Assistant Director, Strategic Planning

City of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 105,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Pittsburgh is seeking a Planning Director to lead the Department of City Planning, shaping long-range strategies and ensuring equitable, sustainable growth for Pittsburgh. You will manage the Strategic Planning division, oversee Forging PGH and Neighborhood Planning, and coordinate with other departments and stakeholders to implement plans and policy updates.

The role requires a master’s degree in a related field and at least five years of senior planning experience, with a proven track

Qualifications

• Must be a resident of the City of Pittsburgh prior to employment.
• PA Class C Driver's License required.
• Five years of full-time experience in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Public Administration, Public Policy Management or related field.
• Masters degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Public Administration or related field.
• Education/experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis to meet eleven years total qualifying requirement.

Responsibilities

• Plays a strategic role in managing the Department of City Planning and directs the Strategic Planning division.
• Directs the Forging PGH Comprehensive Plan and related land-use initiatives.
• Leads Neighborhood Planning Program and public engagement around long-range planning.
• Oversees coordination of long-range planning programs, equity, housing, environment and open space.
• Guides integration of long-range plans into development and coding updates.
• Represents the city in external meetings and with boards; manages budget and staff performance.

Job description

Position Summary

Works closely with the Department Director and assumes a strategic role in the management of the Department of City Planning. Manages the Strategic Planning division within the Department of City Planning, leading the division and its staff on comprehensive planning, neighborhood planning, and planning initiatives around equity, housing, environment and open space, and persons with disabilities. Works with other Departments, Authorities, Community Partners, and others on bringing plans to implementation.

Position Summary

Works closely with the Department Director and assumes a strategic role in the management of the Department of City Planning. Manages the Strategic Planning division within the Department of City Planning, leading the division and its staff on comprehensive planning, neighborhood planning, and planning initiatives around equity, housing, environment and open space, and persons with disabilities. Works with other Departments, Authorities, Community Partners, and others on bringing plans to implementation.

Department

City Planning

Posting Type

Announcement

Salary

$114,046 per year.

Union

None. This is a non-union position.

Civil Service Classification

Exempt.

Requirements

General Application Requirements: You must submit or show proof of all the following at the time of application (unless otherwise indicated below), or your application will be disqualified. Disqualifications based on any of these General Application Requirements are not subject to a Civil Service appeal.

• Applicants must submit a complete application, including education, work experience, a resume (if applicable), and completed supplemental questions.
• Applicants must become residents of the City of Pittsburgh prior to employment and remain a resident throughout employment.
• A current, valid Pennsylvania Class C Driver's License is required prior to appointment and must be maintained throughout employment. Written requests for accommodation based on the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act will be considered by the Department of Human Resources & Civil Service on an individual basis.

NOTE

The City of Pittsburgh, as a matter of policy, conducts pre-employment and promotional background investigations on all candidates being considered for positions. The background investigation includes, but is not limited to, criminal background, driver's license, and City of Pittsburgh real estate tax payments. Candidates may be disqualified from consideration based on the results of their background investigation, as it relates to the job for which the applicant is being considered.

NOTE

Candidates being considered for employment must submit official transcripts verifying post-secondary education (college/university, trade school, etc.) prior to hire.

Qualifying Requirements

• WORK EXPERIENCE: The application must clearly show five (5) years of full-time experience in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Public Administration, Public Policy Management or a related field. (Less than full-time experience will be calculated on a pro-rated basis.)
• EDUCATION/TRAINING: The application must clearly show a Master's Degree from a fully accredited institution in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Public Administration, Public Policy Management, or a related field. ( See NOTE under the General Application Requirements Section above regarding the verification of education/training ).
• EQUIVALENCY: Education/training and/or work experience may be substituted on a year for year basis if the application clearly shows the required number of years to meet the Total Qualifying Requirement for this position (based on the sum of work experience and education/training listed above). The Total Qualifying Requirement is eleven (11) years. ( See NOTE under the General Application Requirements Section above regarding the verification of education/training ).

CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATIONS

If you meet the qualifying requirements listed above, you will receive a letter of admission (when applicable) for the following examination(s). You must pass the written and/or performance examination(s) to have your name placed on the official Civil Service eligibility list for this position. Candidates receiving job offers must pass a medical examination (when applicable) before the date of hire.

• Written: None required for this position.
• Performance: None required for this position.
• Medical: None required for this position.

POSITION DUTIES

• Plays a role in the strategic direction and management of the Department and aligns operations with the City’s goals and objectives.
• Manages and supervises a division with a wide variety of responsibilities but focused on long-range planning initiatives.
• Directs the development and implementation of Forging PGH, the City’s Comprehensive Plan and its related initiatives that set the vision for land use in Pittsburgh and connect the Comprehensive Plan to long-range thinking, budgets, and capital investments made by the City and others.
• Directs the development and implementation of the City’s Neighborhood Planning Program.
• Directs public engagement activities around long-range planning, development review, and strategic policy and code amendments.
• Oversees the coordination, management, and implementation of several long-range planning programs and initiatives around issues of land use, urban design, equity, housing, environment and open space, and planning for persons with disabilities.
• Leads the integration of long-range plans into development through the development and expansion of new zoning code or other code and policy ordinances, guidelines, or guides.
• Attends, participates in, and conducts high-level meetings – both internal and external to the organization. Represents the city with outside organizations and boards.
• Leads and consults with planning management team to review assigned projects, resolve issues, and monitor performance.
• Interacts with City Council regarding City issues, programs, and special projects.
• Guides, reviews, and approves work provided by staff, contracted services, and internal and external stakeholders; monitors service quality and compliance with applicable regulations, codes, policies, and/or business requirements.
• Oversees and participates in the analysis, development, and administration of assigned budget; monitors and approves expenditures and budget compliance; and recommends adjustments.
• Informs and advises the Director on all significant planning, policy, and performance matters.
• Serves as the Planning Director in the Director’s absence.
• Performs other related tasks and duties as assigned or required.