PLANNING DIRECTOR - DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Poncacityok; Ponca City, Northern (OK, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Ponca City seeks a Planning Director to lead the Development Services Department, overseeing planning, development review, building and code enforcement. The role requires directing staff, managing projects, and guiding policy in coordination with the City Manager and Planning Commission.

Five to eight years of professional planning experience in a municipal setting are expected, with a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or related field; a Master’s Degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Five to eight years of progressively responsible professional planning experience in a municipal setting.
• Experience in project management, development review and employee supervision preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Public Administration or related field required. Master’s Degree in Urban Planning preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage the Planning Division within Development Services.
• Coordinate with Planning Commission, City Manager and other agencies.
• Develop and administer department goals, policies and budgets.
• Oversee land use, development review, building and code enforcement activities.
• Prepare reports and presentations for City leadership and commissions.

Skills

Land use planning

Municipal codes & regulations

Building & code enforcement

Public budgeting & administration

Project management

Supervision & training

Research & reporting

Public speaking & presentations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or related field

Master's degree in Urban Planning (preferred)

Job description

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PLANNING DIRECTOR - DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

PLANNING DIRECTOR

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To direct, manage, supervise and coordinate the planning programs and activities of the Development Services Department. This position reports directly to the Development Services Director and interacts with the Planning Commission and other Advisory Commissions. The position assumes management responsibility for services and activities involving planning, land use, development review, building and code enforcement, and grant administration; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments, divisions and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager.

Employees in this classification exercise independent judgment in managing departmental operations and personnel, directing assigned programs and making recommendations regarding departmental activities. Employees are expected to adhere to all City policies, procedures, operational standards and administrative guidelines and serve as a role model in their application.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the management classification responsible for directing the programs, services and personnel of the Planning Division of the Development Services Department. Employees at this level oversee municipal current and advance planning activities, development review and building and code enforcement activities; coordinate departmental operations; manage assigned personnel and resources; and provide professional planning guidance to the City Manager, the Planning Commission, the City Commission and the public.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direct supervision from the Development Services Director and City Manager. Exercises direct supervision over assigned management, supervisory, professional, technical and clerical staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS

Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Responsible for all planning services and activities of the Development Services Department, including land use, urban development, development review and building and code enforcement.
• Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for assigned programs; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend appropriate service and staffing levels.
• Plan, direct, coordinate and review the work plan for the Development Services Department; assign work activities, programs and projects; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; and meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Select, train, motivate and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; and implement disciplinary procedures as appropriate.
• Participate in the development and administration of the Development Services Department annual budget; forecast funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor expenditures and implement adjustments.
• Serve as liaison for the Development Services Department with other City departments, divisions and outside agencies; coordinate activities and resolve sensitive or complex issues.
• Provide professional and technical support to the Planning Commission and other City Advisory Commissions and participate in meetings and public presentations.
• Interpret and apply applicable planning and development codes, ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Review and provide guidance regarding planning, land use, development review, and building and code enforcement matters.
• Manage assigned planning and development projects and coordinate activities with City personnel, property owners, developers, consultants and outside agencies.
• Prepare and deliver reports, recommendations and presentations concerning planning, development and departmental activities.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings and remain current on trends and innovations in municipal planning and development.
• Maintain acceptable attendance and the ability to work effectively with others.
• Any specific requirements stated in the "offer of employment letter."
• Safety for oneself and others is a primary responsibility of every employee.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Principles, Practices and Knowledge of:

• Land use planning principles and practices.
• Municipal codes, ordinances, regulations and policies related to planning and development.
• Building and Code enforcement principles and practices.
• State and Federal Grant Administration
• Public budgeting and departmental administration.
• Project management principles and practices.
• Principles of supervision, training and employee evaluation.
• Research, analysis and report preparation methods.
• Public presentation and communication practices.

Operational Skills and Core Competencies:

• Plan, organize, direct and coordinate municipal planning, building, and code enforcement, and grant operations.
• Analyze problems and identify appropriate solutions based on applicable laws, regulations, codes and policies.
• Interpret and apply codes, ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Manage multiple projects, programs and priorities.
• Develop and deliver effective presentations.
• Supervise, train and evaluate assigned personnel.
• Prepare and administer departmental budgets.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, recommendations and correspondence.
• Communicate clearly and concisely with employees, citizens and other stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, citizens, developers, boards, commissions and outside agencies.
• Work effectively both independently and collaboratively.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Experience:

Five to eight years of progressively responsible professional planning experience in a municipal setting.

Experience in project management, development review and employee supervision preferred.

Education and Training:

Minimum of Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Public Administration or a related field required. Master’s Degree in Urban Planning preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Environmental Conditions:

Normally an office environment utilizing computers and related office equipment; however, duties may require outside work in varying weather conditions, site visits, public meetings and other activities associated with municipal planning and development.

Functional Requirements:

Maintain functional capabilities necessary to perform assigned duties including:

• Walking, standing, stooping and sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• Operating assigned office equipment and computer systems.
• Reading, writing and interpreting planning, development, regulatory and administrative information.
• Conducting site visits and observing planning, development and code enforcement conditions.
• Making and developing presentations.
• Managing assigned projects and work activities.
• Working effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• Exercising sound judgment and decision-making abilities in planning, development and administrative matters.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

Job ID 2026-56 Category City of Ponca City Jobs Status Open Salary Dependent on qualification up to $100, 000 Posted September 14, 2026 Closing Open Until Filled