Deputy Director, Planning & Sustainability - Development Services

Deputy Director, Planning & Sustainability - Development Services

Salary Range: $140,000+ Job Code: 51005 Pay Grade: 28 FLSA Status: Exempt

The Deputy Director of Development Services serves as a senior executive leader within the Department of Planning & Sustainability. This position provides strategic, operational, and administrative leadership over the centralized development services functions of DeKalb County, including land development, permitting, plan review, inspections, business licensing, zoning intake, and customer service. The role works collaboratively with County leadership, external stakeholders, community partners, and development professionals to ensure efficient, transparent, and customer‑focused development services that support high‑quality growth, economic vitality, code compliance, and sustainable development across DeKalb County. This position reports directly to the Director of Planning & Sustainability.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Management

• Provides executive oversight and daily management of the Development Services Division.
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and performance standards to improve operational effectiveness, reduce processing times, and ensure compliance.
• Leads strategic planning initiatives, process improvements, and modernization efforts, including digital permitting, online customer platforms, and cross‑departmental workflow integration.

Operational Oversight

• Coordinates permitting and development review functions across related departments such as GIS, Fire Marshal’s Office, Watershed Management, Traffic Engineering, Public Works, and Code Enforcement.
• Oversees complex development applications, master plans, subdivision approvals, and land development cases, ensuring timely and accurate processing.
• Ensures development review decisions comply with zoning codes, UDO requirements, and engineering standards.
• Supervises staff including managers, supervisors, planners, engineers, building officials, inspectors, technicians, and customer service personnel.

Performance, Reporting & Accountability

• Establishes performance metrics, dashboards, and service‑level targets to monitor productivity, workflow efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Prepares executive‑level reports, presentations, and policy recommendations to senior leadership, CEO’s Office, County Commissioners, and advisory boards.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as internal governance standards.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serves as the primary liaison to developers, contractors, engineers, neighborhood groups, and planning partners.
• Facilitates conflict resolution, escalated case management, and inter‑agency communication to ensure timely and transparent service delivery.
• Designs and delivers training, outreach sessions, and educational materials for customers and development professionals.

Budgeting & Administration

• Assists in developing and managing the division’s annual budget, staffing plan, and resource allocation strategies.
• Identifies grant opportunities, revenue enhancements, and operational efficiencies to support program sustainability.
• Oversees procurement activities, vendor contracts, and technology initiatives supporting Development Services operations.

Talent Development & Organizational Culture

• Provides leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for staff.
• Promotes a culture of customer service, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Ensures compliance with County HR policies, training requirements, and performance management procedures.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Deep understanding of land development processes, zoning regulations, building codes, engineering standards, and permitting workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large teams and manage complex, multi‑disciplinary operations.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to analyze data, streamline processes, and implement performance‑based management systems.
• Commitment to equity, accountability, sustainability, and excellent public service.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in both office and field environments with occasional site visits. The position requires attendance at evening or weekend meetings as necessary.

Essential Functions

• Manages, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work to meet objectives; ensures subordinates have proper resources; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with staff for technical assistance; provides progress and activity reports.
• Ensures departmental compliance with all applicable codes, laws, regulations, standards, and policies; initiates actions to correct deviations.
• Develops and implements long‑ and short‑term plans, collects and analyzes data; evaluates effectiveness and efficiency of department activities; revises policies, procedures, plans, and programs; researches, assesses, and develops strategies to meet business development and retention needs.
• Develops, implements and monitors policies, procedures, and protocols; interprets laws and regulations; conducts staff meetings; provides updates and coordination of work activities.
• Develops and implements budget for assigned area; recommends staffing levels, equipment, materials; monitors expenditures; prepares and submits budget documentation and reports.
• Represents the Development Services Department to other county departments, elected officials, outside agencies, and the residential and commercial community; coordinates activities; resolves land development issues; provides guidance and direction; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial development issues.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a related field required (Master's degree preferred); eight years of experience in planning, zoning, and development service, with three years of management experience for a comparably sized organization or as a deputy director for a smaller organization; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license. AICP certification is preferred depending on area of assignment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Engineering, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated success implementing customer service improvements and cross‑departmental workflow integration.
• AICP certification, ICC certifications, or Georgia Building Official credentials preferred but not required.
• Experience with large urban jurisdictions or high‑volume permitting environments preferred but not required.
• Strong background in Lean Six Sigma, process mapping, performance management, or digital permitting transformation preferred but not required.

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