LAND USE & PLANNING OFFICE MANAGER

Announcement No.: 2465001 Department: LAND USE & PLANNING Affiliation: NON-UNION EXEC/MGR FLSA: EXEMPT

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DESCRIPTION

The City of Wilmington, a leading Delaware employer, is responsible for managing land development, building code enforcement, and zoning regulations to ensure the city's sustainable growth and quality of life through the Department of Land Use and Planning. The Department reviews development plans, issues permits and conducts inspections to ensure compliance with city ordinances and building codes. Additionally, it is involved in long range planning efforts such as creating and updating the city comprehensive plan, which guides future development and land use decisions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Land Use and Planning Office Manager is a manager level position responsible for overseeing the department responsibilities related to managing and overseeing the permitting process for various projects including building, land use, and other development activities. This role involves supervising staff, ensuring the accuracy of financial transactions, and making recommendations for improved departmental operations. Additionally, the Office Manager manages payroll, approves expenditures, and coordinates grant funds and resource allocation. This role reports to the Director of Land Use and Planning. Additional responsibilities include:

• Oversees and manages permit staff including hiring, training, evaluating performance, and handling disciplinary issues.
• Plans, organizes, and assigns tasks to ensure efficient workflows and timely processing of permits and certificates of occupancy.
• Identifies discrepancies or conflicts in permit applications and provides guidance to staff and stakeholders.
• Reviews and approves permit applications to ensure compliance with all relevant codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Develops, implements, and maintains permitting and licensing policies and procedures.
• Maintains accurate records and filing systems for permits and related documentation.
• Coordinates with internal departments and external agencies involved in the permitting process.
• Manages administrative functions including timekeeping, payroll, records management, complaints tracking, DELJIS, inventory control, and automation.
• Oversees departmental information management including handling Freedom of Information Act requests.
• Responds to customer inquiries and complaints ensuring prompt resolution.
• Represents the department at public meetings and presentations.
• Ensures department wide compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and codes.
• Prepares reports and correspondence at the request of the department head gathering data from multiple sources.
• Monitors and tracks the use of grant funds.
• Participates in the development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures.
• Assists with the preparation and monitoring of the departmental budget.
• Performs all related work as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor degree in public administration, political science, human resources, business management, or a closely related field, and four years of related experience or any equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience with additional work experience substituting for required education.

• Knowledge Thorough knowledge of office management practices and procedures. Thorough knowledge of the operation, organization, functions, and interdepartmental relationships of municipal government. Good knowledge of personnel practices and procedures.
• Skills Skills in using a personal computer in a network environment and familiarity with applicable software programs. Experience with Munis, Kronos, or similar systems including Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.
• Abilities Ability to analyze administrative problems and develop creative solutions. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to exercise independent judgment to resolve operational issues. Ability to develop and implement management policies and procedures. Ability to plan and supervise the work of others. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departments, administration, business and legal communities, and court personnel. Ability to prioritize departmental needs to ensure efficient operations. Ability to interact with and motivate others.
• Licenses Possess and maintain a valid driver license with a good driving record.

CANDIDATE EVALUATION

Evaluation for this position includes a review of the application materials, certification of qualified applicants, and a panel interview in person or virtual.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

All selected applicants must pass a criminal background investigation and pre employment physical.

• Physical Requirements Frequently required to sit, talk, or hear. Occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds.
• Vision Requires close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Working Conditions Work is normally performed in a quiet office environment seated at a desk utilizing a computer.
• Location and Schedule Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at the City County Building, 800 North French Street, 3rd Floor, Wilmington DE 19801.

TOTAL COMPENSATION

Compensation encompasses both salary administration and a comprehensive benefit package:

• Salary Administration New employees are hired at the starting and up to median salary based on qualifications and internal equity. Annual merit increases are provided based on a satisfactory performance review.
• Benefits The City offers a robust benefit package with medical and dental available on the date of hire. Additional details available at www.wilmingtonde.gov/benefits.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

• This position is open to all internal and external applicants who meet the minimum qualifications.
• To apply visit www.WilmingtonDE.gov. Computers are available in the Department of Human Resources, City County Building, 800 N French St, 4th Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801. Call 302 576 2460 to schedule an appointment for computer use.
• The City of Wilmington is an equal opportunity employer.
• City residency required within 12 months of employment.
• The City Code provides preference for eligible internal candidates, veterans, and current city residents.
• The City of Wilmington is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA and the Delaware Persons with Disabilities Employment Protections Act, reasonable accommodation will be provided when requested without causing undue hardship. If accommodation is needed please call 302 576 2466.

BENEFITS

THE CITY OF WILMINGTON COMPENSATION PACKAGE

The City of Wilmington is committed to providing a robust healthcare portfolio to meet the needs of our employees and their families and is pleased to offer coverage on your first day of employment. Helping you understand the benefits we offer is important to us. Please refer to our Employee Benefits website to view all healthcare plans, vendor information, resources, and benefit rates.

Medical Insurance: Highmark BCBS of Delaware. City of Wilmington offers 2 medical plans, PPO II (Preferred Provider Organization) and an EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization).

Dental Insurance: MetLife. City of Wilmington offers three dental plans, Dental Plan 1, 2, and 3.

Vision Plan: Unum (Powered by EyeMed). City of Wilmington offers two vision plans, Basic Vision coverage which is available if you enroll in medical insurance. Basic Vision Coverage which is no cost, and the Buy-Up Vision coverage is available at an additional cost.

Additional Benefits: The City of Wilmington also offers other valuable benefits such as Life and AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability. Employer Provided HRA's, Flexible Spending Accounts (medical reimbursement and dependent care), additional whole and term life insurances, short term disability and critical care insurance are also available at an additional cost to the employee.

Opt-Out Cash Back Incentive Program: Employees who choose to enroll in medical or dental coverage other than the City's and can provide proof of this medical coverage may be eligible to receive additional income.

Wellness: We enjoy staying healthy together! Therefore, we have an engaging calendar of wellness events throughout the year for employees, retirees and their families. To learn more, check out our Employee Perks page.

Sick Leave: Accumulates at the rate of one day for each completed month of service, beginning after the first full month of employment.

Vacation: At least eight (8) hours of vacation per month after the completion of the first six (6) months of continuous employment until the next January 1. Each January 1 thereafter, employee will be credited with at least ninety-six (96) hours* of vacation for the calendar year, until the completion of five (5) years of continuous service.

Holiday: Eligible employees receive holiday pay from date of hire, View City Holidays

Life Insurance: The City agrees to provide term life insurance for each eligible employee for a maximum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) at no cost.

Pension: Eligible employees are able to participate in the State Pension Plan you will contribute 6% of your bi-weekly base pay.

Deferred Compensation Plan: Optional employee contributory plan available.

Live Near Your Work Program: Homebuyer Assistance program to provide up to $4,000 in homebuyers assistance for newly hired employees, first time homebuyers, and those employees choosing to purchase a residence in one of the City's unique and culture-blended neighborhoods.

Tuition Reimbursement: The City encourages employee self-development and continuing education and provides a reimbursement program for eligible employees annually for qualified college or certification courses taken that year.

Teleworking/Remote Work*: Eligible employees qualify for a hybrid schedule upon approval through the city's teleworking policy. The City is committed to increasing employee productivity and improving talent recruitment by providing employees with work alternatives that enable eligible employees to meet their work and family needs.

PSLF Program Eligible Employer: The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please click PSLF Loan Forgiveness.

• Benefits for employees under collective bargaining agreements or appointed positions may vary.