Planning Manager

Planning Manager

Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, controls and directs the Planning Division within the Development Services Department including : overseeing daily operations, budgeting and administration; performs professional and technical planning activities on special projects and programs; serves as liaison and City representative on planning related matters to city boards, commissions, departments, City Council and to external agencies; supervises and evaluates the performance of assigned personnel.

The Planning and Development Department is responsible for land use and building permit review and approvals; long-range city and regional planning; building inspection; coordination of development review processes, design standards, and enforcement of the community development code. We are committed to equity and inclusivity as a foundational element of our work and in creating a positive work environment. The City of Edmonds is a beautiful community on the Puget Sound waterfront with a population of 43,420 and is the gateway to the Olympic peninsula via the state ferry system.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities include managing, coordinating and reviewing the work of assigned staff; providing constructive feedback, reviews and evaluations; supervising, coaching, training and motivating staff; managing the employment and hiring process and employee relations for assigned area; managing, administering, maintaining and overseeing assigned budgets; overseeing development, updating and maintenance of Comprehensive Plan, Development Codes and public information programs; developing and analyzing options and approaches to complex planning and legislative issues and policy; participating in special assignments or projects as required; researching complex issues on specific initiatives; planning, developing and reviewing technology improvements and initiatives; writing reports, plans, studies and policy analyses; organizing, conceptualizing, researching and writing plans, analyses, codes and code amendments, reports and permit reviews for boards, commissions, City Council, departments or other agencies; using decision support tools such as GIS, statistical or database tools to evaluate and assist in analysis and development of alternatives for study; communicating with other administrators, personnel and contractors to coordinate activities and programs, resolve issues and conflicts and exchange information; providing operational leadership to assure standards are met for productivity, efficiency, continuous quality improvement, customer satisfaction and teamwork; performing work within scope of authority and training and in compliance with policies and quality standards; interpreting policies and procedures and assuring the consistent application of rules and regulations; serving as City representative to external governmental agencies at State, regional and local levels in areas related to planning or growth management and attending City Council and Planning Board meetings and making presentations; preparing and presenting staff reports and other necessary correspondence; attending and participating in professional group meetings; maintaining awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment and incorporating new developments as appropriate and assigned; fulfilling roles and responsibilities on the EOC team as assigned by the Mayor.

Minimum Qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree in Urban & Environmental Geography, Planning, Public Policy, Environmental Studies or related field and six years of experience performing professional planning duties including policy review, development and evaluation, and plan and code analysis, amendment, and recommendations, that includes three years of staff supervisory and budgetary responsibility; preferably in a municipal planning environment. A criminal background check is required following a verbal offer of employment. A valid Driver's License at time of hire and a driving record that is acceptable to the City's insurance requirements are also required. Out of state candidates must obtain their WA State Driver's License within 30 days after moving to WA.