Community Planning Manager
Apply NowCompany: City of Gaithersburg, MD
Location: Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Description:
Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Gaithersburg, MD
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: FY2025-00960
Department: Planning & Code Administration
Division: Planning (1194)
Opening Date: 10/31/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Description
The in the is seeking a talented and experienced professional for the full-time Community Planning Manager position to provide leadership and advanced planning expertise and advice in support of the City's current community planning strategies and initiatives, planning and design theory, and the overall strategic goals and objectives of the City and the Planning Division that help maintain a thriving, attractive, vibrant, sustainable community.
The Community Planning Manager supervises staff and participates in, manages, and coordinates complex and sensitive planning tasks or projects requiring a high degree of technical expertise and knowledge. Work involves extensive contact with City officials, management staff, and the public. The ideal candidate will be extremely well versed in contemporary approaches to land use planning and development and have a successful track record in program delivery in a fast-paced environment and extensive experience working with multiple agencies, community groups, and internal teams to develop and manage highly visible projects. Strong initiative, good judgment, and common sense are essential.
Starting salary for this position is negotiable within the anticipated target hiring range ($100,000 to $115,000) and will be offered at a level consistent with the relevant experience and qualifications of the candidate. We provide comprehensive insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, long-term care, life), paid time off, generous retirement contributions, health and wellness programs, tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans, training and professional growth opportunities, and excellent work/life balance.
Job Functions
What you will do with us:
Key responsibilities are highlighted above; please to view the classification description for the Community Planning Manager position. The classification description indicates the full salary range established for a position in Grade 115 in the City's FY 2025 Schedule of Salary Ranges.
Qualifications
What you will need to be considered:
Additional Information
Interest applicants must submit the following to be considered:
Review of applications will begin immediately, so prompt application is strongly encouraged. The position will remain open until filled; recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of qualified applications are received or all hiring decisions have been made.
This is a full-time salaried "exempt" position requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week (not eligible for overtime compensation under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and the City's personnel regulations). Attendance at some early morning/evening public meetings or events and other work outside of regular business hours is required. The position may accommodate limited situational remote work (at the discretion of the Department Director). Direct deposit of paychecks is a condition of employment for all City of Gaithersburg employees.
The successful candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation. The City has established an alcohol-free, drug-free, and smoke-free workplace which applies to any person employed by, conducting business with, or applying for a position with the City. Each employee, as a condition of their employment, may be required to participate in pre-employment and reasonable suspicion testing. Employees classified as safety sensitive are also subject to immediate post accident and random testing.
For more information, contact Director of Planning & Code Administration Greg Mann at or [redacted]. Questions regarding the online application process may be directed to the Department of Human Resources at or [redacted].
This recruitment will establish an eligibility list which will be used to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill other openings in this classification which occur in the next 12 months.
The City of Gaithersburg offers its full-time employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and professional lives. Employees are eligible on their first day of employment (unless otherwise specified). We provide employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.
HEALTH BENEFITS
(pdf)
01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and may be used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information ("see resume" is not acceptable) may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and certify that your responses can be verified from information included within your application?
02
Are you currently certified with the American Institute of Certified Planners?
03
How many years of professional experience do you have at the regional or local planning level? Your application materials must demonstrate and substantiate this experience.
04
How many years of experience do you have in community or current planning projects? Your application materials must demonstrate and substantiate this experience.
05
How many years of experience do you have in a supervisory or managerial role? Your application materials must demonstrate and substantiate this experience.
06
What is the largest team you have managed? Please list the total number of direct and indirect reports.
07
Briefly describe your experience in budget preparation and administration; include the scope of your budgetary responsibilities. If you have no experience, please state "None."
08
What planning specializations do you have professional experience with? (Please check all that apply.)
09
If you selected "other" in the previous question, please specify the additional fields in which you have experience.
10
Briefly describe your experience serving as a liaison of a quasi-judicial planning board and list the boards for which you have served as a liaison. If you have no experience in this area, please state "None."
11
Briefly describe your experience working on Master Plan updates, including your role and responsibilities. If you have no experience in this area, please state "None."
12
Briefly describe your experience with online or digital submissions and plan reviews and list the software platforms with which you are familiar. If you have no experience in this area, please state "None."
13
Which of the following best describes your proficiency level in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)?
14
How did you first learn about this employment opportunity?
Required Question
Location : Gaithersburg, MD
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: FY2025-00960
Department: Planning & Code Administration
Division: Planning (1194)
Opening Date: 10/31/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Description
The in the is seeking a talented and experienced professional for the full-time Community Planning Manager position to provide leadership and advanced planning expertise and advice in support of the City's current community planning strategies and initiatives, planning and design theory, and the overall strategic goals and objectives of the City and the Planning Division that help maintain a thriving, attractive, vibrant, sustainable community.
The Community Planning Manager supervises staff and participates in, manages, and coordinates complex and sensitive planning tasks or projects requiring a high degree of technical expertise and knowledge. Work involves extensive contact with City officials, management staff, and the public. The ideal candidate will be extremely well versed in contemporary approaches to land use planning and development and have a successful track record in program delivery in a fast-paced environment and extensive experience working with multiple agencies, community groups, and internal teams to develop and manage highly visible projects. Strong initiative, good judgment, and common sense are essential.
Starting salary for this position is negotiable within the anticipated target hiring range ($100,000 to $115,000) and will be offered at a level consistent with the relevant experience and qualifications of the candidate. We provide comprehensive insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, long-term care, life), paid time off, generous retirement contributions, health and wellness programs, tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans, training and professional growth opportunities, and excellent work/life balance.
Job Functions
What you will do with us:
- Lead, coordinate, manage, and participate in programs and activities related to community planning efforts.
- Provide interpretation, information, and technical guidance on City codes and policies, zoning, regulations, construction practices, development policies, and other aspects or functions of current planning work.
- Supervise community planning staff.
- Participate in the development and implementation of Planning Division goals, objectives, and priorities.
- Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend appropriate service and staffing levels; implement approved changes.
- Coordinate the site plan review process; determine planning policies, work procedures, and timetables; review staff reports; track projects and keep staff, applicants, and other stakeholders informed of status and progress
- Coordinate and facilitate meetings of the City's Development Review Team, including acting as Team liaison to outside agencies.
- Serve as liaison to the Planning Commission; attend all Commission and project meetings; coordinate agenda and other matters with the Planning Commission Chairperson, staff, and the Development Review Team.
- Attend all Historic District Commission and Board of Appeals meetings and meetings of the Mayor and City Council as needed; provide assistance, information, and guidance; present development plans and makes other public presentations when appropriate.
- Evaluate need for, propose, and coordinate ordinance changes (text amendments).
- Assist with coordinating development, update, and maintenance of the Master Plan and land development regulations.
- Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; monitor and control expenditures.
- Represent the City and its planning policies in the community and with other agencies, organizations, and jurisdictions.
Key responsibilities are highlighted above; please to view the classification description for the Community Planning Manager position. The classification description indicates the full salary range established for a position in Grade 115 in the City's FY 2025 Schedule of Salary Ranges.
Qualifications
What you will need to be considered:
- Master's Degree in Planning, Urban Studies, Urban and Regional Planning, or closely related field.
- At least 7 years of relevant professional planning experience at the regional or local government level, including at least two (2) years of supervisory and managerial experience in a senior administrative role.
- At least four (4) years of responsible experience in community planning projects and issues, including practical experience in comprehensive planning, policy development, and administration of adopted land development code.
- Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (required).
- Valid driver's license and safe driving record.
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain technical information in a manner that customers at all levels can understand.
- Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Or any acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform job duties.
Additional Information
Interest applicants must submit the following to be considered:
- A complete online application
- Current Resume (attached to the online application)
- Letter of Interest (attached to the online application); include why you are interested in this position and highlight the special skills/abilities that make you uniquely qualified to serve in this position
Review of applications will begin immediately, so prompt application is strongly encouraged. The position will remain open until filled; recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of qualified applications are received or all hiring decisions have been made.
This is a full-time salaried "exempt" position requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week (not eligible for overtime compensation under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and the City's personnel regulations). Attendance at some early morning/evening public meetings or events and other work outside of regular business hours is required. The position may accommodate limited situational remote work (at the discretion of the Department Director). Direct deposit of paychecks is a condition of employment for all City of Gaithersburg employees.
The successful candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation. The City has established an alcohol-free, drug-free, and smoke-free workplace which applies to any person employed by, conducting business with, or applying for a position with the City. Each employee, as a condition of their employment, may be required to participate in pre-employment and reasonable suspicion testing. Employees classified as safety sensitive are also subject to immediate post accident and random testing.
For more information, contact Director of Planning & Code Administration Greg Mann at or [redacted]. Questions regarding the online application process may be directed to the Department of Human Resources at or [redacted].
This recruitment will establish an eligibility list which will be used to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill other openings in this classification which occur in the next 12 months.
The City of Gaithersburg offers its full-time employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and professional lives. Employees are eligible on their first day of employment (unless otherwise specified). We provide employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage - employer pays 85% of premium in each tier
- Multi-tiered coverage options (single, single + spouse, single + child, single + children, family)
- Retirement Health Savings contribution (for non-participants in medical or dental plans)
- CIGNA HealthCare Open Access Plan
- Prescription Drug Plan
- Wellness Initiatives
- Sun Life Indemnity Plan
- Use a dentist of choice or participating dentist for increased savings
- Basic or Enhanced Plans offered
- National Vision Administrators
- Use a provider of choice or participating provider for increased savings
- Eligible for immediate enrollment in all plans upon hire
- 401A - Employer contribution equivalent to 8% of employee's annual base salary; fully vested after 5 years
- 401K - Employer 3% matching contribution on the first 5% of employee's annual base salary contributed by the employee; fully vested after 5 years
- 401A Supplemental - Additional 5% employer contribution to eligible employees in the Public Works and Police Departments who have physically demanding jobs on a consistent basis; fully vested after 10 years
- 457-deferred compensation plan and Roth IRA (employee contributions only)
- Vacation (12 - 24 days accrued annually; accrual rate based on years of service)
- Sick Leave (13 days accrued annually; unlimited accrual)
- Personal Leave (28 hours granted annually)
- Holidays (11 holidays observed each year)
- Volunteer Service (12 hours granted annually)
- Jury duty, bereavement leave, military leave (as needed)
- Long-Term Care Insurance (employer paid for base plan coverage); buy-up and spouse coverage available (employee paid)
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans
- Employer paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
- Long-Term Disability & Workers' Compensation Insurance
- Multilingual Stipend ($2,080 per year for eligible employees, paid biweekly)
- Housing Stipend (Up to $3,600 per year for eligible employees)
- Tuition Assistance (Up to $5,250 per year eligible after 1 year of service)
- Healthy Lifestyle Incentives
- Employee Assistance Program
- First-Time Homebuyer Assistance
- Ongoing Training/Personal Development Programs
- Credit Union
- Recreation & Leisure Opportunities & Discounts
- Direct Deposit (required)
(pdf)
01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and may be used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information ("see resume" is not acceptable) may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and certify that your responses can be verified from information included within your application?
- Yes
- No
02
Are you currently certified with the American Institute of Certified Planners?
- Yes
- No
03
How many years of professional experience do you have at the regional or local planning level? Your application materials must demonstrate and substantiate this experience.
04
How many years of experience do you have in community or current planning projects? Your application materials must demonstrate and substantiate this experience.
05
How many years of experience do you have in a supervisory or managerial role? Your application materials must demonstrate and substantiate this experience.
06
What is the largest team you have managed? Please list the total number of direct and indirect reports.
07
Briefly describe your experience in budget preparation and administration; include the scope of your budgetary responsibilities. If you have no experience, please state "None."
08
What planning specializations do you have professional experience with? (Please check all that apply.)
- Community/Current Planning
- Comprehensive/Long-Range Planning
- Transportation Planning
- Environmental Planning
- Zoning Board of Appeals
- Historic Preservation
- Other
09
If you selected "other" in the previous question, please specify the additional fields in which you have experience.
10
Briefly describe your experience serving as a liaison of a quasi-judicial planning board and list the boards for which you have served as a liaison. If you have no experience in this area, please state "None."
11
Briefly describe your experience working on Master Plan updates, including your role and responsibilities. If you have no experience in this area, please state "None."
12
Briefly describe your experience with online or digital submissions and plan reviews and list the software platforms with which you are familiar. If you have no experience in this area, please state "None."
13
Which of the following best describes your proficiency level in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)?
- None
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
14
How did you first learn about this employment opportunity?
- City of Gaithersburg Website
- Job Interest Card Notification
- Indeed
- GovernmentJobs.com
- Other Website
- Social Media
- Friend or Relative
- I am currently a City employee
- Other
Required Question