City Planning, Deputy Commissioner - Strategy

Posting Expires: Until Filled

General Description and Classification Standards

The Atlanta Department of City Planning is committed to implementing Atlanta City Design and transforming Atlanta into the best possible version of itself. Adopted into the city charter in December 2017, Atlanta City Design articulates an aspiration for the future city that Atlanta can fall in love with, knowing that if people love their city, they will make better decisions about it.

The Department’s objective is to guide the development of the City through planning, design review, plan approval, code compliance, neighborhood level economic and community development, and affordable housing development assistance. The Department works closely with the Neighborhood Planning Units, independent community organizations, and developers in an attempt to provide policy guidance and assistance to support the growth of our community.

The Deputy Commissioner for Strategy reports to the Commissioner of City Planning.  This position is responsible for management and coordination of the Directors of Design, Buildings, Housing and Community Development, and Zoning and Development for the purpose of ensuring implementation of the Atlanta City Design and all other officially adopted planning documents.    In this role the Deputy will develop a delivery plan for execution of policies, programs and projects across divisions to optimize City of Atlanta investments in design, planning and regulations. 

The Deputy Commissioner for Strategy works with the Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner for Operations to lead a highly functioning and successful Department of City Planning.   In this role, the Deputy Commissioner must be creative, disciplined, adept at implementation and possess a consistent sense of urgency and commitment to public service.

Supervision Received

Direction received is very general and focuses on strategic objectives and is typically collaborative in nature. This is a policy-making level of management and is considered "upper management”.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned.  Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

Works with the City Planning Commissioner in developing recommendations to the Mayor, Chief Operating Officer and City Council on strategies, policies, projects related to the city's growth and development.

Assists in providing direction to a group of managers engaged in multiple activities related to the planning and community development function; establishes operating policies; provides management coaching and guidance; builds relationships across department and City organizations; develops and manages organizational budget. 

Helps to plan for the long-term talent needs of the organization; identifies, coaches, and mentors employees for future positions.

Assists with coordinating the development, implementation, and administration of the City's land use and zoning regulations, planning projects, building code services, property maintenance, and housing/ economic development policies and programs, while also advancing a vision for urban design and creatively utilizing spaces/places within the city.

Assists the City Planning Commissioner with supervision of staff support to the Urban Design Commission, Zoning Review Board, Tree Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and In Rem Board.  Attends and makes presentations at City Council committee meetings and City Council meetings.  Represents the Department of City Planning at other internal and external meetings.

At the direction of the City Planning Commissioner, attend Neighborhood Community Meetings; meet with developers regarding development within the city; respond to citizen inquiries or complaints.

Supervise and evaluate assigned staff, handling all employee concerns, directing work assignments, counseling and disciplining employees when necessary, and completing employees’ performance appraisals.

Works with the City Planning Commissioner to inform the public and media on city policies and activities proposed and possible options.

Works with the City Planning Commissioner in addressing immediate problems and opportunities.

Decision Making

Assists the City Planning Commissioner in establishing organizational strategy and policy within required legislative or executive limitations; modifies organization to achieve objectives.

Leadership Provided

Provides direction to assigned professional staff performing analytical or project management tasks in support of planning, design, housing, and regulatory operations and provi