DeKalb County Government · 1 day ago
Deputy Director, Planning & Sustainability - Development Services
330 W Ponce de Leon, Decatur, GA, 30030, US
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
8+ years expDeKalb County Government is seeking a Deputy Director of Development Services to provide strategic, operational, and administrative leadership within the Department of Planning & Sustainability. The role involves overseeing development services functions, ensuring compliance with regulations, and collaborating with various stakeholders to promote efficient and sustainable development in the county.
Government
Responsibilities
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 regarding business development and retention; prioritizes and schedules work activities in order to meet objectives; ensures that subordinates have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; and provides progress and activity reports to County administrators and elected officials
Ensures departmental compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; ensures adherence to established procedures; and initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations
Develops and implements long- and short-term plans, goals, and objectives for area of assignment; collects and analyzes multiple sources of data; evaluates effectiveness and efficiency of department activities; reviews and revises policies, procedures, plans and programs; and researches, assesses, and develops strategies to meet current and future business development and retention needs
Develops, implements and monitors policies, procedures, and protocols for area of assignment; interprets, explains and implements local, state, and federal laws and regulations; conducts staff meetings; and provides information, updates, and coordination of work activities
Develops and implements budget for assigned area; recommends staffing levels, equipment, materials and other budget allocations; monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budget; and 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 assigned activities; resolves land development issues; provides guidance and direction and interpretation of County requirements, processes, and initiatives; and negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial development issues
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a related field required
eight years of experience in planning, zoning, and development service
three years of management experience for a comparably sized organization or as a deputy director for a smaller organization
Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license
Preferred
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
Experience with large urban jurisdictions or high-volume permitting environments
Strong background in Lean Six Sigma, process mapping, performance management, or digital permitting transformation
Company
DeKalb County Government
DeKalb County Government known for its business and education hub, growing international community and natural wonders administered by CEO.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Alan Ferguson
Chief Housing Officer
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