Development Review Assistant Division Chief (15306, Grade 34)

Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

Upper Marlboro (MD)

On-site

USD 98,000 - 174,000

Full time

23 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Telework opportunities (up to two tele

Flexible schedules

Onsite fitness center

Free parking

Job summary

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) Planning Department seeks an experienced Planning Program Manager (Assistant Division Chief) to oversee Development Review Division operations, staff development, and policy implementation. This senior leadership role manages urban design, zoning, and subdivision work while coordinating with federal, state, and local agencies.

Responsibilities include budgeting, staff supervision of ~27 employees, and guiding proposals through

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Planning (e.g., City, Regional, Urban) is required.
Six years of planning experience with at least two years in leadership or supervision.
May substitute education with equivalent combined experience totaling ten years.

Responsibilities

Plans and manages Development Review Division operations and programs.
Guides staff on land use, zoning, and project management matters.
Oversees division budget and staff development & performance reviews.
Leads cross‑section collaboration and policy guidance.
Represents the department in meetings with officials and community groups.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Budget management

Staff development

Public engagement

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Planning

Job description

Do you have passion to ensure equitable, inclusive, and innovative oversight of development processes and projects that support diverse communities?

Do you have experience leading and developing a team of planners?

Do you have a passion for building partnerships with stakeholders and the community?

Are you an effective and astute leader?

If you answered yes, we are looking for you!

Our innovative and dedicated team of planners are in search of an experienced planner to serve as the Assistant Division Chief to oversee development proposals, processes, special projects, and teams in the Development Review Division. The position will also assist the Development Review Division Chief in the oversight of staff development. This upper management position will oversee various projects covering work programs in the subjects of urban design, zoning, and subdivision with coordination in the areas of environmental, transportation, historic, public facilities, parks and community planning. The Development Review Division provides expertise in the review and implementation of the County Subdivision and Zoning regulations, makes recommendations to implement master plan goals and policies, and collaborates with various federal, state, and county agencies, and municipalities. The Division also provides recommendations in the evaluation and development of planning policies and initiatives that shape the future growth and development of Prince George’s County.

The Prince George’s County Planning Department provides land use planning for the physical development of Prince George’s County, Maryland, and the Division is responsible for the review of development plans, and providing planning expertise on matters of land use, zoning, urban design and subdivision.

As the second most populous county in Maryland, Prince George’s has a population of approximately 900,000 residents with 15 Metro Rail Stations and is home to the University of Maryland at College Park, National Harbor, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and a world class parks and recreation system. Prince George’s County has 27 municipalities, from rural to urban communities, with a land area of approximately 500 square miles. If you are interested in working for the Prince George’s County Planning Department, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Development Review Assistant Division Chief position.

Qualified applicants for this position will be self-starting and highly motivated and have a passion for successful and meaningful engagement, project management, plan implementation, and equity. Additionally, outstanding organizational, analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills are a must. Proven results in planning, placemaking, partnerships, budgeting, and project management are essential. The Assistant Division Chief is part of the Senior Leadership Team of the Planning Department, under the supervision of the Deputy Planning Director of Operations. Finally, leadership skills and team motivation are a must.

Examples of Important Duties

Plans and manages assigned Development Review Division operations and programs. Interprets and implements County planning policy established by Planning Director, Planning Board and elected officials. Defines goals and objectives.
Facilitates the coordination and management of the division’s work programs. Develops internal policies and procedures and sets expectations for all assigned tasks of each section. Provides technical and policy direction to staff on methodologies, issues, approaches, designs and recommendations. Provides guidance to staff on major planning projects.
Ensures Planning Board agenda items are completed and submitted within the designated time period.
Provides guidance on land use and zoning matters as it relates to development review, master plan conformance, legislative review, and project management status.
Oversees projects between sections, including developing and implementing standard operating procedures for internal processes, updates to guidance documents, forms and written products, and training.
Supports the Division Chief in preparation of the annual budget for the division. Controls expenditures in accord with approved budget.
Assists in the leadership of a division of approximately 27 staff members. Supervises and coordinates activities of division personnel as assigned. Oversees division recruitment activities. Trains and mentors staff and reinforces professional development for staff. Conducts performance reviews, provides on-going guidance to staff, promotes career development training and professional/technical skills enhancement for individual/team. Manages human resource needs of the division. Resolves staff conflict and investigates employee disputes and grievances.
Researches and applies extensive knowledge of broad principles, practices, policies, procedures and techniques of planning; including architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, geography, transportation, environment, historic preservation, economic development, and agricultural preservation.
Reviews and prepares comments on proposed legislation
Attends a variety of meetings and, as assigned, represents department with citizens, community groups, business groups, appointed and elected officials (e.g. County Council, County Executive), various government agencies (e.g., DPIE, DPWT, SHA, DOE, SCD, MWCOG, WSSC, Metro), and various tasks forces and workgroups.
Resolves conflict on a variety of complex planning matters; utilizing Commission and Department guidelines, adopted plans, and adopted regulations.
Advises Senior Management on relevant policy and administrative matters.
Provides Chief level review of staff reports, referral memorandums and resolutions.
Receives information, seeks cooperation, presents plans, answers questions, responds to requests and resolves complaints pertaining to division/area operations regarding planning laws, policies and procedures.
Prepares correspondence, memoranda, presentations, and technical reports as assigned.

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate will be highly organized, have strong analytical and critical thinking skills, possess outstanding project management and communication skills, and be proactive. In addition, they must be independently engaged in the work program and highly dependable.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and build consensus across various interest groups
Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and allocate resources effectively
Experience in managing projects on a variety of planning topics
Experience in reviewing and writing legislation
Experience in reviewing development plans
Proven experience in leading a team of professionals to include teambuilding, mentoring, coaching, and professional development
Excellent skills in negotiation and conflict resolution
Demonstrated experience in building partnerships and developing consensus
Strong understanding of broad planning principles
Comfort in addressing a wide range of groups from elected leaders to community residents
Experience in budgeting, contract management, procurement and resource allocation
A desire to serve the public, collaborate with other agencies and departments
The ability to cope effectively with change, be flexible, and shift gears comfortably

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Planning (e.g., City, Regional, Urban), Geography, Urban Studies, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Architecture History, Historic Preservation, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Urban Design, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics or any related field.
Six (6) years of a broad range of planning or regulatory related experience that includes two (2) years of leadership, program management or supervisory experience.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total ten (10) years.
May require a valid driver’s license (depending on area of assignment) in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.

Supplemental Information

Classification Specification Planning Program Manager

Working Conditions

Works in an office. Field work may be required for site evaluation, site selection, event planning, and events. Required to attend and/or facilitate public meetings with members of the community and/or events in the evening or on weekends.

Amenities

Telework opportunities (up to two telework days per week)
Flexible schedules
Onsite fitness center
Complimentary access to M-NCPPC gymnasiums throughout Prince George’s County
Free parking is available for employees
Tuition Reimbursement/Assistance Program, subject to annual budget allocations and program funding availability
Positions may qualify for federal student loan forgiveness assistance

The M-NCPPC offers a competitive salary range of $98,420 - $174,305 annually (salary is commensurate with education and experience) at the Planning Program Manager (Assistant Division Chief) level with excellent benefits including generous leave, extensive health coverage, deferred compensation plan, and employee pension plan.

The Prince George’s County Planning Department is conveniently located in Largo, Maryland near Metro and I-495.

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of application at 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)

M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.

THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION

2026 Benefit Summary For Merit System Employees

The following benefit summary is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor should be construed as an employment agreement with the M-NCPPC, implied or actual. It is not all-inclusive and is subject to change. Benefits listed are extended to all Merit System employees of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). All plans are optional except the Defined Benefit and Long-Term Disability plans.

Eligibility

You have 45 days from your hire date to elect your benefits. Your coverage begins on the first of the month following receipt of your enrollment forms and required documentation.

Retirement Programs

Defined Benefit Plan (Mandatory Participation) – Plan E excludes FOP members.

Plan Employee Contribution Plan C 9.5%* of base salary (FOP members only) Plan E 4% of base salary up to maximum Social Security Wage Base (SSWB) and 8% in excess of SSWB.

457 (b) Plan (Optional) [Pre-tax and Roth]
Traditional and Roth IRAs (Optional)
Retiree Healthcare – Eligibility requires, at least 10 years of eligible service and continuous enrollment in M-NCPPC plans (or proof of continuous enrollment in comparable plans) during the 36 months preceding your retirement date. Premium cost share based on years of service

Health Insurance Plans (FOP Members Pay 23% for Medical, Prescription and Dental and same as all other employees for Vision.) All other employees pay percentage below.

Medical

Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) – (15%)
UnitedHealthcare Select Exclusive Provider Organization Health Plan (EPO) – (20%)
UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Point of Service (POS) – (20%)

Prescription – CVS Caremark – (15%)
Dental – Delta Dental PPO and DeltaCare USA HMO – (20%)
Vision – EyeMed – (80% of Low Option plan paid by Commission. Any balance paid by employee.)

Low, moderate, and high options are available. Frequency of covered services differs.

Flexible Spending Accounts (Employee Pays 100%)

Medical Account – Maximum annual contribution: $3,300
Dependent Care Account – Maximum annual contribution: $7,500

Long-Term Disability Insurance (Mandatory Participation)

Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80% (FOP Members Pay 100%)
Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary, maximum of $6,000/month

Supplemental Long-Term Disability Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)

Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary that exceeds $108,000; capped at $216,000

Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80%)

Two (2) times base salary; maximum benefit is $200,000 for each
Automatic coverage with opt-out provision

Supplemental and Spouse/Dependent Life Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)

Supplemental – 1,2,3,4, or 5 times base salary; maximum benefit is $750,000
Spouse/Dependent Combination - $10,000/$5,000, $20,000/$10,000, or $30,000/$15,000

Sick Leave Bank (Contribution and Benefit hours prorated for part-time employees)

Employees have 60 days from date of hire to enroll.
Employee contributes 8 leave hours each year
Annually covers up to 688 hours for own serious medical condition, and 480 hours for parental responsibilities (birth, adoption or foster care), and 80-160 hours for serious medical condition of an immediate family member

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