Assistant Planning Director

City of Norman; Norman (OK); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Norman is seeking an experienced Planning Director to lead the Planning and Community Development Department, guiding long-range and current planning, zoning administration, and development review.

This leadership role requires a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred), 5–7 years municipal planning experience, and 5+ years of supervisory work, with strong GIS, budgeting and public‑engagement skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, or closely related field.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible municipal planning experience and at least five years of supervisory or management experience.
• AICP certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in leadership, administration and professional growth of the Planning and Community Development Department.
• Supervise Current Planning, Long-Range Planning, and CDBG functions.
• Oversee review of rezonings, plats, planned developments, special use permits, variances, and development applications.
• Coordinate implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, transportation planning, housing initiatives, and redevelopment projects.
• Prepare reports, ordinances and presentations for City Council and advisory boards.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate planning staff; coordinate interdepartmental review of development proposals.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

GIS

Job description

Work Period: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday or as required

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, or closely related field. Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible municipal planning experience and at least five (5) years of supervisory or management experience. Experience in a rapidly growing community like Norman; comprehensive planning implementation; budget management; presenting before elected officials, boards, and commissions.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid Oklahoma driver's license and satisfactory motor vehicle record or ability to obtain within 30 days. AICP certification is preferred.

Knowledge: Knowledge of GIS applications, zoning administration, subdivision regulations, comprehensive planning, development review, public engagement, municipal land use law, and CDBG/HUD regulations.

Skills: Excellent communication and leadership skills. The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader who values teamwork and transparency; an experienced planner capable of balancing growth with community character; skilled in process improvement and organizational leadership; comfortable working with developers, residents, and elected officials and an effective communicator capable of translating complex planning issues into practical solutions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Essential Functions: Assist in the leadership, administration and professional growth of the Planning and Community Development Department. Supervise Current Planning, Long-Range Planning, and CDBG functions. Oversee review of rezonings, plats, planned developments, special use permits, variances, and development applications; coordinate implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, transportation planning, housing initiatives, and redevelopment projects. Manage complex planning studies, sensitive or politically complex planning projects and special projects; assist in establishing departmental goals, strategic priorities, performance measures, and operational objectives. Recommend and implement departmental policies, procedures, and process improvements; assist in personnel matters, hiring, discipline, performance evaluations, and employee coaching. Monitor departmental performance metrics and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws; oversee consultant contracts and professional service agreements. Prepare reports, ordinances and presentations for City Council and advisory boards. Supervise, mentor, and evaluate planning staff; coordinate interdepartmental review of development proposals. Assist with the development, administration, and ongoing monitoring of departmental budgets. Foster collaborative relationships with citizens, developers, consultants, elected officials, and community organizations; participate in executive leadership meetings and collaborate with other City departments on organizational initiatives. Serve as Acting Planning Director when assigned. Performs other related work as required.