Planning Director



Planning Director

Salary

$102,564.80 - $138,756.80 Annually

Location

Brooklyn Park, MN

Job Type

Regular Full-Time Benefited (40 Hours)

Job Number

2021-00009-KB

Department

Community Development

Division

Comm Dev/Development Services/Planning

Opening Date

02/10/2021

Closing Date

4/20/2021 12:00 AM Central

Position Summary

The Planning Director position leads the work of the Planning Division of the Community Development Department, which includes both short and long-range planning activities, zoning code maintenance and interpretation, and other strategic projects and initiatives. This person manages a team, serves as the staff liaison to the Planning Commission, and helps to set and implement the strategic direction for development within the community.  

Application End Date:  Recruitment will continue until a sufficient number of qualified applications are received as determined by Human Resources.  First review of applications will be on March 1, 2021.    If you have interest in this position, it is highly recommended that you apply upon seeing the announcement as the vacancy may close without notice.
 
 Note:  This position may have relocation funds or assistance available.   Read position profile for additional information.  
 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide leadership in the division as it relates to maintaining, updating, and implementing the City's Comprehensive Plan and maintaining and interpreting the zoning code. 
  • Manage and supervise staff in the Planning Division to include selection, training, motivation, direction, program/project and work performance evaluation and review. 
  • Manage the day-to-day operational and procedural direction/functions of the division, including developing and presenting agenda items and policy/ordinance revisions for consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council.  
  • Facilitate the Identification, development, and implementation of long and short-term strategic initiatives to meet the goals and objectives of the division/department that reflect the City’s mission and Council priorities.  
  • Provide strategic counsel and advice to the Planning Commission and City Council on topics including, but not limited to, land use and development, transportation and mobility, community engagement, and racial equity and inclusion.  
  • Coordinate assigned activities with other Community Development divisions, City departments, officials, outside agencies, and the public. 
  • Represents the department to interpret, inform and advise residents, the business community and the public on projects, policies, systems, procedures and proposals.
  • Oversees, directs, or coordinates special projects to include research, analysis, development and implementation.  Examples of current projects include modernization of the zoning code, planning for the Blue Line Light Rail Transit Extension which will bring five LRT stations to Brooklyn Park, and concept planning for city-owned development sites.  
  • Responsible for developing and implementing efforts to inform and engage community members in various aspects of the City's planning efforts. 
  • Other duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Education
Bachelor's degree Urban Planning, Public Administration or related field 

Experience
Six (6) years of progressively responsible administrative and management experience in planning or closely related field

OR

Equivalency
An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of structure, function, operations, programs and services of a Planning division, including serving as staff to a commission or board.
  • Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations, including Comprehensive Planning and Zone Code Administration. 
  • Ability to clearly, concisely, and effectively communicate, both in verbal and written formats with specific emphasis on effective public speaking and presentation skills and technique.
  • Knowledge of management principles and practices of employee supervision to include work planning and assignment, project management, and performance evaluation and review.
  • Knowledge of principles, practices and methods of consensus building, conflict resolution, negotiation and team-oriented management.
  • Ability to develop and implement division goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
  • Ability to effectively administer special projects and programs.
  • Ability to accurately and effectively interpret, analyze and explain complex information.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment to define and analyze problems, utilize resources, identify solutions, develop and implement recommendation/proposals.
  • Ability to relate to and work effectively with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Ability to provide a level of customer service that meets/exceeds customer expectations.
  • Embrace and engage in Continuous Improvement efforts.

Desired Qualifications

  • Graduate degree or advanced coursework in Urban Planning, Public Administration or related field.
  • Ten (10) years progressively responsible management and administrative experience in municipal planning and development.
  • Certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
  • Demonstrated ability to simplify complex information in an effective and persuasive formal presentation.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from various cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Demonstrated commitment to furthering racial equity, diversity and inclusion.
  • Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Laotian or Vietnamese language(s).

Background Check
The City has determined that a thorough Police Department criminal background check is necessary for positions with this job title. Applicants must sign an informed consent allowing the City to obtain their criminal history information in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be considered for the position.
 
Selection Process
The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience and/or an oral examination (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions.  Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.
 
About Brooklyn Park
Brooklyn Park is a thriving northwestern suburb of Minneapolis and the sixth largest city in the state with over 80,000 residents and 30,000 jobs. As the 11th fastest growing city in Minnesota, the city has become even more vibrant because of our remarkable racial and cultural diversity. Fifty-four percent of residents are people of color, 22 percent are foreign-born, and more than a quarter speak a language other than English at home. 
  Our Vision, Values and Goals

Additional Information

Department/Division:  Community Development/Planning
 
Anticipated Work Schedule:  This is a full-time, exempt, non-union position that will work a flexible 40-hour work week with some evening meetings
 

Regular, full-time City of Brooklyn Park employees (30 or more hours per week) are eligible for a benefits package including:
           
Vacation
  • New employees generally earn 10 days of vacation per year
  • Vacation accruals increase with longevity up to a maximum of 20 days per year
Sick Leave 
  • Sick leave is accrued at the rate of 8 hours per month with unlimited accumulation
Holidays
  • 12 paid holidays per year
Health Insurance:
  • Employees may choose between two health plans with an option to waive if covered under another qualified plan
  • The City contributes to the cost of health insurance
Dental Insurance
  • Employees may choose between two dental plans with an option to waive if covered under another qualified plan
Life Insurance
  • The City provides term life insurance with an option for employees to purchase additional voluntary and dependent term life insurance at group rates
Disability Insurance
  • Long-term disability insurance available at group rates
 Retirement
  •  Public Employee's Retirement Association (PERA) pension plan (employer/employee contributions
  • Optional 457 deferred compensation plans for tax-deferred retirement savings
Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)
  • Reimbursement account for health care and daycare expenses using pre-tax contributions
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Employee Assistance Program provides confidential counseling and referral services
Fitness
  • Free on-site fitness facilities; Wellness program and fitness classes offered
Direct Deposit (mandatory)
  • Payroll checks are automatically deposited into designated account(s) on payday
Regular, part-time benefited City of Brooklyn Park employees (20-29 hours per week) are not eligible for Health Insurance, but are eligible for the following benefits:
  • Sick and Vacation at a pro-rated rate
  • PERA Life
  • Flexible Spending
  • Deferred Comp, if enrolled.   
Benefits may differ based on union contracts for employees represented by a collective bargaining unit. This summary is for information only and is subject to change or revocation without notice. This summary shall not constitute a contract or guarantee, express or implied.


 

01
Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a closely related field?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Do you have six (6) years of progressively responsible/successful administrative and management experience in planning, preferably in a public sector environment?
  • Yes
  • No
03
Are certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)?
  • Yes
  • No
04
Do you have an advanced degree in Urban Planning, Public Administrations Administration or closely related field or the equivalent combination of education/coursework and experience?
  • Yes
  • No
05
Which level best describes your previous experience directing a work team or years of experience as a lead of a cross-functional team?
  • No experience
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 year to less than 6 years
  • 6 years to less than 9 years
  • 9 years to less than 12 years
  • 12 years to less than 15
  • 15 years or more
06
Which level best describes your previous experience in the management and administration in municipal planning and development in a large municipality of 80,000 residents?
  • No experience
  • Less than 6 years
  • 6 years to less than 9 years
  • 9 years to less than 12 years
  • 12 years to less than 15 years
  • 15 years or more
07
What is your connection with the City of Brooklyn Park?
  • Current Brooklyn Park Resident
  • Active Member of Community Group in Brooklyn Park
  • Currently enrolled in school in Brooklyn Park
  • BrookLynk alumni
  • None apply
08
Are you able to fluently speak, write, and understand any of the following languages? (Check all that apply)
  • Spanish
  • Hmong
  • Russian
  • Somali
  • Vietnamese
  • Laotian
  • None of the Above
09
Which veteran's preference points, if any, are you claiming?
  • Not claiming veteran's preference
  • Veteran's preference
  • Disabled veteran's preference
  • Spouse of a deceased veteran
  • Spouse of a disabled veteran

Required Question

Agency
City of Brooklyn Park
Address
5200 85th Avenue N

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, 55443
Phone
763-493-8016