recommendations on ordinance amendments, Rules of Procedure and other internal policies and processes. Works in collaboration with other planning staff to make updates. 

Uses data, input, and observation to evaluate topics needed for trainings. 

Creates and implements trainings on an annual and as-needed basis. 

Provides structure and continuity of training program for new DMD staff, boards, and commissions as well as outside stakeholders. 

Provides information, technical assistance and professional guidance to developers, attorneys, the public, Metropolitan Development Commission, other city agencies, City-County Council, City Management, and staff. 

Makes oral and written presentations to the Hearing Examiner, Metropolitan Development Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Plat Committee, and other boards and commissions and community organizations as directed by the Planning Administrator. 

Supervises and assigns public hearing petitions and projects to Planners ensuring efficient review and compliance.

Provides appropriate training and mentoring to staff members, acts as project manager for assigned projects and directs the activities of professional, paraprofessional, and technical planning staff. 

Along with the Current Planning Administrator, provides strategic guidance to the resolution of customer service issues and disputes presented by the public, development community, city agencies and elected officials regarding development requirements and procedures. 

Meets and consults with City officials, other municipal officials, major developers, and the public on planning projects. 

Performs and manages complex and sensitive professional planning projects, research, and analysis, including projects valued in the millions. 

Advises the Current Planning Administrator on all planning-related matters and may serve as Current Planning Administrator in their absence. 

Fills in for staff to provide planner-on-call services, as needed. 

Fills in for staff to answer zoning/petition questions from the public, petitioners, and other City departments, as needed. 

Occasionally reviews and evaluates petitions as needed based on current worklog. 

Utilize resources such as ArcMap computer program/internet resources/historical maps/green bar printouts/microfilm reader to research properties, as needed. 

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.

Qualifications

Minimum Job Requirements and Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required with a preference in urban planning or related field.

Five (5) years of experience working in a planning and zoning agency is required; two (2) years of experience may be substituted with an applicable master’s degree in planning or related field.

Must have thorough understanding of land use terminology, zoning principles and practices, current land use law and contemporary land use concepts, and regulatory techniques.

Working knowledge of Microsoft software and ArcMap is required, as well as research procedures and methodologies.

Excellent writing skills, strong problem-solving skills, and public speaking skills are required. Working with integrity, respect and an ability and openness to collaborate are required.

Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications

Master’s degree. Accreditation from the American Institute of Certified Planners or similar accreditations preferred but not required.