Planning and Zoning Division Manager-Land Use na Loudoun County Government, VA

About the Department

Are you passionate about managing and analyzing land development applications and presenting to and advising local government officials? Do you enjoy developing reasonable solutions to complex land use issues in a fast-paced, collaborative environment? Loudoun County, Virginia’s Department of Planning and Zoning is seeking a Planning Division Manager to manage the comprehensive review of discretionary land development applications in a large and expanding multifaceted community. The ideal candidate shares a passion for land use policy and zoning; prioritizes problem solving and collaboration; and thrives in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.

Loudoun County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country, known for its excellent quality of life and strong economy, while embracing its historic presence. Located 35 miles west of Washington DC, Loudoun County offers a diverse blend of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities. Loudoun County has diverse planning challenges and opportunities, from the development of transit-oriented urban neighborhoods around Metrorail stations to land-conservation and rural planning initiatives in the rural west. The Department of Planning and Zoning focuses on providing high quality customer service and offers unique opportunities to gain diverse experience in the planning profession, including implementing a new comprehensive plan and Zoning Ordinance, reviewing and processing of a variety of land development applications, providing solutions to a broad range of complex land use issues, and streamlining the County’s legislative review processes.

Loudoun County government has been included in Forbes magazine’s prestigious ranking of America's Best Large Employers. Loudoun is recognized for its outstanding commitment to fostering environments where employees can thrive based on various factors, including atmosphere, salary, diversity, working conditions, and workplace environment.

Position Duties

The Division Manager will be one of two managers in the Land Use Review division providing strategic leadership over a range of Department responsibilities and oversees legislative land development applications (rezoning and special exception applications, etc.) processed through the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. The Division Manager supervises and mentors a staff of professional planners.

The Division Manager independently analyzes complex and large-scale land development applications and provides recommendations to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors regarding project consistency with adopted land use policies and ordinances. The ideal candidate will have advanced knowledge of land use planning and land development and will be able to coordinate with other departments and agencies, prioritize tasks, meet critical deadlines while autonomously managing multiple assignments, and present cohesive technical analysis to key decision-makers.

This position is a part of the Department leadership team and collaborates on matters of organizational development, budget, and recruitment and will also support interdepartmental initiatives. Position requires considerable experience and ability to motivate and support professional staff, to find solutions to complex land use questions including proffer negotiation, and to think strategically about operational and programmatic issues. The position requires communication at the highest levels with elected and appointed officials and is an integral part of the senior management team in the Department of Planning and Zoning, assisting with budget and management functions.

This position has high visibility and works closely with the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, staff from other County agencies, and a variety of stakeholders, including residents, business owners, and community groups. Potential projects range from affordable housing and rural economy uses to transit-oriented development around Metrorail stations, redevelopment, data centers, and energy storage. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills, the ability to negotiate sensitive issues, and a style that emphasizes diplomacy and the willingness to seek reasonable solutions. The position requires excellent writing, presentation, and facilitation skills; the ability to communicate effectively with staff, the public, and elected and appointed officials; and proficiency in mentoring and motivating professional staff.

Hiring salary is commensurate with experience.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in related field; five (5) years of related work experience as project manager in planning or a related field including two (2) years of supervisory experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred experience include progressively responsible work experience at a level that required management of complex planning and land use projects. Experience using ArcGIS and Bluebeam Revu software is desired. The ideal candidate will have American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.

Prefer Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Zoning Administrator (CZA), American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), or equivalent certification(s).

Other Qualifications

This position requires a valid driver’s license, driving record, and criminal background checks. Relocation assistance is available to successful candidates who live more than 40 miles away. After an initial training period, this position is eligible for two days of teleworking per week.