Hybrid Intake and Regulatory Review Division Chief (15237, Grade 38) at The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission, MD

• Do you know how to develop, interpret, and report data?

• Are you passionate about using data to drive positive customer experience?

• Do you have a passion for customer service?

• Do you understand the land development industry?

If you answered yes, we are looking for YOU!

The new Intake and Regulatory Review Division (IRRD) encompasses three essential customer-facing operations of the Prince George’s County Planning Department: Planning Information Services, Applications, and Permit Review. The IRRD Chief will lead the Division and effectively manage customer service and customer expectations; develop, refine, and report Department performance measures; and ensure compliance with all applicable ordinances, codes, rules, and regulations. This position will work with other divisions in the Department to develop, refine, and report metrics, and will use that data to drive positive change in the customer experience and in department timelines. 

The Prince George’s County Planning Department provides land use planning for the physical development of Prince George’s County, Maryland. As the second most populous county in Maryland, Prince George’s has a population of approximately 900,000 residents with 15 Metro Rail Stations and is home to the University of Maryland at College Park, National Harbor, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and a world class parks and recreation system. Prince George’s County has 27 municipalities, from rural to urban communities, with a land area of approximately 500 square miles. If you are interested in working for the Prince George’s County Planning Department, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Intake and Regulatory Review Division Chief position.

Qualified applicants for this position will be self-starting and highly motivated and have a passion for successful and meaningful community engagement, the long-range planning process, plan implementation, and equity.     Additionally, outstanding analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills are a must. Proven results in planning, placemaking, partnerships, budgeting, and project management are essential. The division chief is part of the Senior Leadership Team of the Planning Department and will work under the supervision of the Deputy Planning Director of Administration. Finally, leadership skills and team motivation are a must. 

Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

 Please check us out at: https://youtu.be/jaP9uJU53bg

The primary roles for this position include:

Under general supervision:

• Effectively leads a core Planning Division of approximately 30 employees and several interdisciplinary teams that perform difficult professional planning work, development permitting, and Department metrics, involving considerable responsibility, complexity, and variety.  
• The work may include oversight of all development permitting, development applications, planning and zoning information, Maryland Public Information Act requests, Department Data Metrics, and customer service. 
• Interpretation of County planning policy to develop and administer plans, and supervision of Division functions.
• Develops, monitors, and reports Department Data Metrics.
• Oversees data-driven customer experience, including in-person, online, and through applicable public and internal-facing applications.
• Establishes a clearinghouse for streamlining application intake processes, including coordinating with other government agencies on development review and permitting processes in Prince George’s County.  Provides recommendations for updating fee schedules, developing enhancement review processes and consolidation of workflow processes.
• Plans and manages IRRD operations and programs. Interprets and implements County planning policy established by the Planning Director, Planning Board and elected officials. Defines goals and objectives. Develops programs. Sets standards. 
• Develops internal policies and procedures. Provides technical direction to staff on methodologies, issues, approaches, designs and recommendations. Reviews and provides guidance/ direction on the processing of staff reports. Plans weekly agenda items for Planning Board. Coordinates and negotiates plans with other Commission units and government agencies. 
• Supervises and coordinates activities of Division personnel. Selects, trains, and mentors staff. Plans, schedules, delegates, assigns and evaluates work of a diverse team of professional staff. Conducts performance reviews, provides on-going guidance to staff, promotes career development training and professional/technical skills enhancement for individuals/team. Manages human resource needs of the division. Resolves staff conflict and investigates employee disputes and grievances.
• Resolves and synthesizes separate and divergent professional opinions and issues among or between staff, divisions, teams, citizens, elected officials and members of the development community. Supports interdepartmental coordination, trainings and efficiencies with other Planning Division Chiefs.
• Manages and coordinates special projects (e.g., proposals designed to produce new legislation for innovative development techniques and a variety of other subjects).
• Prepares annual budget request for the IRRD Division.  Controls expenditures in accord with approved budget.  
• Represents the Planning Board and department as liaison with citizens, community groups, business groups, County Council, County Executive and other government agencies (e.g., MWCOG, WSSC, Metro).
• Receives information, seeks cooperation, presents plans, answers questions, responds to requests and resolves complaints pertaining to Division operations regarding planning laws, policies and procedures. 
• Works with other Divisions and County Agencies to ensure alignment of goals and policies, and efficiency in the permitting process.
• Meets with or assigns staff to meet with Director, Policy Makers and/or Department staff to identify needs, establish policies and procedures and make decisions regarding planning projects and associated with administrative matters (e.g., budget, personnel, facilities) within Department. 
• Maintains records on production of staff work products, including the coordination of inter-divisional referrals. Writes periodic administrative reports.

  
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: 
 The ideal candidate will be highly organized, have strong analytical and critical thinking skills, possess outstanding communication skills, and be proactive. In addition, they must be independently engaged in the work program and highly dependable.  

The ideal candidate will have: 

• Proven experience managing and streamlining permitting and planning information functions of a planning or permitting department across multiple agencies.
• Proven experience developing, interpreting, and reporting performance metrics.
• Proven experience in leading a team of professionals to include teambuilding, mentoring, coaching, and professional development.
• Experience in using data to enhance user experience, including in-person, online, and across software platforms.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Demonstrated experience in building partnerships and developing consensus among diverse communities and populations.
• Experience in monitoring tight deadlines and ensuring they are met.
• Extensive experience and a strong understanding of governmental operations that have effectively streamlined existing development and permitting processes.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and allocate resources effectively.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and build consensus across various interest groups.
• Comfort in addressing a wide range of groups from elected leaders to community residents.
• Innovative approaches to implementing development permitting and information services that include multiple planning disciplines.
• Experience with implementing effective and legal human resource recruitment practices.
• Experience in budgeting, procurement, and resource allocation.
• A desire to serve the public, collaborate with other agencies and departments.
• The ability to cope effectively with change, be flexible, and shift gears comfortably.
• The ability to ensure and maintain the integrity and functionality of the Department work program.