Deputy Director, Planning & Sustainability - Development Services

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

General Summary

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.

Key Responsibilities

The Deputy Director 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.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

### Strategic Leadership & Management

• Provides executive oversight and daily management of the Development Services Division, including permitting, plan review, land development, inspections, business licensing, code enforcement coordination, and customer-service operations.
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and performance standards to improve operational effectiveness, reduce processing times, and ensure compliance with County ordinances and state law.
• 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 interagency 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a related field required (Masters 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
• Specific License or Certification Required: 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