Design Assistant Director - Historic Preservation Studio

Posting Expires : until filled. Salary Range : $80,594.95- $107,594.26 General Description & Classification Standards : The City of Atlanta Department of City Planning (DCP) is committed to implementing Atlanta City Design and transforming Atlanta into the best possible version of itself. Adopted into the city charter in December 2017, Atlanta City Design articulates an aspiration for the future city that Atlantean's can fall in love with, knowing that if people love their city, they will make better decisions about it. The Office of Design of the Department of City Planning provides leadership for the physical design of the city. It accomplishes this through the design of physical plans for the logical organization of our future city, creation of vibrant public spaces that cultivate public life, and architectural guidance, including preservation, of high-quality buildings that contribute to a cohesive public realm. This work is framed by Atlanta City Design and driven by the desire to design a city for everyone in the most inclusive way possible. The Historic Preservation Studio of the Office of Design is responsible for the implementation of the City of Atlanta’s historic preservation programs and activities at all scales - from the entire city to corridors, neighborhoods, blocks, streets and buildings.These programs and activities include architectural review using historic preservation design regulations within a public-facing process; wide-ranging technical assistance to individual property and business owners, City residents, community groups, outside researchers, other City agencies and other government entities; supporting the enforcement of the City’s historic preservation regulations; creating and managing programs and policies that advance the goals of the City’s historic preservation program; and incorporating the City’s historic places and spaces into its future.These actions will guide the physical and economic development of our rapidly growing city. The programs and activities must thoughtfully and creatively consider how best to leverage the value of the City’s historic places and spaces to achieve desired patterns and densities of development, support new types and levels for diverse affordable housing options, and create opportunities for parks and other public spaces that reinforce the City’s physical identity while also addressing existing community needs. Serves as the Executive director of the Atlanta Urban Design Commission as described fully in Sec. 6-4044 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Atlanta Implements and interprets the City’s historic preservation ordinance and Chapter 20 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Atlanta Initiates the nomination of properties for designation and protection under the City’s historic preservation ordinance Leads and mentors the team of planners, project managers, and other professionals in designing and implementing the city’s historic preservation pre-permit / entitlement architectural design reviews, ordinances, and preservation planning; and the studio’s general educational and outreach programming Assesses and responds to challenges and opportunities facing the City’s historic preservation program Manages the City’s design review and comment process for all substantial City and Atlanta Public School capital projects, including : parks, streetscape improvements, recreation / community centers, Police and Fire Stations, Public Works facilities, Watershed Management projects, and all types of public school-related buildings and facilities Advises the Department of City Planning and other City agencies on compliance with federal HUD funded housing and community development projects, including Federal Section 106 Regulations, and manages the Section 106 reviews for projects covered by the City’s Programmatic Agreement with the State of Georgia Historic Preservation Division Provides technical assistance and information to the Department of City Planning and its partners (including other City departments, agencies, communities, community organizations, and the general public) (including other City department, agencies, communities, and community organizations) create historic preservation plans and translate these into policy and implementable outcomes Collaborates closely with team members in other offices of the Department of City Planning as well as other departments within the City to ensure the City’s values, priorities, and interests related to historic preservation are reconciled and represented in the City’s actions and recommendations regarding any building, site, or district designated under the City’s historic preservation ordinance Engages communities and neighborhoods in thoughtful and approachable ways that informs the public about Atlanta’s history and historic preservation work through presentations, workshops, seminars, community meetings, trainings, virtual sessions, etc. Represents the Office on behalf of the Director Selects, develops, manages, and mentors staff for the Historic Preservation Studio, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Design Develops and manages the budget for the Historic Preservation Studio, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Design Manages purchasing, inventory, equipment maintenance and other asset related functions and approves purchase / supply orders and expenses for the Historic Preservation Studio Decision Making : Analyzes complex challenges and applies sound judgment. Selects from multiple procedures and methods to accomplish tasks. Establishes work methods, timetables, performance standards, etc. Leadership Provided : Routinely provides leadership, guidance, and / or training to less experienced staff. May act as the Office of Design team lead on large projects. Provide leadership, guidance, mentoring, coaching, and training to the Historic Preservation Studio team and other less experienced staff in the Office of Design with moderate oversight from the Director of the Office of Design. Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities : Ability to read, understand, and interpret ordinances, codes, reports, design documents, and related materials Knowledge of historic preservation, urban design, planning and design principles, ordinances, and related innovative practices Knowledge of the application and enforcement of zoning practices and related laws, regulations, and codes Ability to manage and support a board of appointed volunteer members, including knowledge of Roberts Rules of Order Ability to effectively interact with a variety of public and private sector individuals including City employees, elected officials, community leaders, architects, designers, engineers, developers, interest-based groups, and the general public General knowledge of City properties, buildings, and parks, and the overall history of the City of Atlanta Strong ability to communicate verbally and in writing to a variety of audiences Experience in writing policy documents, program descriptions, budgets, ordinances, and guidelines Ability to work collaboratively to arrive at constructive and implementable solutions Experience with a variety of effective community engagement techniques Knowledge of standard office and communication software (Microsoft Office, etc.) QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS : Minimum Qualifications for Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in historic preservation, urban design, city and regional planning, architecture, landscape architecture, environmental design, political science, public administration or related field. Five to seven (5-7) years of related experience is required. Preferred Qualifications for Education & Experience : Master’s degree in urban design, city and regional planning, architecture, landscape architecture, environmental design, historic preservation, public administration or related field and seven plus (7+) years of experience in private sector or municipal urban design preferred. Equivalent professional experience may be considered for substitution for the required degree on an exception basis. Licensures & Certifications : Position would be expected to hold, or currently in pursuit of, licensure or professional certifications appropriate to the position. Required : Valid Georgia driver’s license Preferred : American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), American Institute of Architects (AIA), American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP).