Director of Planning and Community Development at City of Pueblo – Pueblo, Colorado

Under the general direction of the Chief of Staff, the Director of Planning & Community Development is an FLSA exempt, senior management position that provides leadership and direct management of the physical planning and development of the City of Pueblo. The Director of Planning and Community Development serves as the Director of Planning identified in Article 12 of the City Charter and the Administrative Official (Land Use Administrator) defined by the Zoning Ordinance, unless another official is designated. The Director of Planning and Community Development is appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council.

This job description is an overview and is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the functions and tasks required of the position.

• Manages and supervises the development review, land use planning, , urban design, historic preservation, and intergovernmental coordination functions of the City of Pueblo
• Provides technical guidance and acts as policy advisor to the Chief of Staff, Mayor, City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, other boards and commissions, and various City departments
• Oversees the review, revision, and interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance and other land use regulations
• Reviews development and building plans and other submittals to ensure compliance with Municipal Code
• Oversees the administration of proposed and existing development for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance
• Manages the revision and implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, including participation in the planning and implementation of capital improvement projects under the plan, and the oversight of public coordination processes
• Develops and formulates annual work plans in conjunction with division managers for the delivery of programs and services
• Identifies and recommends changes in program priorities
• Develops annual budgets in conjunction with division managers for the operation and management of the Planning & Community Development Department
• Coordinates and manages complex projects involving competing interests and objectives, effectively represents diverse interests, and objectively evaluates alternative approaches
• Solves problems and resolves issues in difficult and/or contentious situations
• Develops and manages public processes for input and review on projects and programs

IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS:

• Performs other duties as may be required by the City Charter, Pueblo Municipal Code, Chief of Staff, or Mayor

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical standards an employee must meet in order to perform the essential job duties with or without a reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to:
Work is mostly sedentary and performed in a seated position, but requires frequent moving about, standing, bending, kneeling, reaching or stooping. The incumbent must be able to hear all communication from customers and employees by telephone or in person, and use vision to work with written documents, forms, and to respond to employees and customers.
This position requires:

• Knowledge of all areas of city and regional planning and land development strategies that pertain to current practices in the field of urban and regional planning
• Ability to provide direction to others
• Strong leadership skills and ability to manage personnel within the Planning and Community Development Department
• Ability to design and administer complex projects
• Ability to provide in-house training of personnel
• Ability to be flexible in work assignments
• Ability to attend public meetings outside the normal work hours including nights and occasional weekends
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to ensure that presentations and written products produced are clear, well crafted, and responsive, are timely and objective
• Skill and ability to administer funds, prepare and monitor budgets, develop grants and grant programs, and provide administrative leadership and support
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with others and work on a professional level with subordinates, other City employees, community groups, and organizations
• Ability to perform all job duties in a safe manner

In addition to the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above, this position requires the following:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university in urban planning, urban studies, public administration, business administration, political science, or public policy
• Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in urban planning
• Five (5) years of supervising urban planning personnel
• Selected candidate must reside within the boundaries of the Pueblo County, within six (6) months of first date of employment pursuant to Pueblo Municipal Code section 6-4-10 regarding residency requirement A valid driver’s license at the time of application, and a valid Colorado driver’s license within 30 days of employment
  1. License restrictions that may hinder your ability to drive on City business, such as an interlock, will be cause for disqualification
  2. During the course of employment, a valid license must be maintained, and the employee must notify the City immediately upon changes to the status of their license

Preferred:

• A master’s degree in urban planning, urban studies, public administration, business administration, political science, public policy or a related field

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Position requires that the individual be able to work outside of normal business hours to attend evening meetings and work flexible hours. Most duties are performed indoors; however, the incumbent will be required to perform some duties outdoors. Must be able to work, drive, and travel in inclement weather.
All required licenses and certifications must be maintained throughout the term of employment. Failure to obtain or maintain licenses and certifications may result in demotion or termination.
Due to Federal and State Criminal Justice System access requirements, classifications that access and maintain criminal justice information may also be required, as a condition of employment, to not have been convicted of and/or have pending charges of a felony or misdemeanor crime that would deny or otherwise restrict access to criminal justice information. This requirement applies to all existing City employees as well as external candidates seeking to fill positions that meet the given criteria.

BENEFITS:

The City of Pueblo offers a very rich benefits packet! Click on the “Benefits” hyperlink at the top of this (online) job posting to view a summary of the benefits associated with this position. For a more comprehensive view on the lush benefits offered by the City, please go to www.pueblo.us/benefits.

If hired, you must be able submit proof of your legal right to work in the United States. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. The City does not sponsor work visas.