Comprehensive Planning Manager

Salary: $79,010.00 - $97,637.00 Annually
Location : Suffolk, VA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 03920
Department: PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMT
Opening Date: 04/23/2025
Closing Date: 5/23/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Description
Under limited supervision, performs specialized and professional planning, administration, and research work managing and coordinating comprehensive, neighborhood, and village planning activities and housing and redevelopment initiatives. Work involves managing and coordinating all activities of the Comprehensive Planning section, including preparing and updating the Comprehensive Plan, preparing and implementing neighborhood, small area redevelopment, and village plans, strategic corridor plans, housing initiatives and all other special plans and studies to accomplish the objectives of comprehensive planning. Employee must exercise initiative and independent judgment in ensuring compliance with land use ordinances and codes and established City priorities and policies. Employee is responsible for managing and supervising departmental employees and reports to the Director of Planning and Community Development.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Essential Job Functions

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff; processes employee concerns and problems; directs work; counsels, disciplines, and completes employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates daily work activities; organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff, assists with complex/problem situations, and provides professional and technical expertise.
• Coordinates preparation of various reports of planning and development activities for submission to the Planning Commission, City Council, and other elected and appointed officials and City leadership; prepares various reports associated with special projects and studies conducted by the department, as necessary.
• Assists with the preparation and administration of the Planning and Community Development Department's operating and capital improvement plan budgets in regard to needed resources for the development and implementation of comprehensive, neighborhood, redevelopment, and rehabilitation plans and small area and corridor plans.
• Assists the public and departmental staff with inquiries related to comprehensive, neighborhood, and village rehabilitation planning issues, such as zoning, subdivision, and other land use ordinances.
• Coordinates and works directly with Neighborhood/Village Steering committees and citizen groups in the preparation and implementation of neighborhood redevelopment, small area, and village planning and implementation.
• Coordinates the City's Housing and Redevelopment Initiatives.
• Guides and incorporates multiple disciplines; makes decisions to balance the provision of available resources with many and potentially competing needs with neighborhood/village revitalization efforts.
• Guides and manages the work of consultants through contracts with the City in the preparation of Comprehensive, Neighborhood, and Village Planning.
• Interprets and applies City comprehensive plan, ordinances, and other regulations pertaining to planning, zoning, land use, and site development; assists with implementation of zoning/subdivision ordinances; researches code-related issues in code books as needed; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations.
• Collects, analyzes, and maintains statistical data; conducts research of codes, ordinances, zoning maps, planning documents, computer databases, Internet sites, hardcopy materials, or other sources as needed.
• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, performance appraisals, staff reports, staff review letters, transmittal letters, plans/documents, surety estimates, fee schedules, studies, spreadsheets, or other documents.
• Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, payments, administrative applications, technical study reports, comprehensive plans, zoning maps, survey/engineering drawings, technical reports, codes, ordinances, policies, procedures, manuals, directories, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
• Operates a personal computer, general office equipment, blueprint copier, measuring wheel, soil probe, engineering scale, drafting instruments, or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, e mail, Internet, or other computer programs.
• Coordinates planning activities with other divisions, other departments, state/federal programs, outside agencies, or others as needed.
• Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, City officials, board/commission members, state/federal agencies, land developers, contractors, architects, consultants, attorneys, property owners, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, resolve problems, or give/receive advice/direction.
• Attends various meetings and hearings as needed.
• Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable codes, regulations, and standards; reviews new codes and changes to existing codes; maintains an awareness of new methods, materials, trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
• Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.
• Performs other advanced planning work as needed.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Urban/Regional Planning, Public Administration, or closely related field; Master Degree preferred, supplemented by 6 to 9 years previous experience and/or training that includes urban/regional planning, site plan review, and personal computer operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the City and of departmental practices as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Comprehensive Planning Manager.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and objectives associated with urban/regional planning.
• Knowledge of the current literature, trends, and developments in the field of urban planning.
• Knowledge of the environmental and socioeconomic implications of the planning process.
• Knowledge of practices and methods associated with review of site plans, subdivision plats, zoning applications, and related documents for compliance with applicable ordinances.
• Knowledge of the geographic and socio-economic layout of the City.
• Knowledge of governmental programs, laws, grants and services pertinent to the planning process.
• Knowledge of City zoning ordinances and codes, and related land use regulations.
• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and methods utilized within the department.
• Knowledge and proficiency of computers and software programs typically utilized in the position.
• Knowledge of the principles of supervision, and is able to effectively lead, motivate and evaluate lower-level planning staff.
• Skilled in the collection, analysis and presentation of technical data and planning recommendations.
• Ability to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, computer operations, equipment needs, policies, etc., as they pertain to departmental operations and activities.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with subordinates, supervisors, members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the department.
• Ability to exercise considerable tact and courtesy in contact with municipal, State, and Federal officials and with the general public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
• Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner.
• Ability to use independent judgment and work with little direct supervision as situations warrant.
• Ability to use mathematical formulas to handle required calculations.
• Ability to use manual and automated drafting tools and equipment.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret maps, blueprints, technical reports, and related materials.
• Ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria. Includes exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.
• Ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in a supervisory capacity.
• Ability to read a variety of informational documentation, maps, site plans, architectural drawings, directions, instructions, methods and procedures.
• Ability to write reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.
• Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.
• Ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, advisory and/or design data and information.
• Ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform mathematical operations involving basic algebraic principles and formulas, and basic geometric principles and calculations.
• Ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with job-related equipment.

Seasonal Employees- No Benefits
Part-time Employees - Sick Leave (See below)
Full Time Employees are eligible for the following benefits;

Retirement (Virginia Retirement System employer) for employees hired on or after 1/1/14 - Hybrid Members
Hybrid plan members contribute 4 percent of creditable compensation to the defined benefit plan and 1 percent to the defined contribution plan each month. Members may voluntarily contribute up to an additional 4 percent in 0.5 percent increments to the defined contribution plan each month. Members can increase or decrease their voluntary contributions on a quarterly basis. With the mandatory and voluntary contributions to the defined contribution component of the plan, members can contribute a maximum of 5 percent with a 3.5 percent match from the employer. Members invest in various investment options that best fit their needs.
Vested after 5 years in the defined benefit part of the plan. Vested in phases based on years in the Defined Contribution part of the Plan. The retirement eligibility for a full or reduced retirement pension in the Hybrid Plan is very detailed. Please contact the Virginia Retirement System or the Human Resources Department for details.

Paid Time Off (PTO)Yearly earnings
120 Hours (1-59 months), 144 Hours (60-119 months), 168 Hours (120- 179 months), 192 Hours (180 and over)
Sick Leave
Part Time employees earn 4 hours per month Sick leave accrues at the end of the month and may be accrued with no ceiling.

Personal Leave
All regular full time employees are granted 24 hours of personal leave each calendar year. Personal leave must be preapproved and is not cumulative.
Health Insurance
Coverage available for you and your eligible dependents using pre-tax payroll deductions if elected.
Supplemental Insurances
Employees may purchase the following supplemental insurance policies: short term and long term disability, cancer, accident, supplemental hospitalization, and group universal life insurance.
Employer Sponsored Short Term and Long Term Disability
Provides disability coverage for employees work and non-work related disabilities. Work related disabilities are covered starting on day one (1). Non work related disabilities are covered starting on day eight (8), after you have been employed for one year.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employees may participate in the Health Reimbursement, Dependent Care Reimbursement and Premium Reimbursement Accounts. All deductions are made on a pre-tax basis and will reduce your taxable income.
Life Insurance
The city pays the entire premium for life insurance coverage in the amount of 2 times annual salary for natural death and 4 times annual salary for accidental death.
Optional Life Insurance
Employees have the option of electing additional life insurance coverage in the amount of 1, 2, 3 or 4 times their annual salary. Employees may only purchase optional life insurance on spouses and children if they are enrolled in optional life insurance for themselves.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
12 weeks of job protected leave for leaves approved in accordance with the Family Medical Leave Act. Employees receive continuation of health insurance, job protection and consideration for a comparable job when available, or an equivalent job, upon return to work.
Funeral Leave
24 hours of paid leave of absence in case of death in immediate family.
Holidays
Suffolk follows the Virginia State holiday calendar as set by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Jury Duty
Time off with pay with difference between jury pay and regular pay or use annual leave and keep check.
457 Deferred Compensation, ROTH IRA, Traditional IRA
Offered through ICMA Retirement Corporation as a way to shelter a portion of your salary from income taxes and save for retirement.
Employee Assistance Program
Offers employees and immediate family members (3) free, confidential counseling sessions related to a broad range of issues such as marital or family conflict, job or personal stress, alcohol or drug abuse, financial or legal worries, etc.

Worker's Compensation
Should an employee have an on the job injury, he/she could be eligible for Workmen's Compensation Benefits, except in cases of willful neglect.

Pay Days
Employees will be paid on the 15th and last working day of each month.
Credit Union
A Suffolk Credit Union is available to employees.
Legal Services
Employees may prepay for access to legal assistance.
Notary Public Services
Services available in the Human Resources Department.

Alternative Work ScheduleFor some positions -Offers 4 Alternative Work Schedule options to provide employees with greater control over their personal and professional time, as well as reducing absences.
01

Do you have at least a Bachelor's degree in Urban/Regional Planning, Public Administration, or closely related field?

• Yes
• No

02

Which of the following reflects your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Some college
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree
• None of the above

03

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

04

Which of the following best describes your previous experience and/or training that includes urban/regional planning, land use planning, and site plan review work experience?

• Less than 6 years
• 6 -7 years
• 7 - 8 years
• 8 -9 years
• More than 9 years

05

Do you hold a current American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification?

• Yes
• No

06

Which of the following best represents the most employees you have previously supervised?

• 1 - 4 employees
• 5 -10 employees
• 11 - 20 employees
• More than 20 employees
• No supervisory experience

07

Please indicate the number of years you have supervising employees?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 - 2 years
• 2 - 3 years
• 3 - 4 years
• 4 - 5 years
• 5 - 7 years
• 7 - 9 years
• More than 9 years

Required Question