Deputy Director of Planning- Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Department

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About the Department

The City of San Jose’s Department of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement serves to ensure the orderly and safe development of private properties, compliance with all applicable building, zoning, and quality of life ordinances and regulations, and to promote healthy and safe community standards . This is accomplished by departmental staff in service to customers by:

• Assisting and guiding land use and development to promote long-term goals and objectives that render safe, beneficial, and more sustainable communities
  

• Providing orderly administration and compliance of building codes, as mandated by the various levels of government, to ensure the construction of buildings, homes, and structures meet intended life safety and structural requirements
  

• Investigating and resolving citizen complaints of municipal code violations on private property in order to promote, maintain , and improve quality of life issues that better allow for safe and harmonious conditions in all neighborhoods
  

The Department is seeking a Deputy Director of Planning who is committed to understanding, executing, and improving the Department’s vision of a well run, professional organization that achieves the above goals and objectives . This includes providing excellent service and guidance to residents, property and business owners, developers, and other stakeholders throughout the planning processes. Strong management, communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as the department values building positive relationships and fostering collaboration with other departments, agencies, and the community.

The Department has a staff of approximately 300 employees and includes four divisions:

• The Planning Division administers current development projects, processes development applications in conformance with City policies and objectives and conducts long-range planning such implementation of the Envision San José 2040 General Plan. The Division provides support to the Planning Commission and the Historic Landmarks Commission. The Deputy Director (Planning Official) manages this Division.
  

• The Building Division conducts plan review and field inspection of construction projects to ensure conformance with health and safety requirements. The Division operates the City’s Permit Center. The Building Official manages this Division.
  

• The Code Enforcement Division utilizes education and enforcement tools to facilitate compliance with Municipal Codes designed to maintain a healthy, safe and clean environment, carry out land use policy, and preserve the quality-of-life standards that residents and businesses enjoy. The Code Enforcement Official manages this Division.
  

• The Administrative Division manages the Department’s administrative activities, including budget, fiscal and human resources. The Administrative Officer manages this Division.
  

To provide consistency throughout the planning and entitlement processes, key elements of the Planning and Building Divisions operate on the interdepartmental “Development Services Team” with Public Works Development Review and the Fire Marshal. These functions are co-located in City Hall. More detailed information on the Department and Divisions can be found on the City’s website .

Position Duties

To review the full job description please click here

The Deputy Director for Planning is a direct report to the Director of PBCE and provides leadership of all Planning functions within the Department. The position also contributes to the overall management of the Department through overseeing various interdivisional project teams.

The Deputy Director for Planning is responsible for the stewardship and implementation of the City's General Plan and zoning policies, the review of applications for planning permits for consistency with the City’s ordinances and polices including California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and for engagement with customers, stakeholders and the community on proposed developments.

The position is supported by three Division Managers and four Principal Planners who take responsibility for day-to-day operations and decision-making and are split between Development Review, CEQA, and Citywide Planning (longer term policy and plan development). The position manages an interdisciplinary team of planners and provides executive direction for specialized professional planning functions, including development review, land use, zoning, urban design, environmental review, historic preservation, housing, transportation, economic development, and data analytics. The position develops and oversees the organizational structure, the annual work program, and the budget and staffing of the Planning Division and assists in the preparation of the Department’s work program and budget.

The Deputy Director of Planning frequently represents the Department and the Director at City Council, officiates public hearings on the Director’s behalf, and represents the Department and the Director at meetings with the public, elected officials, other departments/ agencies and various stakeholders. The position includes attendance at evening meetings.

Essential areas of responsibility include:

• Oversee the department's planning budgets, ensuring proper allocation of resources, cost recovery, as well as the development and oversight of the divisions fees and charges
  

• Ensure all planning activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
  

• Develop and implement long-term city planning initiatives.
  

• Facilitate public meetings and community outreach to gather input and inform the public about planning projects.
  

• Provide leadership and guidance for critical housing related issues/proposals ranging from zoning, permitting, infrastructure improvements, community engagement and sustainability
  

• Oversee the review of development proposals, zoning changes, and other land use applications for compliance with city codes and policies.
  

• Manage complex planning projects and initiatives, including comprehensive plan updates, area plans, and zoning code revisions.
  

• Collaborate with the internal development-services partners, elected officials, developers, community groups, and the general public on planning matters.
  

• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for the Planning Commission and City Council
  

• Assist in the day-to-day operations of the Division.
  

• Advise the Director about important and/or sensitive issues; take appropriate action to address them.
  

• Represent the Department and City before other government agencies, community groups, citizens, businesses and professional organizations.
  

• Provide positive and constructive leadership and management; mentor and motivate staff.
  

• Lead organizational review and strategic planning efforts.
  

• Continue to stay on the forefront of nationwide trends and initiative. Introduce and implement creative ideas and processes to help the city achieve
  its economic development, quality of life, and other goals.
  

• Continue implementation of the Envision San José 2040 General Plan.
  

With the scale of growth and development anticipated throughout the City, anchored by major transit investment plans, it is critical that the City’s General Plan for current citywide planning policy priorities should include:

• Housing Crisis Action Plan
  

• Transportation/Transit Efforts, including BART Phase 2
  

• Urban Village Planning and Implementation
  

• Downtown and North San Jose Planning
  

• Zoning Code and Ordinance Updates
  

• Urban Design and Public Life Initiative
  

• Historic Preservation
  

• Regional Policy
  

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an accomplished planner, results-driven executive who has exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. With knowledge of state-of-the-art planning practice, they should have experience with some elements of the department’s service portfolio described above, and the ability and willingness to learn the other elements. Candidates should have a proven track record of building strong, collaborative relationships with stakeholders of all kinds, including residents, businesses, elected officials, and other professional staff. Candidates should also be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and have the capacity to drive forward with high priority initiatives while managing daily workload.

In addition to this, the ideal candidate should embrace and excel at customer service stewardship by being responsible and proactive to all stakeholders. This is best demonstrated by prioritizing the needs and concerns of the community, showing a strong commitment to efficient resource management and timely responses to public inquiries . This individual will possess exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, enabling them to effectively engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including residents, developers, and public officials. Their proactive approach will foster a collaborative environment, promoting transparency and trust within the community. Through innovative problem-solving and a dedication to continuous improvement, the candidate will enhance the city's planning services, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of entire customer base.

The selected candidate should have skill in:

• Leading and managing a high-performing team across diverse and complex planning disciplines
  

• Development and guidance of the budget process through all phases; especially within a complex fee-based system
  

• Analyzing revenue streams and expenditures to ensure fiscal health of planning funds
  

• Analyzing and instructing how changes in fees and charges will impact the community and fund revenues
  

• Understanding the nuances of fund accounting within a fees and charges system
  

• Knowledge of general human resource policies, compliance requirements, labor laws and ability to apply best leadership practices that ensure beneficial outcomes
  

• Working effectively with colleagues, elected officials, and community members.
  

• Capacity to analyze data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions
  

• Identification and mitigation of financial risks.
  

• Planning, organizing and coordinating long-range planning and permitting activities
  

• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with other city departments, members of the community, peers, supervisors, and subordinates
  

• Providing customer service to stakeholders
  

• Delegating authority and responsibility to staff with managerial accountability
  

• Manage and track multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and quickly adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
  

• Demonstrate patience, tact, and courtesy.
  

• Identify and solve problems effectively and expeditiously.
  

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships,
  

• Communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and through presentations.
  

Competencies:

• Job Expertise: Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices including public policy and administration management, business management and private sector decision-making, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations . Experience staffing a Council or advisory committee is desirable.
  

• Collaboration: Communicates and listens effectively and responds in an timely, effective, positive and respectful manner; written reports and correspondence are accurate, complete, current; well-organized, legible, concise, neat, and in proper grammatical form responds to statements and comments of others in a way that reflects understanding of the content and the accompanying emotion; asks clarifying questions to assure understanding of what the speaker intended, ensures consistent communication takes place within area of responsibility.
  

• Decision Making: Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; uses effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions .
  

• Fiscal Management: Understands the relationship of the budget and resources to the strategic plan; complies with administrative controls over funds, contracts, and procurements.
  

• Leadership: Leads by example; demonstrates high ethical standards; remains visible and approachable and interacts with others on a regular basis; promotes a cooperative work environment, allowing others to learn from mistakes; provides motivational support and direction.
  

• Political Skill: In taking action , demonstrates an understanding and consideration of how it will impact stakeholders and affected areas in the organization.
  

• Planning: Acts to align own unit's goals with the strategic direction of the organization; Defines tasks and milestones to achieve objectives , while ensuring the optimal use of resources to meet those objectives .
  

• Vision- Strategic Thinking: Supports, promotes, and ensures alignment with the organization’s vision and values; understands how an organization must change in light of internal and external trends and influences; builds a shared vision with others and influences others to translate vision to action.
  

• Communication: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.
  

Minimum Qualifications

Education : A bachelor’s degree in from an accredited college or university in planning, public or business administration, civil engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree in urban planning or closely related field is desirable.

Experience : Six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in senior level administrative and/or analytic work in a public or private agency . Experience managing a work unit equivalent to a major division within a City operating department is desirable.

• Experience managing a work unit equivalent to a major division within a public agency is strongly preferred.
  

• Five (5) years of exemplary supervisory experience is desired.
  

• Five (5) years of experience working on similar issues in a similar setting is strongly preferred.
  

• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is desired.
  

• Experience working with urban design and public engagement is preferred.
  

• Experience working with economic development is desired.
  

• Experience working in energy trading, the utility industry, and/or with a Community Choice Aggregation program is desirable.
  

• Strong problem-solving, communication and public presentation skills.
  

Licenses :

Possession of a valid license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California may be required .

Form 700:

Upon commencement of employment and subsequently each spring, the incumbent of this position must file the Family Gift Reporting Form together with the Statement of Economic Interest-Form 700. Please view the following link for details related to the State-Required reporting: Form 700 (ca.gov) and the following link for the City of San José Family Gift Reporting Form .

Employment Eligibility : Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San José will not sponsor, represent, or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa that requires an employee application.

HOW TO APPLY

To review the full job description please click here This position is open until filled . To be considered, candidate must s ubmit application online at https://www.cpshr.us/recruitment/2387 AND the following:

• A cover letter.
  

• A resume that reflects the size of staff and budgets you have managed. Your resume should indicate both months and years of beginning/ending dates of positions held.
  

• List of six work-related references( two supervisors, two direct reports, and two colleagues, who will not be contacted until the later stages of the recruitment and will not be contacted without prior notice).
  
• Responses to the following three (3) application questions:
  

1. Please share a situation where you had to make difficult financial/budget decisions due to limited resources or unexpected expenses. How did you evaluate the options, assess impacts, balance the priorities and workplan, and then communicate your decision to stakeholders?

2. Please describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision related to a planning process/procedure, that had competing priorities, and balance the needs of stakeholders. What factors did you consider in making the decision, and how did you effectively communicate and implement it?

3. Please describe a situation where you had to navigate a complex political landscape to achieve a goal? What strategies did you employ to build alliances and overcome obstacles? How did you balance competing interests and maintain your ethical standards?

Applications and resumes will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this brochure. Candidates deemed to have the most relevant qualifications will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews. A final selection will be made upon completion of comprehensive reference and background checks.

For further information contact:

David Niemeyer Executive Recruiter

(916) 471-3366

E-mail: dniemeyer@cpshr.us Website: www.cpshr.us

Additional Information:

Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses. Please be advised that use of AI content in your responses may result in your removal from the hiring process.

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application.

The City of San Jose offers a wide range of core health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Disability, and Savings Plans. Please visit the City's benefits pagefor detailed information on coverage, cost, and dependent coverage.

For information on the City’s Retirement Plan(pension for full-time employees), please visit the Office of Retirement Services website. You will be able to view information based on different Sworn/Federated job classification.

In additional to the benefits above, there is an additional perks siteto explore further benefits of working for the City of San Jose like paid leave, educational reimbursements, and holiday pay are specific to the job classification and union membership.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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• City of San Jose

• 408-535-1285

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