City Planning Director

Company: Milwaukee County
Location: Milwaukee
Posted on: May 24, 2025

Job Description:

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CIVIL SERVICEAppointment and continued employment are at the pleasure ofthe Department of City Development (DCD) Commissioner.The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforcecommitted to providing exemplary service to its residents. If you are passionateabout being part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider thefollowing opportunity.PurposeThe City Planning Director role is a unique opportunity foran experienced leader in urban planning and community development to make a significantimpact in guiding land use and neighborhood planning, zoning, urban design, andpublic engagement in a major city rich in history, potential, and complexplanning challenges.Consider applying for this Planning Director position, whichoffers a broad mix of duties leading the DCD Planning Division!The Planning Division develops and implements the City ofMilwaukee's Comprehensive Plan and 14 Area Plans, carrying out strategic zoningcode updates and urban design initiatives to advance City planning goals,serving as the staff support for the City Plan Commission, and leading majorplanning initiatives including the City's Anti-Displacement Planning efforts,while collaborating with DCD colleagues to advance the Department's affordablehousing and economic development goals.Under the direction of the Commissioner - City Development,the City Planning Director directs the staff and resources assigned to the DCDPlanning Division. The Planning Division is responsible for the design andadministration of the City of Milwaukee's land use regulations, the developmentof Comprehensive, Area, and Neighborhood plans, the development andimplementation of planning and policy initiatives related to these activities,and the operation of the City Plan Commission.Essential FunctionsManagement

• Direct the Planning Division of the DCD and oversee dailyoperations.
• Hire, orient, and evaluate staff.
• Set priorities and expectations and assign work, organizingstaff assignments and responsibilities for maximum efficiency.
• Establish a positive culture within the planning divisionthat demands a high degree of staff responsiveness, encourages creativity, andsupports professional growth.
• Coordinate the Planning Division's work with otherdepartmental sections.
• Ensure the Planning Division provides effective mapping anddata analysis to support the department's ongoing needs.
• Utilize planning, demographic, and other data sources toinform departmental priorities and goals and communicate relevant data andtrends to internal and external audiences.
• Develop partnerships to augment the City planning staff withqualified interns.Planning Direction
  • Provide overall direction and leadership to staff onComprehensive and Area Planning initiatives, including plan development,updates, and implementation. Focus on effective community engagement duringplanning processes.
  • Oversee initiatives to develop and implement updates to thezoning code and urban design standards to advance city planning goals.
  • Ensure high-quality representation of the City of Milwaukeein collaborative local and regional planning activities.
  • Vet and present City positions and perspectives to bodiessuch as the Southeast Wisconsin Regional Plan Commission and CommunityDevelopment Alliance.
  • Ensure that the Planning Division provides effectiveanalysis and recommendations to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
  • Work with internal project managers and developers to ensurehigh-quality design and coordinated entitlement processes for projects seeking Cityapprovals, including zoning changes, Board of Zoning Appeals approvals,Certified Survey Maps and Subdivision Plats, and street and alley vacations anddedications.
  • Ensure that planning activities are well-informed by publicinput.
  • Ensure that policy-makers are well-informed regardingplanning division activity, including requests for entitlements, forthcominglegislation, and plan development.City Plan Commission Oversight
    • Ensure the effective functioning of the City Plan Commission(CPC).
    • Approve meeting agendas, minutes, and public notices.
    • Determine staff recommendations to be presented to the CPC.
    • Oversee staff interaction with the CPC so the Commission hastimely and accurate information to make decisions.
    • Ensure that the CPC notices and meetings are conducted inaccordance with the State of Wisconsin open meetings law.Administration
      • Manage the division's budget and identify potential grantsources to support planning projects.
      • Oversee the development of legislation and the implementationof technology solutions to improve Milwaukee's land use regulation practicesand processes.
      • Serve as a member of the senior management team of DCD.We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who areinterested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during thehiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA)of 2008.Conditions of EmploymentThe City Planning Director must be willing and able to:
        • Work variable hours as required by the department's needs,including occasional evenings and weekends.
        • Travel to various sites throughout the City of Milwaukee.
        • Bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration,architecture, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
        • Five years of progressively responsible work experience inprofessional urban planning or an equivalent role in community development,including three years of staff management experience related to the essentialfunctions of this position.
        • Ability to travel independently throughout the City ofMilwaukee by public transportation, walking, bicycling, ridesharing, ordriving.Equivalent combinations of education and experience may beconsidered.NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts toyour employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates'education as part of the background screening process before extending any joboffers.Desirable Qualifications
          • Master's degree in urban planning, public administration,architecture, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
          • Work experience in government or the public sector.
          • Recognized standing and participation in professionalplanning and/or community development organizations.
          • American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)certification.Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other CharacteristicsTechnical
            • Knowledge of urban planning theories, principles, andtechniques, including economic development and community and neighborhoodengagement.
            • Knowledge of automated mapping, ArcGIS principles andpractices, and geographic information system (GIS) theory and application.
            • Knowledge of mathematical and statistical concepts.
            • Ability to read, interpret, and apply work-relateddocuments, laws, ordinances, codes, and regulations.
            • Ability to lead planning or community development/organizinginitiatives in racially and socioeconomically diverse communities, includingcarrying out culturally responsive public engagement techniques.
            • Ability to perform complex mapping and data analysisassignments, including synthesizing complex data and analyses into keytakeaways and recommendations.
            • Proficiency using standard computer software and programssuch as word processing, spreadsheets, and e-mail.
            • Ability to learn and utilize job-specific computer systemsand software.Leadership and Management
              • Knowledge of management and leadership principles and bestpractices for selecting, supervising, and motivating employees.
              • Ability to make hiring recommendations.
              • Ability to plan and coordinate the work of others and setperformance standards.
              • Ability to effectively supervise staff, monitor and evaluateperformance, provide guidance and training, coach and counsel employees, and takecorrective action.Communication and Interpersonal
                • Customer service skills to provide outstanding clientservice.
                • Highly developed communication skills, including effectivelycommunicating to various audiences such as residents, business owners, and electedofficials.
                • Interpersonal skills to collaborate with a range of peopleacross responsibility levels.
                • Verbal communication skills to effectively communicate withdiverse groups of individuals and make presentations in public meetings.
                • Written communication skills to create clear and concisebusiness communications, such as memos, reports, budget summaries, policies,procedures, and performance reviews.
                • Ability to establish and maintain effective workingrelationships with diverse customers, including elected officials,policymakers, community organizations, business owners, contractors, the public,and co-workers.
                • Ability to work effectively with people whose backgroundsmay differ from one's own.Critical Thinking and Professionalism
                  • Ability to exercise sound judgment to make decisions.
                  • Honesty and integrity to meet professional standards forhandling confidential information and sensitive issues.
                  • Ability to recommend and implement solutions to complexproblems.
                  • Ability to plan and organize work, prioritize tasks, manageprojects, and successfully delegate work to complete tasks based ondepartmental deadlines and goals.
                  • Ability to use tact, diplomacy, and excellent judgment wheninteracting with the public, elected officials, and City employees.
                  • Ability to serve as an effective steward of City resources.The current salary range (Pay Range 1MX) is $128,143-$144,744annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukeeresidents is $131,987-$149,086 annually.Appointment above the minimum ispossible based on experience and other qualifications and is subject toapproval.
                    • In accordance with the City of Milwaukee Salary Ordinance, aCity Planning Director with an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)certification will be paid an additional 3%.BENEFITSThe City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefitprogram that includes the following:
                      • Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit PensionPlanScreening for this position will be based on an evaluationof each applicant's education, experience, and professional accomplishments,which should be detailed in a cover letter and resume.
                        • Please indicate "City Planning Director" in the email'ssubject line.
                        • Questions about the selection process may be directed to HumanResources Administrator Vanessa Armstrong at vaarmst@milwaukee.gov .The City of Milwaukee reserves the right to invite only themost qualified applicants to participate in the selection process.INITIAL FILING DATE: The selection process will be conductedas soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applicationmaterials may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice.However, recruitment may continue until the city's needs have been met. Theapplicant is responsible for attending all phases of the selection process atthe time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.ConclusionEEO 101The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and isan equal opportunity employer.
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Keywords: Milwaukee County, Downers Grove , City Planning Director, Executive , Milwaukee, Illinois