Job Abstract

The Montgomery County Planning Department is seeking a Deputy Planning Director for Administration. Montgomery Planning, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) has enjoyed a national reputation for excellence in planning and serves a culturally diverse population of more than one million people north of Washington, DC. Montgomery Planning continues to be a leader in the field of planning and strives to set a vision for the future that fosters economic prosperity, environmental resilience, and equitable outcomes for its residents. The Department has pioneered programs in agricultural preservation, inclusionary zoning, and transit-oriented design. The Department’s innovative approach to community planning continues to be recognized nationally and locally. In recent years, the Department has received two Sustainable Growth Awards from the Maryland Department of Planning, several national and local planning leadership awards from the American Planning Association, and numerous MARCOM awards for excellence in communications.

The successful candidate for this position possesses and demonstrates a thorough understanding of and range of experience in the multiple disciplines that are integral to community planning. It is essential that the Deputy Director have a keen perception of organizational development, work program management, and strategic planning. The successful candidate must have extremely strong communication skills. We are looking for a multi-faceted and articulate candidate with outstanding analytical, presentation and writing skills.

This position involves direct contact with the Montgomery County Council and staff, the Montgomery County Executive and staff and the Montgomery County Planning Board; the selected candidate must be able to understand and relate to policy and political issues.

• Coordinate elements of the Planning Department work program including:
  • Work program scheduling
  • Program budgeting and performance measures
  • Overseeing all IT initiatives, communications efforts, and public education programs
  • Monitoring special studies and research projects
  • Guiding internal strategic planning efforts
  • Monitoring work product quality
• Acts for Director in his/her absence or as directed:
  • Monitor and advise on local, state and federal legislation and issues
  • Coordinate with County and State officials and staff, as directed
  • Advise on planning and administrative policies
  • Provide guidance on administrative program and coordinate with CAS offices
• Directly supervise the Communications Division, Management Services Division, Research and Strategic Projects Division, and Information Technology and Innovation Division, as well as provide guidance and direction to the Department’s five other divisions
  • The Communications Division plans, develops, and coordinates the communication and promotion of department efforts, crafts strategic communications plans, manages media relations, and facilitates equitable engagement efforts.
  • The Management Services Division provides support to the department on a variety of policy, financial, budgetary, procurement, and human resources/personnel needs, including recruitment and onboarding, training, and diversity initiatives.
  • The Research and Strategic Projects Division conducts research and projects that support master plan and land use policy initiatives and decisions, including job, household, and population forecasts, and analyses of income, economic, and demographic trends.
  • The Information Technology and Innovation Division provides IT infrastructure support to the department, designs, implements, and maintains internal and external information systems, maintains data assets, conducts GIS research and analysis, and protects department resources from cybersecurity threats.

1. the principles, practices, and techniques of public planning and public administration (including budgeting, work program management, and the legislative process).
2. the principles employed in a wide range of planning disciplines (including racial equity and social justice, research methods, and equitable engagement and communications).
3. laws and ordinances governing the planning process and their application.
4. principles and practices of organization and management.
5. administrative practices and procedures.
6. supervision.

1. organize and direct professional and support personnel engaged in technical and planning support activities.
2. make difficult presentations on controversial matters involving explanation of highly complex issues.
3. establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of public and private groups.
4. communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
5. inspire Department staff to pursue and achieve innovative solutions and outcomes.
6. navigate and resolve complex human resource and staffing matters.

1. Master's degree in planning, parks, architecture, engineering, environmental science, or related subjects; and

2. Ten years of a broad range of planning experience that included two years at the managerial level; or

3. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Class/Specification: Montgomery County Deputy Planning Director

The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience. This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus (external candidates only).

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

About Us
The M-NCPPC offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, generous leave plans, an employee pension plan, and a deferred compensation plan. Positions may qualify for public service student loan forgiveness. Montgomery Planning is conveniently located minutes from Washington, DC in downtown Wheaton, MD next to the Wheaton Metro Station, several bus lines, and bikeshare. A commuter stipend is available. Telework opportunities (up to two days a week) and tuition assistance are also available. We work in one of the first LEED Platinum-certified government-owned office buildings in Maryland.

Diversity Statement: The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1). M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.