Zoning and Development Division Director

Gwinnett County Government; Georgia; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Robust wellness program

Tuition reimbursement

Onsite employee wellness center

Job summary

Gwinnett County Government is seeking a Current Planning Division Director to manage daily operations and oversee planning and permitting processes. The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or a related field, along with ten years of progressively responsible experience, including management. Key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with regulations, overseeing public hearings, and maintaining stakeholder relationships. The position offers exceptional benefits, including health coverage, tuition reimbursement, and more, in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in urban planning or community development.
• Experience as a manager in a related field.
• Valid Driver’s License from state of residency.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the Current Planning Division.
• Oversee Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals processes.
• Ensure compliance with the Unified Development Ordinance.

Skills

Land use planning

Communication skills

Management experience

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning or related field

Job description

Job Description

The Current Planning Division Director is responsible for daily management and operation of the Current Planning Division. This position provides strategic, managerial, and technical direction over the County’s current planning and permitting operations, ensuring alignment with the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), Unified Plan and other County priorities. The Director oversees the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals processes, interprets and amends the UDO, and supports development reviews, working closely with County leadership and community stakeholders to guide equitable, sustainable, and well‑planned growth across Gwinnett County.

Essential Duties

• Manage daily operations of the Current Planning Division to ensure successful execution of projects and initiatives that align with Gwinnett County’s vision and goals and comply with the Unified Development Ordinance.
• Oversee the Planning Commission, Board of Commissioners and Zoning Board of Appeals public hearing processes.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and well‑supported recommendations for rezonings, special use permits, change in conditions and variance applications.
• Oversee development reviews, including special administrative permits, land disturbance permits, plats, and building permits for compliance with the UDO and other applicable ordinances and regulations.
• Interpret the UDO and recommend amendments to reflect planning trends and address emerging issues.
• Assist with the interpretation and amendment of other County Ordinances, including the Tree Ordinance and Sign Ordinance.
• Coordinate across divisions/departments to ensure efficient and effective operations.
• Give presentations to the Board of Commissioners, Planning Commission, external agencies, community groups and other County departments.
• Serve as the primary liaison to developers to understand their concerns, facilitate conflict resolution, and share code/policy updates.
• Build and strengthen working relationships and partnerships with citizens, community groups, external agencies, board members, and elected officials to build consensus and navigate political, technical, and community dynamics.
• Lead special projects such as technology enhancements and the development and/or updating of standard operating procedures and training materials.
• Monitor Division performance metrics to evaluate effectiveness, responsiveness, and customer service outcomes.
• Create and monitor Division budget to ensure strategic resource allocation.
• Oversee recruitment, training, coaching, mentoring, and performance evaluation of Division staff.
• Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, excellence, continuous improvement, and accountability, in support of the department‑wide workplace culture building efforts.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Public Administration, or a field related to community development AND
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience related to the area of assignment, including two years experience as a manager
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above will also be considered.
• Profound understanding of land use planning, zoning, development, plats, and related regulations
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Valid Driver’s License from state of residency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Public Administration, or a field related to community development AND
• Five years of upper management/supervisory experience
• Strong knowledge of Georgia planning law, zoning procedures, and local government operations
• Excellent public speaking skills

Benefits

Exceptional benefits, including health coverage, a robust wellness program, onsite employee wellness center, longevity pay, tuition reimbursement, and more.

Additional Information

The grade for this position is 304. Salary will be dependent on education and experience. Effective 4/11/2023, this position is eligible for the Employee Referral Program.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Gwinnett County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of genetic information (including sex), race, color, national origin, gender (identity and expression), sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, disability, military or veteran status, religion, political affiliation, immigration status, homeless status, or any other category protected by law. Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities may be requested. Please contact Human Resources at 770.822.7915 or [e-mail] for accommodation requests.