City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Assistant Director, Planning

Under the direction of the Planning Director, this position is responsible for directing planning and zoning strategies for the City of Austin.

1. Establishes goals and objectives for assigned divisions and programs and evaluates achievement.
2. Manages and directs department divisions and programs under general direction of the Director.
3. Resolves sensitive political issues and conflicts and establishes sound management practices. Interprets polices, provides staff direction on policy, and recommends changes to policies and procedures.
4. Represents the City before various professional affiliations; the business community; and other public, private, and nonprofit entities to promote the City and respond to the interests of these groups.
5. Cultivates partnerships with outside public and private organizations to access resources, improve the efficiency of service delivery, and carry out planning principles and policies.
6. Participates in the department strategic planning process. Develops and implements assigned business plans that promote completion of the overall City of Austin business/strategic plan and initiatives. Analyzes employee and business needs and develops short- and long-range strategies, goals, and action plans to meet those needs. Develops and monitors the divisions’ and business unit budgets.
7. Prepares and reviews reports as part of the process of monitoring and communicating performance results.
8. Recruits, develops, and retains management and senior professional staff to ensure completion of assigned goals and objectives.
9. Presents to City Council, Boards, Commissions, vendors, and the general public regarding Planning and Development Review initiatives.

• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of grant management.
• Knowledge of public policy development and analysis.
• Knowledge of community needs assessment techniques.
• Knowledge of planning principles, urban design, and land development regulations.
• Knowledge and understanding of the concepts of equity, including experience in applying equity frameworks to established laws, ordinances, and long-standing practices.
• Skill in directing the activities of a complex and diverse organization.
• Ability to resolve sensitive issues and complaints.
• Ability to interpret, recommend, and propose revisions to State statutes and City ordinances.
• Ability to partner with diverse stakeholders to achieve outcomes that advance economic opportunity and affordability strategies.
• Ability to use an equity lens and framework to create inclusive, diverse, and safe workplaces and community programs.
• Ability to manage diversity, understand inclusion, and work with diverse communities or populations to build constructive and effective relationships.

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Public Administration, Communication, Public Information, Political Science or other related field, plus six (6) years progressively responsible professional experience in Federal, State or municipal government affairs, at least two (2) of which were in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
• Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for two (2) years of the requires experience.