Job Abstract

The Director of Neighborhood Development Services performs complex professional and administrative work overseeing and directing the programs, activities, and staff of Neighborhood Development Services Department, which includes planning, urban design, zoning, building inspections, property maintenance, GIS, and historic preservation. Work is performed with broad functional areas, a high degree of independent judgement, and a strategic focus. Reports to the Deputy City Manager for Operations. Please include with your online application a cover letter, resume, and at least five (5) professional references.

The preferred hiring amount for this position is between $150,000.00 to $178,505.60 Annually. Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This is a full-time, exempt, position which provides excellent benefits including 13 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, City's retirement options, gym membership reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, and continuing education/training opportunities. As a department head, the incumbent will receive 80 hours of discretionary leave per calendar year. Relocation assistance may be available.

• For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please click the 'benefits' tab on this posting, or visit https://www.charlottesville.gov/1047/Employee-Benefits.
• The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS, however the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS and there are certain provisions that must be met. For questions pertaining to the Portability Agreement, please contact the City's Benefits Administrator at 434-970-3462.

Responsibilities of the Director of NDS include:

• Supervising employees whose duties include but are not limited to Long Range Planning, Urban Design and Planning, Zoning, Building Inspections, GIS, Property Maintenance, and Historic Preservation.
• Supervises, coaches, trains, motivates, and evaluates the performance of staff; interviews, selects, assigns work, and administers disciplinary action to subordinate employees in accordance with established personnel policy and procedures. Establishing professional standards for work quality, quantity, performance, and accountability.
• Serving as a critical advisor to the City Council and City Staff on the areas mentioned above, as well as serving as a prime spokesperson on planning and development matters.
• Serving as, or supervising a staff liaison, to a variety of boards and commissions including the Planning Commission, Board of Architectural Review, Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, Metropolitan Planning Organization, and others.
• Leading a process of development review that is compliant with the ordinances and policies of the City, advances the Comprehensive Plan, and efficiently advances development projects through the permitting process.
• Day-to-day development and monitoring of project-based, development practices and control of project performance, development and oversight of accountability, development of long-range development forecasts, and development and oversight of department budget.
• Developing and implementing planning and development projects in an urban setting and project reporting to city management, committees, community groups, and/or Council.
• Demonstrating expertise in developing successful planning processes with attention to community engagement methods.
• Reviewing and updating of the Development Code and other ordinances to ensure the outcomes continue to advance the goals of the Comprehensive Plan and that the Code represents best practices in ordinance form and drafting.
• Demonstrating an understanding of and appreciation for evolving planning practices such as form-based code and small area planning.
• Performs related functions as assigned.

• Serves as the leader in the development of strategies, policies and practices, and procedures regarding strategic land-use management approach to conducting business; supervises plan review, building inspection, and code enforcement; and establishes other sound land-use management practices as needed.
• Develops and recommends long-term land-use policies designed to ensure sustainability to meet long-term capital requirements.
• Advises departments on strategies to accomplish near and long-term capital projects.
• Works collaboratively with economic development and other city staff to ensure a timely and efficient review process.
• Works with the City Manager's Lead Team (Department Directors) on policy development and leadership training.
• Manages the full range of divisions in the NDS Department, with expertise in managing the preparation of the City's Comprehensive Land-Use Development and strong mentoring skills in planning and development.
• Performs related functions as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• A Master's degree in Planning, Public Administration, or Business Administration AND at least six (6) years of supervisory and managerial responsibility with an emphasis on municipal planning and management of a comprehensive plan, standards and design, and zoning regulations.

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, or related field AND at least eight (8) years of supervisory and managerial responsibility with an emphasis on municipal planning and management of a comprehensive plan, standards and design, and zoning regulations.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.

• Virginia Driver’s License and must meet the city’s driving eligibility requirements OR be able to provide own transportation to/from out of office engagements.
• Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug screen.

• Designation as an AICP desired.
• Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible local expertise in land-use planning desired.
• Prior Departmental Director experience desired.

• Strong commitment to providing and bettering the quality-of-life, general environment, and programs for Charlottesville residents.
• Commitment to engage in proactive discussions with an active citizenry and highly participative community; listens and values the input of residents, businesses, and employees.
• Support organizational goals, values, and objectives set forth by the city.
• Advanced knowledge of the subject matter. Complete comprehension of principles and practices of administration, supervision, and training.
• Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of planning, code compliance and enforcement.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable state and local government policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and ordinances.
• Thorough knowledge of methods and materials used in real estate development projects and construction.
• Employee and Labor relations.
• Strategic planning.
• Read, interpret, apply, and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to prepare and present technical oral reports, with the ability to effectively convey complex planning concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to deal with number systems; simple formulas, practical development and application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions, and measurement. Analyzes budgets and other numeric documents.
• Analytical ability to analyze the performance levels of various components of the department and make changes where necessary.
• Capable of resolving and negotiating conflicting priorities/opinions; and motivating and providing sound professional guidance to a highly competent staff.
• A consensus builder and team leader comfortable in working with inclusive processes.
• Effective people and leadership skills in building a team-oriented environment; effective supervisory and management skills.
• Values and practices personal and professional integrity, honesty, and ethics.
• Superior time management and organizational management skills; sometimes under strict time constraints.
• Tact, diplomacy, and resourcefulness in resolving problems and managing stressful situations.
• May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals on occasion.
• Maintains accurate records and files.
• Ability to develop, manage, and maintain budget and budgetary controls.
• Understand and maintain safeguards for sensitive and confidential information.
• Successful use of technology to enhance performance and expertise in a high level of concise, accurate communication with elected City and appointed officials, and staff.
• Regular and predictable attendance.

Physical Demands:

• LIGHT work: Exerting up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently, or negligible amounts constantly OR remains in a stationary position to a significant degree.
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Must occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Must constantly position self to maintain files in file cabinet.

• Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.

• Work is usually performed in an office environment where there may be exposure to computer screen for extended periods of time, monitor glare and dust.
• Non-Traditional Work Schedule: May be required to work evenings, weekends, and/or nights.